The Czech and Slovak Pavilion in Venice: Reconstruction Begins

The project was discussed with the City of Venice and the Biennale Foundation and has been approved, including the location of the construction site within the heritage-protected Giardini area. In view of the fact that we are preparing an anniversary project for 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Czechoslovak Pavilion in Venice, the reconstruction has been divided into two phases: from December 2025 to the end of March 2026, and then from December 2026 to March 2027.

In July and August, the tender documentation was prepared, and in September 2025 we announced a tender for the construction work. The tender has now been concluded, and after the statutory deadlines for any possible objections had expired, we began the first phase of reconstruction work on 9 December with the selected Italian contractor, Costruzioni e Restauri Salmistrari Srl.

The reconstruction is being carried out according to the project by CandC architettura in the areas on which all parties are in agreement. During this work, the following will take place: roof repairs, demolition of floors, reinforcement and restoration of the foundations, pouring of a new concrete floor, repairs to the water supply and sewage systems, and preparation for electrical wiring in the floor. The construction work is scheduled to be completed on 30 March 2026. This will be followed by the installation of the new exhibition project that will represent Czechia and Slovakia at the Venice Biennale Arte, which opens on 9 May 2026.

The second phase of the reconstruction will begin in December 2026, with completion planned for March 2027. This phase will address the following: new terrazzo flooring, a new roof skylight, air handling, completion of the facilities, completion of the utility networks, shading, and lighting.

The preliminary estimated cost of the reconstruction, including project documentation, is CZK 68 million. The financing is shared by the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in a ratio of 2:1.

After the reconstruction is completed, national participations will continue according to the agreed rotation model.