FF UK has commenced repairs and the completion of buildings on Opletalova Street

Prague - The Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University (FF UK) has begun the reconstruction and extension of its two buildings on Opletalova Street in the center of Prague. The construction site was handed over to the builders, the Avers company, on Tuesday. The aim of the project is, among other things, to modernize the buildings and adapt them for teaching and research activities. However, the historical value of the buildings should remain preserved. The work, which will last until October 2026, is expected to cost 574.5 million crowns. This was communicated to ČTK by Štěpánka Zelenková Semecká on behalf of the faculty.

"The reconstruction of the buildings on Opletalova Street represents a crucial investment project for FF UK, which has been prepared by the fourth administration of the faculty. A successful reconstruction will improve the facilities for students and employees not only of the departments and institutes and study programs that will be housed in the reconstructed buildings, but thanks to the open offer of study spaces, library services, and conference rooms, it will benefit all students and employees of FF UK,” said the faculty dean Eva Lehečková.

The repair and extension of the buildings at Opletalova 47 and Opletalova 49 is expected to cost 574,470,331 crowns according to the faculty representatives. A budget of 86.17 million crowns is allocated from the faculty’s budget for construction work, and an additional 488.3 million crowns is a grant from the Ministry of Education. Both buildings are located in a protected area of the Prague monument reserve. The building at Opletalova 47 features architectural elements of functionalism from the 1930s, and the building numbered 49 is additionally a cultural monument.

The reconstruction of both buildings has been designed with regard to their harmonious integration into the surrounding development, according to faculty representatives. Original windows, doors, and wooden paneling will be preserved or refurbished, or replaced with replicas. The builders will complete a gallery and a hall near the library, connecting the buildings with walkways and planning the construction of an elevator tower and the establishment of a cafeteria in the reconstructed courtyard.

The Jan Opletal Library will also be created, intended for students and the professional public. Among other things, it will have a dedicated space for the study of rare prints. The project of modifying the buildings includes new interior furnishings and IT and audiovisual technology. "Thanks to this, FF UK will be able to provide modern and effective facilities for several of its departments and institutes, including the Department of Sinology, the Department of the Middle East, the Institute of Asian Studies, the Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, or the Institute of Classical Archaeology," informed Zelenková Semecká.

The Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University was established as a faculty of liberal arts by the founding charter of Charles IV dated April 7, 1348. Currently, the faculty offers nearly 200 humanities programs, the most in the Czech Republic. Approximately 7,000 students are currently enrolled in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. About 700 educators and researchers work at the faculty, operating in 40 departments, institutes, and other specialized workplaces.