Reconstruction begins on Slovak National Gallery

Reconstruction has begun on the Water Barracks building of the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava, after a long period of delay.

The reconstruction, the costs for which had been approved by the government in October 2013 based on calculations and project documents dating back as early as 2005, was delayed due to major changes in financial conditions. The estimate price for the reconstruction of the gallery complex has been increased to €48,718,937 (approx. US$54,800,000), and the works are now expected to continue until 2018.

After an auction and expert review, the Culture Ministry signed a contract with Bratislava-based construction company ZIPP to realise the project at the end of 2015. The project’s designers are Slovak architects Martin Kusý and Pavol Paňák of the BKPŠ studio, who have kept in mind the original architecture by Vladimír Dedeček.

The renewal project of the Slovak National Gallery is divided into multiple phases, including the reconstruction of the historical Water Barracks building and the creation of a new administrative building, central depository and multi-purpose hall. According to the gallery’s management, the renovated premises should become a cultural hub for central Bratislava, connecting the National Gallery with the street life of Bratislava and offering new services to both residents and visitors.

Source: The Slovak Spectator