In the center of Hradec Králové, the reconstruction of the Vrbenské barracks has begun for 341 million CZK

Hradec Králové - The construction of a cultural and museum campus in the center of Hradec Králové is entering its final phase. The Hradec Králové Region today officially launched the reconstruction of the former Vrbenský barracks, which will be transformed into a new museum building serving scientific and cultural purposes. The construction works will cost 341 million crowns and are expected to be completed next year, representatives of the regional government informed CTK today. Between 2026 and 2027, the region will purchase equipment for the building and exhibitions will be created. In 2021, the region completed the reconstruction of the Gayer barracks in the former military area, which is a twin of the Vrbenský barracks, establishing the main specialized workplace of the Hradec Králové Museum of Eastern Bohemia (MVČ).

The maximum estimate of the region for the entire modernization project of the Vrbenský barracks, including equipment, is approximately 800 million crowns. Most of the costs should be covered by grants.

"The unused building of the former barracks in the city center has been deteriorating for years. The region has long been trying to renovate it and in recent years has reconstructed the Gayer barracks. We are now starting renovations on the second part for museum purposes, the Vrbenský barracks," said Governor Martin Červíček (ODS).

The project has the support of four grant titles totaling over 500 million crowns. The grants will go towards the reconstruction of the building and the extension, as well as the equipment of the region's creative museum center and the establishment of a natural science and archaeological exhibition. "So the portion of the costs from the region's budget will be estimated at 190 million crowns," the governor added.

The Vrbenský barracks were built in the 19th century. After reconstruction, they will have three above-ground floors in the side wings, four above-ground floors in the central part, and one underground floor. The extension will have one above-ground floor topped with a flat roof. The extension will be connected to the building with a glazed link and will be at the same height as the original entrance. The renovated building will be operated by the regional contribution organization, the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové.

The Vrbenský barracks will house the largest natural science exhibition in the Czech Republic focused on the natural heritage of Eastern Bohemia and surrounding areas, as well as a permanent exhibition on the history of humanity from the earliest human predecessors to the mid-19th century, said the governor's deputy for culture, Martina Berdychová (Východočeši). "Not only have we managed to secure funding sources, but we have also found an optimal solution with heritage conservationists that would meet the needs of the regional museum, reach energy standards, and respect the requirements of heritage care," Berdychová stated.

The cultural creative center that will be established in the building will serve museums, schools, media, associations, and other entities. The exhibition halls of the center will also be available to the public. The building will also provide facilities for the regional center for digitization in museology and traditional folk culture. Both centers are operated by MVČ.

The city is also involved in the development of the area. "As the region completes its work on the Vrbenský barracks, we will initiate another phase in transforming this area in the center of Hradec. The city will reconstruct the ground level between the Gayer and Vrbenský barracks. Thanks to the cooperation between the city and the region, a unique public space will be created that can be used for various cultural, social, and educational purposes," stated Hradec's mayor Pavlína Springerová (HDK).

The Vrbenský barracks belonged to the Czech Army until 2018, after which the city of Hradec Králové became their owner, but could not find suitable use for the building. In 2015, the first decision of the region was made to start the construction-technical preparation for the plan to adapt the building for the needs of the regional museum. At the beginning of 2023, the Vrbenský barracks and the land for the extension were transferred from the city to the region.