<article>Pražský hrad wants to completely replace its outdoor lighting and has announced a competition.</article>

Prague - Prague Castle has decided to completely renew its outdoor lighting, which is expected to be energy-efficient and effectively illuminate the landmark. It has announced a competition in which it seeks proposals for the design, supply, and installation of new lighting. Applications can be submitted until February 27, and results are expected to be announced in the fall. Operational savings are also anticipated, as reported today by Natálie Máchová of the Prague Castle Administration. The implementation of the new lighting is planned for 2028.

According to the competition brief, the Castle wants to have beautiful, sustainable, and technically perfect lighting. It expects a new concept for it. The technological advances in the field of light sources, optical systems, and lighting control as outlined in the competition encourage more economical and flexible solutions. The new system should be more sensitive to the historical context than before, while also allowing for the regulation of light pollution.

According to Pavel Vyhnánek, director of the Prague Castle Administration, the lighting system from the 1990s is wearing out, and spare parts are becoming unavailable. "Over the past 30 years, not only have the technologies changed significantly, but also the approach to regulating light pollution. We are among the first to approach outdoor lighting in such a comprehensive way," Vyhnánek said.

The competition brief emerged from several months of research conducted by the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT). According to them, the current brightness of fasades should not be increased further. "Warm white lighting is proving to be very suitable for the night environment, which sensitively respects the history of the monument. We consider thoughtful placement and direction of light sources to be a key challenge for the authors of the new concept," said Lenka Maierová from the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

The winner of the new lighting concept will be chosen by a seven-member jury composed of experts from the Castle and external consultants, with international participation. Architect Eva Jiřičná is also a member. According to her, the competition will involve a combination of technical and artistic disciplines that must demonstrate respect for the place. "A challenge will be, for example, the sensitive lighting of the cathedral, which is very intricate, or taking into account the mature trees in the gardens," Jiřičná said.

During the competition, a tour and consultations will be held for applicants. The jury is expected to assess the final proposals in September, with results anticipated in the fall; the competition is organized by the CCEA MOBA office.

According to the agency CzechTourism, Prague Castle is among the most visited monuments in the country. Last year, 2.7 million people attended its tours, breaking the record from 2019 when nearly 2.6 million visitors came to the Castle. As every year, most of the paying visitors last year were foreign tourists. Over nine million people passed through the entire Castle complex, including the gardens, last year.