The Pardubice Region is preparing the modernization of the interiors of the House of Music

Pardubice - The Pardubice Region is preparing the next stage of renovations for the House of Music in Pardubice. Following the planned insulation of the building from the 1980s and the replacement of windows, the interior of the first floor and the adjacent outdoor area will be next. The design study is being developed by architect Ondřej Teplý from the Mixage company together with the creator of the original building's design, Jan Třeštík. According to Teplý, the interior spaces should lose the look and atmosphere of the 1980s.

"We would like to clean up the interior and proceed in a way that creates a more cultivated environment, which we will complement with contemporary elements of equipment, furniture, radiator covers, and lighting," Teplý stated.

According to him, for example, the current appearance of the café evokes the period of the end of the communist regime. "It only takes inviting Michal David to play 'Céčka' for us to return to the atmosphere of the 1980s," Teplý noted.

Renovations will take place not only in the social spaces but also in areas used by the conservatory, where the reception and offices will be remodeled. Original quality and valuable interior elements, such as tiles and ceiling cladding, will be preserved. Modernization is also planned for the large, small, and chamber concert halls.

The spaces will also be equipped with modern technologies, including audiovisual equipment and air conditioning.

The adjacent outdoor area will feature improvements to greenery, paving, and lighting. The number of parking spaces will be expanded by a third.

The regional leadership has already approved the investment plan, with preliminary costs estimated at 20 million crowns. According to Deputy Governor Roman Línka, the renovations should be completed by 2019. The reconstruction will partially limit or temporarily interrupt the operation of the House of Music.

The building of today's House of Music was the seat of communists, union members, and the monopolistic trade union organization ROH from 1983. At the beginning of the 1990s, the vacated building was transferred to state ownership, and local representatives of newly elected self-governments supported its use for the Pardubice Conservatory, the East Bohemian State Chamber Orchestra, today’s Chamber Philharmonic Pardubice, and the Havlíčkova Elementary Art School.

After the establishment of regions, the building became the property of the Pardubice County, which repaired it for 51 million crowns in 2004. The repairs primarily included changes to the acoustic conditions in the large hall in favor of music productions and also a unique construction of concert organs. However, there was no funding left for further necessary adaptations at that time.