The concrete sculpture at Barrandov Bridge collapsed and fell onto the bike path

photo: vetrelciavolavky.cz

Prague - The large concrete sculpture named Balance near the Barrandov Bridge in Prague collapsed this morning, burying the adjacent road and bike path. No one was injured, but traffic in the area is partially restricted. Police officers are overseeing safety there, said police spokesperson Richard Hrdina to ČTK. According to the city hall, the statue had been fenced off for a long time due to its poor condition, and the city was preparing for its controlled demolition. The author of Balance is sculptor Josef Klimeš.

The six-meter-high sculpture, with a span of 15 meters, collapsed around 09:00, according to the spokesperson. It is unclear why this happened. "The whole matter will be handed over to the city hall for corrective action," he added.

The Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) is now securing the area around the collapsed sculpture at the direction of the city to prevent danger to pedestrians and passing vehicles. The next steps will be decided by the city hall in the coming days; until then, the area will remain secured, said TSK spokesperson Barbora Lišková.

According to city hall spokesperson Vít Hofman, the city was aware of the poor condition of the sculpture and had therefore fenced it off for a long time. "By coincidence, there was to be material presented at the council meeting on Monday that aimed to ensure the controlled demolition of this statue and the creation of its replica," Hofman informed ČTK.

The family of the sculpture's author has been discussing the future form of the sculpture with the city for several years, said Klimeš's granddaughter Ludmila Mojžíšová to ČTK. According to her, about a year and a half ago, it was decided that a replica would be created due to the poor technical condition of the work, designed by architect Petr Tej.

According to Mojžíšová, the family also agreed with the TSK to preserve the rubble from the collapsed sculpture. "We agreed with TSK that all the rubble from the statue would be saved. Some additional materials can be created from those components," she stated. In cooperation with the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague, the family is also preparing an exhibition this autumn dedicated to the work Balance in the space Kobka 17, where parts could be displayed.

The sculpture Balance stands on the foreland on the Braník side. On the left bank, there are two sculptures in the shape of bowls that cover the stairs. The works were created in 1989 and 1990. TSK previously reported that after completing the reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge, it would begin restoring the sculptures. The two-year repair of the bridge, built in 1983, is set to finish in the autumn of 2024.