The region obtained a grant of 133 million CZK for the repair of the Red Church in Olomouc

Olomouc - The Olomouc Region has received a grant of 133 million Czech crowns from the Ministry of Culture for the costly reconstruction of the Red Church in the center of Olomouc, which additionally covered a significant part of the costs for the renovation of this monument. The regional authority paid nearly 170 million crowns for the restoration of the Red Church, and thanks to the financial contribution from the ministry, its expenses for this investment have significantly decreased. After extensive reconstruction, the Red Church has transformed into a new cultural center, which will be ceremonially opened on May 17. Today, the governor Josef Suchánek (Pirates and STAN) informed the Czech News Agency.

"I am glad that we received the grant from the ministry. The scientific library will gain representative spaces that will also be used by the Olomouc Region. We look forward to moving a number of our events to the church, such as award ceremonies. This will create another significant cultural venue in our region," stated regional councilor Jan Žůrek (Allies-Coalition for the Olomouc Region).

Since 1959, the Red Church has been used by the Scientific Library of Olomouc (VKOL) as a book depository; however, in 2019 all the library's volumes were relocated to a newly constructed depository in Olomouc-Hejčín. In 2017, a study for the reconstruction of the church was created by Atelier-r, architect Miroslav Pospíšil. The reconstruction began in 2020, with costs covered by the region.

VKOL will gain suitable representative spaces in the reconstructed areas of the Red Church, as well as a new foyer with a reception and café, which will be in an annex connecting the church with the library's administration. The foyer will feature a roughly eight-meter-high wall covered with nearly 10,000 books, which conceals the ventilation system. The library has announced a public collection for the acquisition of publications.

A hall with a capacity of 200 seats has been created in the Red Church following the reconstruction. The spaces will be used not only by VKOL but also by the Moravian Philharmonic and the Moravian Theatre, for example. "Concerts, lectures, seminars, author readings, or even sipping coffee while looking at the open library. We will have the opportunity to experience all of this in the church starting in mid-May. Culture is very important for people. It allows us to experience beautiful moments and gain a sense of belonging. It is crucial to create, care for, and develop culture. That is precisely what will happen thanks to the repair and accessibility of the Red Church, and I am very glad about that," said Suchánek.

VKOL is already preparing a multi-day festival to ceremonially open the facility. The church will host readings by writer Alena Mornštajnová and an exhibition of photographs by Jindřich Štreit. Actors from the Moravian Theatre in Olomouc and musicians from the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc will also perform.