The detailed design of the philharmonic for the Prague Vltava will be completed in the autumn

Prague - Prague continues to prepare for the planned Philharmonic Hall at Vltavská, with architects from the Danish studio Bjarke Ingels Group expected to complete the detailed architectural study in the autumn. This was stated by spokesperson Adéla Kovářová on behalf of the project preparation team in response to a query from ČTK. The Danish architects succeeded in an international competition, the results of which were announced by representatives of the capital exactly a year ago.

According to last year's signed contract, the preparation of project documentation for the extensive construction is estimated to cost around one billion crowns, while the actual construction is expected to cost 9.4 billion crowns, based on estimates from June last year. The city aims to secure a state contribution for the construction and is also considering involving private investors. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and to be completed five years later.

"The Vltavská Philharmonic project is a year after the announcement of the architectural competition winner and is currently in the phase of refining the winning competition proposal into a detailed architectural study," stated Kovářová. "The refined detailed architectural study will be completed this autumn, and the public will be informed of its results," she added.

The city hall is also, according to a recent statement by Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), working on an economic model for the operation of the philharmonic. This will address the precise use of the spaces and whether the city will establish a special organization or company for the operation of the philharmonic. According to Pospíšil, further steps regarding the financing of the construction will depend on this.

The planned complex is expected to host the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK, the Czech Philharmonic, and the music department of the Prague City Library. The cultural function will also be complemented by cafes, restaurants, and commercial spaces. According to previous information, the philharmonic will have three halls - a concert hall for 1,800 spectators, a smaller hall for chamber music with a capacity of 500 seats, and a multifunctional hall for other genres and types of events with a capacity of up to 700 people.

The construction of the new cultural center by the Vltava River is part of the transformation of the Bubny-Zátory area, where the city plans to create a neighborhood for up to 25,000 people. A zoning study has been created for this purpose, based on which the city is now approving changes to the zoning plan.