Prague has applied for a building permit for the Vltava Philharmonic

Prague – Prague has applied for a building permit for the Vltava Philharmonic. This was announced today in a press release by the project's spokesperson Eliška Marková. The application includes both the philharmonic itself, which is estimated to cost about 12.33 billion crowns excluding VAT, as well as the construction modifications of the surrounding area for approximately another five billion crowns excluding tax. The city expects to receive the permit in the first quarter of next year. Construction is scheduled to begin a year later.

The preparation of the project is managed by the Prague Development Company (PDS), a subsidized organization of the Prague City Hall. "This is not just a new cultural building, but a project closely connected with public space, transport and technical infrastructure, as well as the future development of the entire locality. Submitting the application for the permit is an important step not only for the Vltava Philharmonic itself but also for the transformation of the neglected area of Bubny-Zátory," said its director Petr Urbánek.

The building was designed based on an international architectural competition by the Danish studio BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. The philharmonic will include a music center with five concert halls, creative space, restaurants, and additional facilities. In addition, the city plans modifications in the surrounding area, including the construction of public spaces, a new Vltava waterfront, and several transport structures.

After obtaining the building permit, the city intends to announce a tender for a construction company, and if everything goes smoothly, construction should begin in the first quarter of 2028. In that case, the trial operation of the philharmonic could start in 2033.

The philharmonic is set to have three underground and six above-ground floors. The Czech Philharmonic, which can no longer fully develop due to the outdated technical and capacity limitations of the Rudolfinum, the Symphonic Orchestra of the Capital City of Prague FOK, and the music collections of the Prague library will find new facilities here. The question of financing remains open, as the city is negotiating state contributions. Support for the construction of the philharmonic is included in the government’s program statement. The city has also established a foundation to finance the construction.