Plzeň has a study for the renovation and utilization of the house with Loos' interiors

Plzeň - Plzeň has a new architectural study for the use of the city house at Klatovská třída 19 with exceptionally valuable First Republic interiors by architect Adolf Loos. After estimated modifications of approximately 100 million crowns, the building should offer, in addition to Loos's interiors, a relocated military exhibition of the Patton Museum and a café, said Martin Baxa (ODS), the mayor's deputy for culture and heritage care, to ČTK. So far, one of the most beautiful Loos interiors in Plzeň can only be viewed on rare occasions.

The study by Brno architect Ludvík Grym emerged as the best from the city's two-phase assignment. Grym additionally has experience with the reconstruction of another Loos apartment in Plzeň, specifically the apartment of Vilém Kraus at Bendova Street 10. "The design offers a solution where the equal partnership of the personalities of Loos and Patton can coexist and where a lively and contemporary space is created, with an emphasis on the visitor. It will therefore not be purely an exhibit museum," said Baxa. It is expected that the building will also include an information center about Loos and his interiors in Plzeň, ticket sales for these apartments, and possibly a library and a smaller study room. The city organization Plzeň - TURISMUS could also relocate to the building.

The study, which will serve as a basis for further documentation, also considers utilizing an unused courtyard, where military equipment would be displayed, and a basement. "There should be a bunker that would simulate, for example, Plzeň during air raids," said Baxa. The connection between Loos's interiors and the theme of World War II is not accidental. The so-called Semler residence played a significant role in the history of Plzeň. After the forced emigration of the original owner's family, the apartment was used as an office by the military commander of Plzeň, Georg von Majewski. On May 6, 1945, he surrendered the Wehrmacht garrison to the American army in that apartment and then committed suicide there.

The city took over the building from the Ministry of the Interior in 2005 and was to repair and put it into operation within ten years. Originally, it was supposed to house the agenda for identity cards and other documents. However, it turned out that it was not suitable for that purpose. Because the city violated the agreement, it paid a penalty of just under five million crowns, but then negotiated with the ministry for the transfer of the house. The house is in very poor condition and requires a complete reconstruction. Of the estimated 100 million crowns, approximately 85 million excluding VAT should be for construction work, the rest for exhibitions.