The National Theater of Moravian-Silesian in Ostrava will begin renovating Pavilion G

Ostrava – The National Theatre of Moravian-Silesian Region (NDM) will begin reconstruction of the former Pavilion G at Černá louka in Ostrava this summer. An investment of 410 million crowns will transform it into a studio stage with a capacity of up to 500 people and a rehearsal room. Completion is planned for the end of 2028. This was announced to journalists today by the theatre’s spokesperson Šárka Swiderová.

"Our studio stage will be established in the pavilion. This will allow us to perform fully and at the same time revitalize a once-popular space at the exhibition grounds. Size-wise, it is a space designated for theatre and cultural events for approximately 220 spectators, but it will be a variable space, with the possibility of expanding to accommodate up to 500 participants. For example, for concerts," said director Jiří Nekvasil.

After the reconstruction, the theatre operation from the Jiří Myron Theatre will move to the new space, as the latter awaits the second phase of extensive repairs. Once that is completed, the White House, as the theatre workers informally call the space, will be used year-round.


Pavilion G was built in 1961 in the so-called Brussels style, designed by architect Josef Jiřičný, the father of architect Eva Jiřičná. Architect Tomáš Bindr is working on the new design, and he spoke about the project with Jiřičná. "She said she remembers when her father traveled from Zlín to Ostrava for authorial supervision. She was very pleased that the building would receive a new function. And such a significant cultural function as well," he said.

The building served mainly in the 1960s and 70s. The facade featured a glass raster facade adorned with geometric ornamentation. The building was divided into an exhibition hall and administrative facilities. After 1989, the exhibition area fell into decline, partly becoming unused. In 1998, a significant transformation of Černá louka began. Pavilion G underwent repairs in 2002 and then served sports purposes. It housed a tennis court and a training golf area.

The NDM scenographer David Bazika is also working on the project. "The result is a simple clean shape highlighted by a white facade and very clean geometries of windows and doors. The building will have an elegant organic appearance, similar to the pavilions of Brazilian architect Niemeyer. A glass section of the theatre's foyer will be opened to the park, and in another direction, there will be a three-story background for wardrobes and technical service. Inside, a new universal, variable, and even magical theatre space will be created," he said.

A soundproof partition will separate the performance area from the rehearsal room, which will be sized like the stages of the Ostrava theatres. "We still lack a rehearsal room with stage parameters. However, for exceptional larger projects, it will be possible to connect both spaces and use them as one with a larger capacity for spectators or event participants," the scenographer added.