The renovation of the Liberec museum will accelerate, and it will be completed next year

Liberec - Builders will complete the reconstruction of the historic building of the North Bohemian Museum in Liberec earlier than planned, for which the Liberec Region will spend about 85 million crowns. It was originally supposed to last until the end of 2008, but it will be finished by next summer. The museum's director, Alois Čvančara, told ČTK today that shortening the deadline will reduce the cost of the renovation.
    The saved funds will be invested by the museum into other unplanned repairs. "We can use them to restore all five entrance doors and the façade of the Burgher House," he added. Outdoor repairs will be completed this year, and in 2007, builders will begin the interior repairs.
    Due to a poor roof, rainwater was leaking into the museum in several places. The moisture was damaging not only the building but also valuable collections. Builders also sealed the windows, which vibrated whenever a tram passed by and often triggered an alarm. Most of the work is being carried out by experienced restorers - specialists in working with metal, stone, and sandstone.
    They had to uncover the roof in sections to allow for the relocation of the storerooms containing collections, such as rare historical glass valued at several hundred million crowns. The museum also had to clear out five offices. Because thieves could easily access the building via the scaffolding, the construction site is being guarded by a security agency. The museum will pay nearly one million crowns for guards with dogs.
    The North Bohemian Museum, classified by the Ministry of Culture among first-category monuments, will regain its original neo-Renaissance appearance from the late 19th century due to the new roof. The permanent exhibition of the North Bohemian Museum covers the history of the region, natural science, the development of artistic crafts, and archaeological finds.