Heritage protectors are waiting to see if they will receive a quarter of a billion for the Valtice theater

Valtice (Břeclavsko) - The European Union is expected to decide on a quarter-billion subsidy for the restoration of the dilapidated baroque theater in the castle complex in Valtice in the Břeclav region by December. If the preservationists succeed, the restoration of the building, which was used as a parking space for farmers' tractors during communism, will begin as early as next year. The first performance could take place in two to three years, said Petr Kroupa, director of South Moravian heritage preservationists, to ČTK today.
    "We have the project ready, including detailed visualizations. If we are successful, we will immediately announce a tender for the construction contractor so that the work can begin as soon as possible," said the director. The EU subsidy is expected to cover 85 percent of the costs, with the remainder funded by the state.
    The theater is expected to become a home stage for ensembles from Břeclav and the surrounding area. It could serve not only for meetings of artists dedicated to baroque theater but also for the presentation of folklore.
    Although the theater is a unique building, it has a troubled history. It was used as a theater stage until the second half of the 20th century. Then its interiors were demolished, and the building became a parking garage, and in the early nineties, a massive disco.
    Preservationists now want to restore the building according to preserved historical documentation. The façade restoration should not be a problem. The challenging work will be inside, as the interiors, including stage technology, are destroyed. The restored hall is expected to have about 200 seats.
    Valtice Castle is part of the Lednice-Valtice area, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.