The amphitheater in Plzeň at Lochotín will be transformed into an environmental center

photo: plzen.majales.cz

Plzeň - Plzeň will renovate the neglected Lochotín amphitheater, the largest natural auditorium in the Czech Republic, for 23 million crowns by the end of next year. The manager of the area, the neighboring zoo and botanical garden, had a project developed, based on which the amphitheater should be transformed into an environmental center. Its cultural function, where the amphitheater is used for several musical productions a year, will be preserved, said CTK economic deputy mayor Martin Zrzavecký (ČSSD).
    The project is divided into three phases. "The first phase costing 12 million crowns includes the repair of the lower part of the auditorium, modification of the stage, and placement of the technological background for a giant screen for school screenings, as well as the roofing of the raptor pool in the adjacent area, reconstruction of the projection room, and the conversion of the former kiosk into technology facilities," he stated.
    The city wants to obtain support for this part of the project from the Operational Program Environment of up to 85 percent of the expenses. The rest will be covered by the budget of the first municipal district.
    The second phase of the project with costs of 6.6 million crowns plans a new botanical exhibit in the central part of the complex, construction of access paths, fencing, and reconstruction of two kiosks. The final phase at a cost of 4.2 million crowns will include the construction of a new building for raptors. The area will retain about 7,000 seats in the lower half of the auditorium.
    The natural theater, whose construction began in 1952, was opened in the Park of Culture and Relaxation in Lochotín on May 8, 1961. Although it started operations then, it was not finally completed and approved until December 1963. The natural amphitheater was created according to the design of architect František Sommer. It gained fame particularly due to the legendary festival of tramp songs Porta, which was regularly held here for ten long years from 1981 to 1991. Since 2001, it has been managed by the zoo, which has already repaired the stage and restrooms.