The funeral hall in Turnov has opened its facilities to the public

Turnov (Semilsko) - The Funeral Hall in Turnov, which celebrated its five-year anniversary since completion two days ago, opened its facilities to the public today. The open day was accompanied by an exhibition of coffins, hearses, and other items related to a person's final journey. Visitors were also interested in the building itself. Its quality architecture and sensitive placement in the space earned an award four years ago in the 11th annual Grand Prix competition of the Association of Architects among 118 projects.
    "We are very satisfied with the building; in these five years we haven't found anything to criticize about the funeral hall," said Pavel Křelina today to ČTK, whose funeral service manages the building. He added that there had long been a need for a dignified place in Turnov, which locals greatly appreciate. This was confirmed by the interest of the people. "I haven't been here yet, but it is a very nice space," noted an older visitor. She was particularly interested in one of the crystal urns displayed at the exhibition. "I didn't even know they were made of glass, so I didn't believe it was an urn; I would probably use it as a candy dish," the woman added.
    The modern hall made of stone, wood, and glass is the work of Prague architects Radek Šíma, Libor Čížek, Ondřej Moravec, and Michal Nekola from Atelier 6. However, the realization of the project faced complications. A native of nearby Radvánovice and Turnov patron Bohuslav Jan Horáček was involved in the financing. His death in the fall of 2002 halted the flow of funds, and the city had to complete the construction on its own, thus halting other investment projects.
    The building is located near the historical part of the city and is connected to the cemetery by a staircase. Even though it is a modern structure, it does not disrupt the historic character of its surroundings. Many opponents of modern architecture in the city appreciated how sensitively it was integrated. The international jury of the Association of Architects also praised its integration into the space. They were impressed by the sensitive placement of the funeral hall in a small valley next to a stream, the use of the acoustic properties of flowing water, and the unique connection between the interior and exterior.
    Originally, the funeral hall was to serve not only as a space for final farewells to the deceased but also for cultural events. However, only two concerts have taken place there. "Few people feel like going to a concert in a funeral hall, especially if they were there just a few days before for a funeral," explained Křelina.
    However, the people of Turnov will certainly not be deprived of culture, as a new Cultural Center Střelnice will be ceremoniously opened just a few hundred meters from the funeral hall this Friday. Its authors are also the architects from Atelier 6.