The National Gallery wants a reconstruction of the Veletržní Palace, according to the Ministry of Culture there is no money

photo: NG in Prague

Prague - The National Gallery in Prague has been waiting for half a year to announce an international architectural competition for the reconstruction of the interior spaces of the Trade Fair Palace. According to the director of the NG, Jiří Fajt, the materials are with the Ministry of Culture and have all the necessary details. However, the ministry states that the NG does not have secured funding and Fajt’s presentation of the competition with the announcement of names of famous architects was premature. "Once the funding source is secured, the current architectural competition and the debate about its form can take place," said the spokesperson of the MK, Simona Cigánková, to ČTK.

Last October, the NG announced that it would launch an international competition for the reconstruction of the interior of the Trade Fair Palace. Among other things, it would like to obtain better spaces for the presentation of contemporary art. According to Fajt, some famous architects with experience in the reconstruction of world museums have confirmed their participation in the competition. These include British architect David Chipperfield, the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, and the renowned British architect Norman Foster.

"We consider the restoration of the Trade Fair Palace to be extremely necessary both for the monument itself and in relation to the needs of the National Gallery. However, we anticipate partial adjustments to the structural solution that will improve exhibition opportunities without damaging the significant authentic elements of the protected building. Therefore, the form and scope of the potential competition should correspond to the above principle, according to the MK as the founder of the NG," stated the spokesperson. According to her, the MK has not promised the gallery funds for the competition.

The Trade Fair Palace has served visual arts for 20 years, although it is not ideal for its presentation. The complex interior does not allow for the exhibition of certain contemporary art pieces, and the building also has very expensive operating costs. After taking over the leadership of the NG, Fajt spoke about leaving the palace and the need for a new building. Then he leaned towards remaining in it, conditioned by reconstruction and remodeling.

Fajt further stated that last summer he obtained a positive opinion from the advisory board of the National Heritage Institute and the municipal department of heritage care regarding the intention to transform the Trade Fair Palace. However, the project has been with the MK since the fall. According to previous estimates, the reconstruction and remodeling of the building could reach three-quarters of a billion crowns.

Fajt’s intention is to create the main headquarters of the NG with centralized administration and centralized deposit spaces, including facilities. This would include restoration and conservation workshops, technological laboratories, study rooms, exhibition spaces, spaces for the NG library and archive with reading rooms, spaces for educational and recreational activities, a multifunctional hall for theatrical, concert, and film performances, shops and a bookstore, a restaurant, and a café.