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Once a refuge for war veterans, the historic Invalidovna complex in Prague’s Karlín district has been long neglected over the past decades. But it will undergo a major transformation as part of a new architectural project that aims to bring it into the 21st century.
The Czech National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) has announced plans to begin the tender process this year for an ambitious renovation and expansion project that will preserve the baroque landmark while adapting it for modern cultural use.
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Designed by famed architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and completed in the 1730s, Invalidovna is a national cultural monument with a rich and complex history. The restoration will see the site not only repaired and revitalized but also expanded with two new additions designed by the architectural studio Petr Hájek Architekti.
From military refuge to cultural center
Originally built between 1731 and 1737 to house disabled war veterans and their families, Invalidovna served its original purpose until 1935. It later housed the Military Central Archive, but the building fell into disuse and disrepair after being severely damaged in the 2002 floods.
In 2018, after a proposed public auction was canceled, ownership of the site was transferred to the NPÚ from the state’s property management agency. Over recent years, the complex has notably served as a filming location for Hollywood movies, including Amadeus and Nosferatu.
The upcoming CZK 2.15 billion project will focus on both preserving the historical integrity of the site and expanding its capabilities. The central courtyard will be opened through new entrances from all four wings, while new interior spaces will house an educational center, historical exhibitions, research laboratories, and archives for the NPÚ’s collections.
Two new buildings are planned to accommodate modern infrastructure without disturbing the protected roof structure, which was deemed too unique to modify. These additions will also allow for the integration of the Prague Philharmonic Choir, which will gain a dedicated rehearsal and concert space with high-quality acoustics.
Construction timeline and reopening
According to NPÚ Director General Naděžda Goryczková, speaking to Czech News Agency, the public tender for the main contractor is expected to be announced in mid-2025. Once permits are finalized, construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through 2028, with a public reopening slated for 2029.
The project has already secured zoning approval, and a final building permit is expected soon. The addition of underground parking beneath the southern part of the site will help accommodate future visitors and staff.
The NPÚ says the renovated Invalidovna will serve as a multifunctional cultural center, balancing its historical legacy with modern use. The institute originally projected a more modest reconstruction to be completed by 2025, but the scope and ambition of the new plan have since expanded.
