Prague has taken another step towards the reconstruction of the Vinohrady Theatre. The management of the theatre previously prepared a number of contracts which formed the basis for the construction documentation. Now all contractual rights and obligations related to the reconstruction are being transferred to the founder, the City of Prague, namely to the city’s Department of Investments. The total investment is estimated at CZK 2.7 billion. The goal is to open the renovated theatre to the public by 2027.
“The Vinohrady Theater has been a centre of cultural events since 1907,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Prague councillor for culture. “In its present form, it survived the inexorable course of history and two world wars. That is why I am extremely happy that we have moved the preparation of the reconstruction to the next phase.”
The reconstruction is a significant investment, which Prague councillors should approve in the coming months. “I would be very happy if it were possible to start the actual construction work in this art nouveau gem in 2024,” said Pospíšil. “This is not a simple painting and modification of the premises, but a complex and demanding reconstruction. The actors could return to the stage during the fall season of 2027, when the theatre will celebrate its 120th anniversary.”
The reconstruction of the historical building of the theatre includes technological modernization, as well as the expansion of the capacity in the underground part behind the theatre with a rehearsal hall, which will simultaneously serve as a chamber stage with a capacity of 150 to 200 people. The theatre warehouses in the theatre building and in the premises on Korunní will also be modified.
The Vinohrady Theater has not undergone any major repairs since its opening in 1907, and is now in a state of disrepair. The study for the reconstruction of the building has been in preparation since 2019, and the company Masák & Partner, s. r. o. was selected in a tender for the design work the following year. In November 2022, the building authority issued a joint building permit for the project, which became legally binding.
