Retro rotary switches from Hager highlight the successful reconstruction of the monastery complex in Český Krumlov

Awards from the National Heritage Institute Patrimonium pro futuro, the title PRESTA (prestigious building of South Bohemia) or the Monument of the Year 2015 award - these are just some of the numerous accolades received by the exceptionally successful reconstruction of the complex of the Minorite monasteries and St. Klara’s. This unique trio of monasteries is located on the northern meander of the Vltava River and is the second largest heritage site in Český Krumlov after the castle. The reconstruction of the monastery complex lasted over five years.

The monasteries were founded in the mid-14th century. Besides several reconstructions and partial dissolutions of the monasteries during the Josephine reforms, the poor condition of the monasteries before the comprehensive revitalization was mainly due to their turbulent modern history: the Krumlov monastery of the Poor Clares and Minorites was used as a military school, served as accommodation for officials, later housed various educational institutions, and part of the premises was even used as storage.

The primary goal of the revitalization of the area became the establishment of a center for providing modern cultural and educational services to the public, and not least to make the historic core of Český Krumlov more attractive to both residents and tourists. The revitalization of the Český Krumlov monasteries is highly valued by experts primarily for its architectural innovative and generous approach, which is fully in line with the demanding concept of heritage care. The craftsmanship and material solutions based on the original historical concept and simultaneously skillfully utilizing original building materials are also positively evaluated by experts. Not to be overlooked is the accessibility to previously hidden unique spaces for visitors - during the tour, people can even get under the historical timbers of the monasteries. Today - after the completion of the revitalization - visitors can view exhibitions dedicated to the medieval Minorite monastery, art, and human skills, as well as an exhibition about the life of the Poor Clares or brewing. The complex also includes craft workshops - blacksmithing, printing, or glassmaking. Notable is also the outdoor exhibit of the astronomical clock.

The chosen electrical control elements - switches and sockets from the Serie 1930 by Hager - fit sensitively into the successful reconstruction of the historic building. In the representative spaces, switches made of real white porcelain from the Rosenthal porcelain factory were used, while in the more industrial spaces, black Bakelite switches and sockets found their place. Although the retro rotary switches do reveal their design from the 1930s, they once again proved to work excellently with historically significantly earlier objects.