Comprehensive Renovation of Prague’s Invalidovna Begins

Prague’s Invalidovna will undergo comprehensive renovation over the next three years. A total of CZK 2.15 billion has been earmarked for the restoration of the historic Baroque complex, two new buildings and the redesign of the gardens.

The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) officially launched the comprehensive renovation of Prague’s Invalidovna on Wednesday. The project is considered the largest investment in the history of the state heritage authority. Construction work is scheduled to be completed by 2029, with the reopening to the public planned for 2030.

The symbolic key to the Invalidovna was handed over to representatives of the “Sdružení Invalidovna” construction consortium, which comprises the companies Metrostav CZ, AVERS and Chládek & Tintěra. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Culture Minister Oto Klempíř also attended the ceremonial launch of the construction work.

Foto: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav

New Exhibitions, Cultural Centre and Café

Once the work is completed, the historic building will house, among other things, a permanent exhibition on the history and original function of the Invalidovna, as well as another exhibition on aristocratic residences managed by the National Heritage Institute.

In addition, new exhibition spaces, a multifunctional hall, a visitor centre, a café, and educational and event spaces are planned. Specialist departments of the NPÚ are also to be based in the complex in future. These will include restoration workshops, laboratories, documentation archives and study rooms.

Two new buildings will also be constructed on the southern side of the site. The Prague Philharmonic Choir is to receive a permanent home there. Plans also include a multipurpose hall for concerts and conferences, as well as technical facilities for the entire complex.

Foto: Invalidovna | Národní památkový ústav

Baroque Monument with Almost 300 Years of History

The history of the Invalidovna dates back to the 17th century. On 3 August 1658, Count Petr Strozzi, who had been wounded in war, stipulated in his will that disabled, sick and elderly soldiers and their families should also receive support. On this basis, a foundation was established in 1714, which under Emperor Charles VI was used for the construction and operation of an institution for military invalids in Prague. Alongside Vienna and Budapest, Prague was one of three central locations of this kind within the Habsburg Monarchy.

The monumental Prague complex was built from 1731 onwards according to plans by the prominent Baroque architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. The original project, however, was considerably larger: ultimately, only around one ninth of the planned complex was realised. Nevertheless, the Invalidovna is today regarded as one of the most important Baroque monuments in Central Europe. Since 2018, the building has been under the administration of the National Heritage Institute, which prepared the comprehensive renovation that has now begun.


Národní památkový ústav
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