The National Gallery in Prague (NGP) has long been struggling with a lack of space to store its collections. Construction of a new gallery building was therefore the only viable solution. However, this required a change in the zoning plan, which Prague implemented in an unusually short time. Following an approval of the change by the City Council on April 28, the National Gallery will be able to apply for a construction permit.

Capacities of the existing NGP depositories are completely exhausted and do not allow for appropriate storage of additional collection items. In 2017, the NGP acquired a plot of land in Prague-Jinonice near the Prokop Valley and three years later, it purchased adjacent plots from the City of Prague. The Gallery called an architectural competition for its new depository building, the winner of which became JIKA-CZ studio’s team of architects led by Jan Kubát. The Gallery is planning to build technological facilities and facilities for care of works of art: restoration studios, labs, and a digitization center. Selected artworks will be located outside in a publicly accessible sculpture park.