The reconstruction of Jirásek Theatre in Česká Lípa will begin next fall

Česká Lípa - The long-planned reconstruction of the Jirásek Theatre is set to begin next autumn in Česká Lípa. The last event to take place in the building will be the traditional October showcase, the Česká Lípa Theatre Autumn. After that, the building will close and be vacated, with actual work potentially starting in December, said Mayor Jitka Volfová (ANO) to ČTK today. Costs are preliminarily estimated at 180 million korunas; the city has had a detailed reconstruction project and interior design prepared.

The Jirásek Theatre was established in the 1930s by converting the municipal gymnasium from 1907. The building has poor air conditioning and structural issues and does not meet the demands of a modern theater. Discussions about the theater's reconstruction have been ongoing in the city for 20 years. The town hall originally considered constructing a new theater building, but funding for the 300 to 400 million koruna project could not be secured. There were also discussions about moving the theater to the Crystal cultural house. Eventually, the city returned to the idea of reconstructing the Jirásek Theatre building.

The reconstruction design was proposed by the studio of architect Adam Rujbr. Among other things, it includes relocating the main entrance of the Jirásek Theatre closer to the town hall on Panská Street. It aims to maintain the current dimensions of the stage and the capacity of the auditorium. In addition to the main theater hall, several other spaces for hosting smaller or alternative events are planned within the building. A theater café with independent operation and several bars will be available to visitors. The facility will be wheelchair accessible. "We want to build a modern cultural facility that meets current requirements," noted Volfová.

Before the work begins at the theater, the city needs to reconstruct the entrance to the Crystal cultural house, where theater performances will be held for two seasons. The modernization of the entrance is estimated to cost around ten million korunas. According to the mayor, Crystal will receive new entrance doors, and the vestibule, ticket office, and restrooms, including plumbing in the ground floor of the cultural house, as well as the space in front of the entrance, will be reconstructed.