Brno will restore the paintings on the walls in the hall of the New Town Hall

Brno - Brno in the hall of the City Council at the New Town Hall will also restore the paintings on the walls and sculptural decoration. The mayor of Brno, Markéta Vaňková (ODS), told reporters today. The original renovation project, which started last summer, included a complete replacement of heating, water, and cooling systems, floor replacement, and the restoration of only the ceiling Baroque fresco. The expansion of the work will increase the cost of the project by two million to a total of 25 million and extend the duration by seven months.

The room previously served as a meeting place for the royal tribunal and regional administration. Restorers began the repairs a year ago, intending to restore only the ceiling Baroque fresco. "According to the conducted survey and examinations, it seemed that the wall paintings were too damaged to be saved, and their restoration was not considered. However, during the ongoing work, it turned out that it would be possible to return the hall to its almost original appearance," said Radka Loukotová from the press department of the city hall.

Therefore, the councilors today approved the increase of funds and the extension of time for the works. "During the renovation, frescoes of the coats of arms of regional officials first appeared, forming a sort of frieze under the ceiling fresco. We have already included the restoration of these coats of arms in the restoration work. The vault was once supported by illusory pilasters. It gradually turned out that these could also be restored. The preservationists also leaned toward this," said Vaňková.

According to her, in addition to restorers, two photographs by Mořic Trappa taken in the 19th century, which capture the state before the frescoes were painted over, are helping the city to return the hall to its historical appearance. "Based on these photographs, we were able to expand our original plan for the restoration of the hall to include illusory sculptural decoration," noted the mayor. According to her deputy, Tomáš Koláčný (Pirates), the city only had low-quality records of the statues' appearance. "Thanks to searches in the archives, we managed to obtain a relatively high-quality depiction. Because of this, we received permission for the reconstruction from the preservationists," said Koláčný. The anteroom and staircase will also be repaired.