Prague to Rebuild Collapsed ‘Rovnováha’ Sculpture to Its Original Design
City allocates CZK 13 million for reconstruction of the iconic sculpture at Barrandov Bridge
Foto: Wikimedia Commons
Following the partial collapse of the concrete sculpture at Prague’s Barrandov Bridge last Friday, the city has allocated CZK 13 million for the reconstruction of the iconic artwork.
The City of Prague will reconstruct the collapsed sculpture Rovnováha (Balance) according to the original design by sculptor Josef Klimeš. On Monday, the Prague City Council approved the conclusion of a sub-licence agreement for the production of a new three-dimensional replica, as well as the allocation of the necessary funding.
The city has allocated a total of CZK 13 million for the project. The new sculpture will be produced on the basis of the project documentation prepared by the Klokner Institute of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and will match the original 1989 artwork in both its form and construction. Like the original, the replica will be built as a heavily reinforced concrete structure using traditional formwork.
The sculpture was created in the late 1980s as part of the artistic design of Barrandov Bridge. Sculptor Josef Klimeš was commissioned by architect Karel Filsak, who was responsible for the bridge’s overall architectural concept.
According to the city, the reconstruction is intended to preserve the sculpture’s original appearance and the artistic legacy of Josef Klimeš. Prague City Councillor for Culture Tomáš Slabihoudek described the sculpture as one of the defining works of public art in Prague. He said the faithful reconstruction would allow the artwork to return safely to its original location.
Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda also described the project as an important step in preserving a significant part of the city’s landscape. The aim, he said, is to preserve the artwork as faithfully as possible for future generations.
After the sculpture finally collapsed on its own last Friday, the city decided to proceed with its reconstruction. Structural assessments had already confirmed the artwork’s poor condition. The area had been cordoned off for safety reasons, and a detailed 3D scan of the sculpture was carried out, which will now serve as the basis for the faithful replica.
