Jiřičná visited the construction of the new NDM stage; after the demolitions, the extension will begin to take shape

Ostrava – The construction of the new multifunctional stage of the Moravian-Silesian National Theatre (NDM) in the former Pavilion G at the Black Meadow in Ostrava has completed the phase related to the demolition of the perimeter walls. Only the columns supporting the roof, resembling the shape of a butterfly, remain. Work is now moving towards the actual construction. Today, architect Eva Jiřičná, whose father Josef Jiřičný designed the original pavilion, visited the site.

"The demolition is complete, and we are now reinforcing the load-bearing columns. Excavation work for the extension and floor concreting will follow," said project manager Martin Baar.

Jiřičná remarked that she was moved by the sight of the building her father worked on. She added that she started visiting Ostrava as a nineteen-year-old student and has a long-standing strong connection to the city. "Back then, it was black Ostrava. Today we stand in a green city," she noted, expressing amazement at how the city is changing.

She considers it essential to preserve buildings that can continue to serve, even if for a different purpose. "It is important not to demolish things that can be preserved. For history to continue. When one function ceases to operate, it's wonderful when the future can be fulfilled with something else. Here, it seems that the future smiles upon us," she stated.

Pavilion G was created in 1961 based on the design of architect Josef Jiřičný in the Brussels style. Originally serving as an exhibition hall, it later fell into disrepair after the decline of the Black Meadow complex and was used for sports among other things. The current reconstruction retains the basic load-bearing structure of the original building, including the characteristic butterfly-shaped floor plan. Otherwise, the building is practically new.

NDM began reconstruction in June this year. By the end of 2028, a multifunctional theater and cultural stage with a capacity of approximately 220 to 500 spectators is to be built within the building. The theatre intends to use it for more intimate productions and rehearsals, as well as for cultural events organized by others. The new space is also related to the planned second phase of the modernization of the Jiří Myron Theatre, whose operations will temporarily move into it.

The original Pavilion G was one of the significant buildings of the Ostrava exhibition center. The current reconstruction aims to preserve its characteristic elements while giving it a new cultural function.

The total cost of reconstructing the former Pavilion G into a new studio stage is estimated at around 410 million crowns. Most of the funding is provided by the city of Ostrava, which has allocated the first 70 million crowns for the start of work in the year 2026.