Prague - The construction of the National Library according to the project of the late architect Jan Kaplický will not take place due to the land in Letná, which the library can no longer acquire, and the estimated price being too high. This was stated to reporters today by the Minister of Culture Václav Riedlbauch. The National Library has also decided to take a different path, which includes the revitalization of the historic Clementinum complex. Kaplický's design won an international architectural competition, and the minister noted that the assignment ended at the study phase. It was discussed that the construction would cost around two billion crowns. However, preliminary estimates were two to two and a half times higher, Riedlbauch pointed out. According to him, there would be no funding for the construction. Although Prague representatives previously approved the sale of parcels in Letná to the library, the city now says that the resolution is no longer valid. The library will not acquire the land, and according to the minister, this is irreversible. "It is hopelessly out of the game," said Riedlbauch. Prague wants the land in Letná to be newly designated as a park in the territorial plan and not for the construction of a cultural facility. The National Library has decided to pursue the revitalization of the Clementinum, which according to the minister offers necessary spaces for about 20 years for the expected extent of activities. However, it needs to expand the depository, which will happen in Hostivař, and ensure better book logistics. The construction of a new library is still being promoted, for example, by the Foundation for the Library, several civic initiatives, several petitions with thousands of signatures, and the political party Blob, which was founded last year.
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.