The renovated theater in Česká Lípa for 197 million CZK combines old and new elements

Česká Lípa - The Jirásek Theatre in Česká Lípa will kick off its operations after a three-year comprehensive reconstruction costing 197 million crowns with five days of celebrations starting on Friday. The theatre's equipment now allows for all types of performances, from ballet to drama to opera. Many of the original elements have remained in the theatre even after the reconstruction. The effort was to preserve as many as possible, said architect Adam Rujbr today to reporters, who is the author of the reconstruction project design.

"The building has its spirit, which we tried to preserve here. And not just that spirit, but also the material. This means that we utilized the original chandelier in the main hall, we used the original lighting fixtures, we used the original beams, we used the original stair steps found in the building, or the foundation stones," Rujbr said.

At the same time, according to him, it is a modern, barrier-free building. "Technically, the building is equipped to the standards of the 21st century. This means there are energy-saving lights, there is air conditioning, there is climate control, some management system. So even though we are in an old building, everything is modern," he added.

The oldest parts of the sprawling building date back to the mid-14th century. Originally, there was residential development here; from the early 20th century, a gymnasium, and the theatre has been here since the 1930s. The most recent reconstruction was in 1976, and the necessity for another one has been discussed in the city for many years. "I am glad that we managed to cut through the Gordian knot because for about 30 years there has been talk that Česká Lípa needs a new theatre, and only now have we finally managed to turn that into reality," said Deputy Mayor Martin Brož (ANO).

Although the capacity of the main hall of the theatre remains at 370 seats, due to the renovations it offers visitors much better comfort. The seats are wider, and a second balcony has been added. Compared to the previous condition, the hall also has incomparably better acoustics, sound system, and lighting. Above their heads, the audience will also see a symbolic starry sky created from a historical chandelier from the 1970s and modern LED strips and chips.

Additionally, there are now two more halls in the theatre for 100 and 40 spectators, where more intimate events can be held. The ground floor has a theatre café, and the main entrance has been moved to Panská Street closer to the town hall and the square. Local amateurs will be the first to perform in Jirásek Theatre on Friday during the celebrations, with a program for the following days including opera, a classical music concert, and children's theatre.

The reconstruction of the theatre is one of the largest investments in the recent history of the Česká Lípa city hall. The only more expensive project will be the swimming pool, the construction of which the city began this spring. Its costs are expected to be about 90 million crowns higher than the theatre's renovation.