The Chamber of Architects requests an open competition for the upcoming National Railway Museum

Prague – The Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) has called on the National Technical Museum (NTM) to select the design for the upcoming National Museum of Railways and Electrical Engineering through an open architectural competition with a professional jury. The Technical Museum is preparing a construction model using the design and build method with a general designer. It considers this to be the best possible solution in light of the heritage protection of the area of the former workshops of Prague's Masaryk Train Station, where the new museum will be built for 1.9 billion. This was stated in the NTM's position available to ČTK. The new museum is expected to open in 2030.


The Chamber of Architects has reservations about the NTM's chosen approach. "For a national cultural institution, we consider it obvious that not only a legal but also the qualitatively best path to the final solution should be sought," the architects stated in their position. According to the chamber, an architectural competition with a professional jury should be announced. "Any other procedure, according to ČKA, means a missed opportunity to present the cultural and creative level of the Czech Republic," stated the chamber, adding that it is ready to provide expert consultations to the state.

NTM rejects the idea that an architectural competition would be suitable for the planned museum, considering the chosen approach to be correct. In 2018, it commissioned an architectural study, which received the agreement of heritage conservationists. The study also served as a basis for the government’s decision on financial support.

The area where the museum is to be built is heritage-protected and consists, according to the technical museum, of some of the most valuable industrial railway buildings in Prague. Therefore, the buildings cannot be fundamentally altered, and the project must primarily respect their original form, stated the museum.

The Technical Museum chose the design & build construction method with a general designer. Currently, it is selecting a general designer who will prepare detailed documentation for the construction permit as well as for the tender for the contractor. The contractor will subsequently ensure final design and construction execution. The museum opted for this approach based on consultations with the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT) and the Supreme Audit Office.

According to the museum, this method clearly defines the contractor's responsibility for the final work and reduces the risk of additional costs. "This was also influenced by our experience from the realization of our Center for Architectural Heritage in Plasy, where we have been trying legally for more than eight years to compel the contractor to repair very poorly executed plastering," added NTM in its statement.

The Museum of Railways and Electrical Engineering plans to feature a covered railway yard with three tracks of 150 meters in length, allowing for the display of approximately 40 railway vehicles. The exhibitions in the historic buildings will focus on the history of railway transport.