Invalidovna could remain in the hands of the state, the NPÚ is interested in it

Prague - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) is ready to take over the Prague Invalidovna and make it accessible to the public. It is possible that this monument-protected baroque building could remain in the hands of the state. However, its public auction announced by the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Affairs (ÚZSVM) must take place on Monday, said the office spokesman Radek Ležatka to ČTK. According to him, the selection procedure can, in theory, be canceled even after the auction has taken place.

NPÚ Director Naděžda Goryczková told ČTK that the institute's current stance is a response to the new reality in which no state institution has expressed interest in the building, and the public has clearly indicated its preference for keeping it in state hands. The NPÚ has reassessed its priorities and is prepared to take over the building, make it accessible to the public, and use it for its operational needs, she stated. However, according to Ležatka, the office is not aware of any official interest from the National Heritage Institute.

Ležatka told ČTK today that state institutions and the Ministry of Culture could have taken over the building three times already. However, according to him, they were not interested in the building. NPÚ spokesperson Simona Juračková said to ČTK today that the institute had not received any offer this year or last year to take over the Invalidovna as unnecessary state property.

The minimum price of the building is 637.7 million crowns. It is expected to be the most significant sale of state property this year. The Monday auction will not be held under the law on public auctions; it has its specially established sales rules. Envelopes with bids must arrive at the office by Monday at 08:00. The auction will then take place only if the office receives two or more bids. Two-thirds of the bids, specifically the highest ones, may proceed to the auction. If the office receives only one bid, the property will be awarded to that bidder if they fulfill all requirements.

The Karlín Invalidovna has been in state hands since its establishment; it was built from 1731 to 1737 according to the plans of the famous architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. It is one of the significant baroque buildings, declared a cultural monument, and is currently on the indicative list of objects that the state would like to declare as national cultural monuments. If they hold this status, they enjoy the highest possible heritage protection, and any handling with them can only be done under strict supervision of conservationists.