Prague’s Invalidovna to undergo comprehensive renovation: largest investment in the history of the National Heritage Institute
The project includes the restoration of the historic Baroque complex, a modern new building on the southern side of the site, and a complete revitalisation of the garden areas
Foto: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav
With an investment of around two billion crowns, Prague’s Invalidovna is to undergo a comprehensive renewal. The National Heritage Institute is planning the renovation of the Baroque complex, including a new building and the garden areas.
The National Heritage Institute (Národní památkový ústav, NPÚ) has launched a public tender for the comprehensive renovation of Prague’s Invalidovna in the Karlín district. It represents the largest investment in the history of the institution. The planned budget amounts to around two billion crowns. The project includes the restoration of the historic Baroque complex, a modern new building on the southern side of the site, and a complete revitalisation of the garden areas. Construction work is expected to take around three years. The reopening of the fully equipped site with permanent exhibitions is planned for the turn of 2029/2030.
Visualization: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav
“The renewal of Prague’s Invalidovna is also an exceptional event for us. It will return this unique Baroque monument to its important role in city life and at the same time create a new cultural and social centre in Karlín,” said NPÚ Director-General Naďa Goryczková. The planned new building will make it possible to house technical and operational facilities outside the historic fabric, thereby protecting its authenticity. At the same time, modern spaces for educational and cultural activities will be created.
Visualization: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav
Two permanent exhibitions are to be created in the historic building, focusing on the history of the Invalidovna as well as other monuments administered by the NPÚ. In addition, plans include a multifunctional hall for up to 170 people, a gallery for temporary exhibitions, two visitor centres, a café, two children’s groups, as well as further exhibition and social spaces.
The project also includes a modern new building intended to provide the Prague Philharmonic Choir with a fully fledged home, including rehearsal rooms and spaces for accompaniment rehearsals. The building will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies not yet found in comparable buildings in the Czech Republic. The courtyard of the Invalidovna and the garden areas are to be freely accessible during opening hours and integrated into the surrounding park. Around 80 per cent of the buildings will be open to the public.
Foto: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav
Significance and history of the Invalidovna
Invalidovna is one of the outstanding examples of Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic and has held the highest level of protection as a national cultural monument since 2017. It was built according to plans by architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer to house war invalids. The foundation stone was laid in 1732 in the presence of Emperor Charles VI. Originally, space was intended for up to 4,000 veterans and their families. Although only just under ten per cent of the original plan was realised, the Invalidovna remains one of the largest Baroque complexes in the country. Since 2018, the site has been under the administration of the National Heritage Institute, which has since been preparing the comprehensive renovation.
Foto: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav
Final opportunity to visit before construction begins
Following the completion of the tender process, the National Heritage Institute plans to offer one final public viewing. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the current state of the Invalidovna once more before construction work begins.
