Searching for a designer for the repository and reconstruction of the Náprstek Museum

Prague - The National Museum has issued a tender for the general designer of the renovation of the Náprstek Museum. The contract includes the development of project documentation for the construction of a central depository and the reconstruction of the historic buildings of the museum on Bethlehem Square. The estimated costs for the project amount to approximately 23.5 million crowns, according to the public procurement bulletin. The deadline for submitting offers is until August 28. The construction of the depository should begin within two years. The entire investment will amount to 600 million crowns and will be financed from the Ministry of Culture's program for Caring for National and Cultural Heritage, said CTK director Eva Dittertová.

The museum has started preparatory work. "A feasibility study, a construction-historical survey of the buildings on Bethlehem Square, and other auxiliary surveys and measurements have been completed," Dittertová stated.

The new depository will be built on the grounds of the National Museum in Horní Počernice. Once completed, it will be possible to begin the reconstruction of the Náprstek Museum, from which collections need to be relocated. It houses more than 150,000 items from non-European areas.

According to Dittertová, the Náprstek Museum no longer meets the current approach to exhibiting collection items and the necessary requirements for the care and storage of collections. The reconstruction will also consider new entry solutions that aim to connect both museum buildings. Inside, there will be relaxation areas for visitors, lecture halls, a café or restaurant, and a museum shop.

According to Dittertová, the museum currently lacks an exhibition on the history of the museum. "We already have a script prepared for the historical part of the exhibition titled The Secret of the House, where Czech society was also born; we are completing the script for the main exhibitions titled A Journey Around the World," she added.

During the reconstruction, curators and other staff will prepare exhibitions, select items for them, or restore exhibits.

The Náprstek Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures was founded in the 19th century by Vojta Náprstek. Today it consists of a single-story house U Halánků and a three-story exhibition building. The National Museum took over its administration in 1932 after nationalization, and it has been permanently under its management since 1943.