H. Králové has completed the renovation of the Art Nouveau bridge pavilions designed by Kotěra after nine years

Hradec Králové - The Town Hall of Hradec Králové has completed the gradual renovation of four Art Nouveau kiosks on the edge of the heritage-protected Prague Bridge over the Elbe after nine years. The reconstruction was recently completed with the finishing touches on the kiosk at Tyl's Embankment. This was announced today by the spokesperson of the magistrate, Kateřina Šmídová. The Prague Bridge, built in 1910, is one of the city's characteristic structures. It has four kiosks on its approaches, designed by the famous architect Jan Kotěra.

The city began preparing the repair of the kiosks in 2014 when heritage protectors issued the first binding opinion on the restoration of these cultural monuments. The repairs were subsequently accompanied by problems with the selection of construction companies. Delays were also caused by the fact that the wooden structures were infested with woodworm. The repair of one kiosk was modified to adapt to newly discovered historical documentation from Kotěra. The bridge itself was repaired by the city from 1992 to 1993.

In 2016 and 2018, the city managed to repair both kiosks on the southern side of the bridge, and in 2021, the repair of the smaller kiosk on the northern side was completed. The larger opposing kiosk on the north side of the bridge on Tyl's Embankment has been completely restored by builders since last year at a cost of 5.2 million crowns excluding VAT. They replaced windows and electrical installations, made a new floor, and plastered the walls.

Today, the last element was added to the roof of the kiosk, a copper decoration with gilded elements. It was custom-made by the company Houska & Douda based on the original design by Kotěra. The same element, which resembles a fountain, will also be added to the opposite kiosk next year. "The current appearance of the kiosk is thus as close as possible to the period in which they were built, namely the years 1911 to 1912," said Adam Záruba, the Deputy Mayor for Heritage Care (Change for Hradec).

The city hall intends to rent out the kiosk space. "Previously, there was a fast food outlet here, but that will no longer be possible. In mid-June, we should discuss in the city council the announcement of a tender for a new tenant. I would like to see, for example, a flower shop or a souvenir store here," said Pavel Vrbický, the Deputy Mayor for Property (Pirates). Two already rented kiosks sell ready-made food, drinks, and ice cream. The city is negotiating with the Food Bank regarding the rental of one kiosk, which could establish one of its branches here in the fall.

The single-arched iron Prague Bridge was opened in July 1910, replacing a stone fortress bridge. The kiosks were built between 1911 and 1912. The kiosks on Eliščina Embankment, on the bank of the historic part of the city, took on the form of cylindrical medieval towers with battlements. In contrast, the kiosks opposite acquired an oval appearance and a bell-shaped roof.