In Pilsen, the renovation of the Franciscan monastery has begun, where a museum will be created

Plzeň - In Plzeň, work has begun on the repair and revival of the former Franciscan monastery, which will house a museum of church art of the Plzeň diocese. Today, representatives of the diocese placed a commemorative decree with information about the project launch in a niche within the interior of the Paradise Courtyard. The renovations are expected to be completed by June 2011 and will cost 40 million CZK. The money has been obtained from the European Union. The general vicar of the diocese, Robert Falkenauer, told ČTK this.
According to architect Jan Soukup, who worked on the project, the reconstruction includes the most valuable parts of the monastery, namely the ambulatories, the chapter hall, and the areas on the first floor of the eastern wing. The baroque library, liturgical washbasin, and shutters of the summer refectory will also be restored. At the same time, a new entrance to the building will be created. "We also want the Paradise Courtyard, which is among the most beautiful places in Plzeň, to be adapted for concerts and cultural events," Soukup stated.
The Franciscan monastery began construction in the 13th century and is the oldest building in the historical core of Plzeň. Currently, its western wing is completely renovated, and the roofs and trusses are finished.
The museum of church art that will be established there will not be just a simple gallery, but its aim is to document Christian faith and Christian thought. "Diocesan museums built in the seats of bishoprics are found throughout Europe. However, we want to take a different approach than how these museums usually present their collections," added Soukup. For instance, an exhibited statue will not only be described by its age but will also explain what it represents and how it fits into the system of Christian faith. The exhibition will present the diocese in all its dimensions.
According to historian Luděk Krčmář from the West Bohemian Museum in Plzeň, which is preparing the museum's content, the foundation of the collection is already known. "However, there are further treasures in parishes, churches, and similar places that are worth exhibiting. There could be a treasury of the most valuable things found in the diocese. Beautiful Gothic statues and the like," Krčmář said. The monastery itself as a monument will also be part of the exhibition. "A major attraction could be, for example, the monastery chapel and the former chapter hall, where rare late Gothic paintings are located," the historian stated.
For several years, the former Franciscan monastery housed the Diocesan Museum. However, two years ago, its operation ended because it was not very successful in terms of visitors, and additionally, it was hidden and had no suitable entrance, as it had to be accessed through the parish. The new project is supported by the Plzeň Region and the city of Plzeň.