Zaorálek: It is no longer possible to return to the plan of the Kaplický Library

Prague – It is no longer possible to return to the plan for the construction of a new building for the National Library according to the design of the late architect Jan Kaplický, believes Culture Minister Lubomír Zaorálek (ČSSD). The Ministry of Culture has prepared materials for the government regarding the library's construction and is now addressing the comments. The minister is also negotiating with Prague politicians about a possible construction site.

"The matter cannot be revived in its original form," Zaorálek said during today's parliamentary interpellations in response to a question from ANO MP Barbora Kořanová regarding Kaplický's proposal. According to the minister, the capital city is not considering building the library in Letná, where the so-called Kaplický octopus was to be located.

"The environment will be different, the conditions will be different," Zaorálek continued. He noted that in architecture, about ten years is a relatively long time, and he cannot even imagine the library being built without the presence of the architect.

Kaplický's design won an international architectural competition 13 years ago. However, some politicians and part of the public did not accept his futuristic proposal. The format of the competition and the method of selecting a construction site also faced criticism, leading to the project's cancellation. Instead, the depositories in Hostivař were repaired and completed, and books are transported daily between Klementinum, the current headquarters of the library in the center of Prague, and the city's periphery. The baroque Klementinum complex has been under renovation for over ten years, and the final stage is several years behind schedule.

The recently presented National Investment Plan includes the construction of a new library. Since taking office in 2017, library director Martin Kocanda has mentioned the need for a new building. According to him, the library's capacity will suffice until about 2040. Zaorálek is convinced that the current solution, where the library is based in Klementinum, is not sustainable.