The centenary Czechoslovak pavilion in Venice underwent renovations before the biennale

Prague – The joint Czech and Slovak presentation at the 61st Biennale in Venice, the project The Silence of the Mole, will be hosted by the Czechoslovak Pavilion in the Giardini park. In recent days, the first phase of the pavilion's renovation has been completed, which celebrates its 100th anniversary since its opening this year. By May 7, when the 61st Biennale starts first for experts, the joint presentation will be installed there. Costs are estimated to be around 15 million crowns. Representatives from the National Gallery Prague (NGP), Slovak National Gallery (SNG), and artists informed journalists today.

The pavilion, designed by architect Otakar Novotný, is, according to Radka Neumannová, who heads the strategy and planning department at NGP, one of the last shared buildings of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Repairs following damage to the pavilion in 2019 are estimated to cost 68 million crowns, with the portion concerning the structure already completed. "Yesterday (Wednesday) I returned from Venice, and I can confirm to everyone that the first phase of the renovation has been completed," Neumannová said.

The Czechoslovak Pavilion has a prestigious place among the other approximately 25 national pavilions in the Venice Giardini park. In honor of its 100th anniversary, NGP is preparing a publication titled Pavilon Cecoslovacchia and a documentary film. The next phase of reconstruction is set to begin in December based on international agreements.