The construction work for the expansion of the exhibitions at the Archeopark Všestary is halfway through

Všestary - The construction modifications at the Archaeopark of Prehistory in Všestary have so far cost approximately 6.7 million crowns out of a total of 18.2 million, prices are excluding VAT. Construction work is more than halfway done, spokesman for the regional authority Dan Lechmann said today to ČTK. The Hradec Králové region is the project's investor. The construction work is expected to be completed by February 17, 2025, with the handover of the finished work, including permit approval, scheduled by March 31. Meanwhile, the region is selecting a contractor for the interior furnishings through a competition.

"The roof is completed, including insulation and windows, half of the building is covered with drywall, and installation is underway on the second half of the building," Lechmann stated.

The builders have completed the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations. "All walls, including plastering on the second floor, are also finished. Currently, the installation of the elevator shaft is underway. Workers are starting work on the facade," Lechmann noted. According to him, the total construction cost will be higher because there have been unforeseen works. "We will know the amount in the coming weeks. Most change orders are still being resolved," he added.

The construction work began last December. The essence of the project is to build an extension and a staircase addition to the building adjacent to the parking lot. The total project costs, including the enhancement of the exhibits, will amount to 25.3 million crowns excluding VAT. The grant from the Integrated Regional Program 2 amounts to 21.6 million crowns, the region will cover 3.7 million crowns. The regional authority, together with the University of Hradec Králové, is the founding body of the archaeology park. The area remains open during the reconstruction.

The extension in the southeastern part of the archaeology park building will connect with surrounding buildings, and the staircase addition will lead to the back of the current building, where practical demonstrations by experimental archaeologists are held. A new foyer, lecture, and exhibition hall will be created on the ground floor of the current building, and the new attic extension will provide two workshops, a gallery with an exhibition, and an exhibition hall including social facilities for visitors. The exhibition will also feature archaeological collection items from the regional Museum and Gallery of the Orlické hory, the regional authority stated.

The experimental archaeologists from Všestary are known for their maritime expeditions Monoxylon, using replicas of prehistoric dugout canoes to contribute to the understanding of the spread of early forms of agriculture in the Mediterranean. Last year's Monoxylon IV expedition continued the maritime voyages in dugout canoes from the years 1995, 1998, and 2019.