In Havířov, a reconstructed cultural house from the 1950s has been opened

Havířov (Karviná) - The Havířov Cultural House Radost is once again accessible to the public. The reconstruction of this cultural monument built in the spirit of socialist realism lasted a year and cost the city 130 million crowns, said CTK spokesperson Jana Pondělíčková. A gallery and a multifunctional hall for 300 people were created in Radost, and the café with a dance floor was renovated.
The Cultural House Radost was built in the 1950s in a construction style commonly referred to as sorela and is part of a protected heritage area. During its reconstruction, the requirements of conservationists had to be adhered to. "The original stained glass windows, doors, railings, and sgraffito facade have been restored," said the spokesperson.
On the first floor of Radost, a multipurpose hall was created, where social and cultural events can take place. It will also be used for meetings of Havířov city councilors. "The original wall painting has been preserved in the foyer, and new organs have been placed in the hall. The hall for 300 people can be divided into smaller sections with a more intimate atmosphere using a sliding wall," Pondělíčková said.
A basement art gallery will be connected to the hall, buffet, and smoking room on the first floor by an elevator, allowing access for people with disabilities. The second floor houses offices and technical facilities.
"The renovated Radost is expected to become the cultural center of Havířov, which the city has been lacking. Other buildings belonging to RPG also deserve renovation. We have started negotiations with them about the reconstruction of the entire main street, which is an architectural gem," said Mayor František Chobot (ČSSD) to CTK.
The cultural house is tied to the history of Havířov. In 1955, the city insignia and the founding document of the youngest Czech city were handed over to local politicians here. At that time, the building served as a cinema, and the first film screened was the construction classic Red Glow over Kladno. In 1993, viewers last sat before the screen. The title of the last film was also symbolic - Coming of Satan, the spokesperson noted.
For the next three years, the cinema turned into a local casino whose operators did not pay rent to the city. The eviction of the building was debated in court for several years, and it wasn't until 2000 that the non-payers were successfully evicted. In the meantime, the building on the main street fell into disrepair.
The first event in the renovated building will be held on Friday - a professional conference on socialist realism in architecture. The conference will be attended by representatives of the National Heritage Institute, renowned architects, and university representatives. The public can view the cultural house on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.