In Hradec Králové, the reconstruction of the Gayer Barracks has begun

Hradec Králové – In the center of Hradec Králové, the renovation of the Gayer Barracks into a modern museum depository has begun, costing over 282 million crowns. The Eastern Bohemia Museum, which is administered by the Hradec Králové Region, is located in the former barracks. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. This was announced to journalists today by representatives of the Hradec Králové Region at the barracks site.

The Gayer Barracks serve as the main base for the Eastern Bohemia Museum in Hradec Králové, where there have been depositories, restoration workshops, and research rooms. They are set to undergo modernization. "We will create a place here where museum professionals can work well in modern and dignified conditions, and at the same time, the building will be opened to the public," said the Deputy Governor for Culture and Education, Martina Berdychová (Východočeši).

The renovation also includes a two-story extension, which will provide research facilities. The existing building will be connected to it by a glass corridor. A new structure will be built over the remains of a pentagonal defensive wall - a bastion that has been successfully uncovered. "The work is currently focused on uncovering the remains of the wall, which partially encroach on the area of the planned extension. The bastion will be opened to the public after the project is completed," said Lukáš Vaniček from the Governor's Office to ČTK.

Construction of the new building is expected to begin next spring. "Part of the bastion will be displayed in the extension. We plan to have a glass, softly lit floor through which a bridge will lead, so it can be seen," said the councilor for investments, Václav Řehoř (ODS), to journalists.

The project also includes restoring the building's façade and interior, modernizing infrastructure, and constructing barrier-free access. The capacity of the depositories is expected to increase by approximately 30 percent, accommodating about two million collection items.

Demolition work in the interior of the current building is planned for this year. "During the winter, work will mainly be done inside the building. On the left side of the barracks, in cooperation with heritage conservationists, we will also create a sample part of the façade and a window," stated Řehoř (ODS).

The color of the plaster, decorated with reliefs and cornices, will replicate the original hue. Craftsmen will replace 32,656 roof tiles - heart-shaped tiles, restore or directly replace 343 windows and 163 doors. The existing building will be connected to the planned two-story extension by a glass corridor.

The construction work is estimated to cost 237 million crowns, with an EU grant from IROP amounting to approximately 211 million.

The nearby Vrbenského Barracks are also set to undergo renovation, which, along with the Gayer Barracks and other buildings, forms a single compound. In the currently unused building of Vrbenského Barracks, which belongs to the city of Hradec Králové, a natural science collection of the museum and a regional archaeological exhibition are to be installed, along with an information center and a café.

The Governor of the Hradec Králové Region, Jiří Štěpán (ČSSD), told journalists today that the goal is to create a museum campus. "We will then boast a unique collection of museum buildings within the whole Czech Republic. However, we still need to resolve the overall financial resources for the repair," said Governor Jiří Štěpán (ČSSD).

The region estimates the investment for the repair of Vrbenského Barracks at 300 to 350 million crowns. "We have a valid zoning decision and are continuing to prepare the project," said Řehoř (ODS).

The Hradec Králové City Hall has already concluded an agreement on the transfer of ownership to the region. Mayor Alexandr Hrabálek (for ODS) stated today that the city will not oppose the transfer.

In the area next to the barracks, the company ISP Hradec Králové opened a parking garage named after Jana Gayer for nearly 300 cars in June.