Bruntál is preparing the reconstruction of the atrium of the historic building Petrin

photo: Association of Historical Sites of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia

Bruntál - The Bruntál Town Hall is preparing a reconstruction of the atrium of the historical and monument-protected building Petrin, which today houses the Petrin Education Center. In the future, the space is intended to serve, for example, for outdoor school education or theater performances. A stage and an auditorium will also be created there. Overall, the city estimates that the project will cost three million crowns. The reconstruction of the entire building from 1926 was completed two years ago and cost around 76 million crowns. The intention was reported to ČTK by the city hall spokesman Jiří Ondrášek.

Considering the fact that Petrin has been a monument since 2002, all plans must be consulted with representatives of heritage care. "The atrium area will definitely not be paved with concrete, as is usual for similar buildings," stated Michal Kafura from the investment and property management department. He added that there are no plans to return to the original grassy area.

"We strive for the atrium to serve all entities residing in the building fully," he added. The historical building is used by a primary and nursery school, a library, and a center for leisure activities. After the repairs, the courtyard will be used for outdoor school lessons and for organizing cultural events. The proposals include adaptations that would, among other things, serve the function of an auditorium and stage. There is also consideration for installing lighting for evening use of the atrium.

"We plan to carry out educational and cultural activities here with the leisure center, nursery school, and library. If we manage to realize this project together with the founder, it will be a great benefit not only for the education center but for the entire city," said the director of the Petrin primary school, Milena Zatloukalová.

The preliminary costs for the planned reconstruction of the atrium are just under three million crowns. The city will seek a grant. If it does not receive one, it will repair the atrium from its own funds.

The Petrin building is one of the most significant buildings in Bruntál from a historical and architectural perspective. It was built in 1926 and served as a German boys' seminary. During World War II, it housed the Wehrmacht military command. Gradually, it also functioned as a gymnasium, an institution for the disabled, both military and regular schools. A large reconstruction began in 2013.