Klementinum is likely facing big changes

Prague - The Prague Klementinum is likely to undergo significant changes. The National Library (NK) has already commissioned the company Metroprojekt Praha a.s. to prepare studies for a substantial renovation of this Baroque complex in the center of Prague. According to information from ČTK, the modernized Klementinum would primarily serve as a reading room until the new library is built, utilizing storage facilities in Hostivař. The National Library planned to build a new headquarters in Letná, but the project known as the "octopus" by architect Jan Kaplický could not be realized.
    The company Metroprojekt has allegedly developed four renovation proposals for Klementinum, which have already been submitted for review to the Prague 1 district. One of the variants, which ČTK has access to, for example, proposes creating an entrance portal into Platnéřská Street. This would create an entrance several dozen meters wide that extends to the first floor, opening access to the Theatre Courtyard. Other studies envisage a roof over the courtyard, where a café could be established.
    However, the project has not yet been officially approved. The National Library is considering three options to resolve its capacity issues. "We are still discussing all three solution variants within the National Library, with archaeologists and heritage protectors. We have not decided on any variant. We are working in a coordination team among the city council, Prague 1, and the National Library," said NK director Pavel Hazuka to ČTK today.
    The study for the renovation of Klementinum has been submitted for review to the Prague 1 city hall, which considers the proposals to be stimulating but too radical. "We rejected the architects' proposed significant intervention in the street front of Klementinum," stated Prague 1's councilor for urban development, Filip Dvořák. According to the city hall, the main entrance should be from Mariánské náměstí.
    Dvořák described the visualizations as a good starting point for discussion. "We welcome the National Library's effort to open the inner area to the public, as it is one of the goals of Prague 1," added the councilor. The Prague 1 city hall also recommended that the authors consider building underground garages beneath the library with a capacity of 60 spaces.
    The reconstruction of Klementinum is planned jointly by the Ministry of Culture as the NK's founder, the city hall, and Prague 1, where the complex is located. Prague aims to link the reconstruction with certain adjustments in the surrounding area or traffic changes, for example, sinking the traffic in the area of Křížovnická Street and Karlovy lázně below ground level. However, this idea has already been criticized by archaeologists. With the change in traffic in this section, the spaces of Klementinum and Mariánské náměstí could be more opened up. Prague's mayor Pavel Bém previously stated that he wants to seek greater utilization not only of the Klementinum area but also of Mariánské náměstí and the New Town Hall and the mayor's residence.
    According to other solution options for the NK's problems, Klementinum could be radically renovated to store more books. The last option includes only minor adjustments and an expansion of the central repository in Hostivař; however, this brings complications with transporting books to the center, which is expensive, uneconomical, and time-consuming.
    Some work on the reconstruction of the Klementinum complex began during the tenure of the former NK director Vlastimil Ježek. However, he insisted that the largest phase of Klementinum's reconstruction could only occur after the modern collections are moved to the new building.