Prague wants to place the Slav Epic in the Riding Hall at Pohořelec

Prague - According to Prague councillors, the Slavic Epic could be displayed long-term in the riding hall at Prague's Pohořelec. This option was recommended by the city council today, as councillor Lukáš Kaucký (CSSD) informed reporters. However, according to Prague Castle, which manages the building, such a solution is unlikely.
    Prague has so far been unsuccessful in negotiations with the Administration of Prague Castle, which currently uses the former riding hall as a storage facility. "There have already been several informational meetings on this matter, but so far without any conclusions. At this point, it seems that this is more of an unlikely option," said David Šebek from the Castle's press department to ČTK.
    Five canvases of the epic are currently in the Prague Trade Fair Palace, while the remaining 15 paintings are displayed at the castle in Moravský Krumlov. President Václav Klaus wishes for the preservation of the epic in Moravia.
    The former riding hall of the cavalry regiment is located on Kepler Street. The building is a technical monument, but according to Kaucký, it could be reconstructed and adapted for the display of the epic. Prague would like to rent the building. According to Kaucký, this plan does not require changes to the zoning plan, in contrast to other options. "It is also suitable for the reason that it allows for a connection of the site with the area of Prague Castle and provides good transportation accessibility," stated Kaucký.
    According to the councillor, the city has already had preliminary discussions with the Administration of Prague Castle, and specific conditions now need to be negotiated. For example, Prague would have to offer other spaces where the items currently stored in the riding hall could be relocated.
    If negotiations with the Castle are swift, according to the councillor, an architectural competition could be announced by the end of the year. After obtaining all necessary permits, repairs could begin around the summer of 2013 and would last at least a year and a half according to Kaucký. The councillor could not estimate today what costs the reconstruction would entail.
    Councillors also considered options for building a new pavilion in Letná or Vítkov, which made it to the shortlist. At Vítkov, the pavilion would be located on the Karlín hillside and would be embedded in the slope, while in Letná, the gallery would rise near the National Technical Museum and the National Agricultural Museum.
    Sharp disputes arose last year between Prague and Moravský Krumlov regarding the relocation of the Slavic Epic to Prague, which calmed down only after the exchange of leadership in both town halls. Prague wants to relocate 15 paintings from the Krumlov castle this autumn for approximately a two-year exhibition in the Trade Fair Palace. Regarding what would happen to the canvases afterward, Prague will negotiate with Moravský Krumlov and the South Moravian Region. Kaucký does not rule out the return of the paintings to Moravia. Without an agreement with Krumlov, the city leadership does not want to consider lending the canvases to Tokyo, which Japan previously requested from Prague.
    The Slavic Epic consists of 20 large-scale paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of the Czech nation. Mucha donated the paintings to Prague, and after World War II, they were transported to Krumlov.