The Czech Ministry of Culture has decided to sell two prominent buildings in the center of Prague: the National House in Vinohrady and the House U Hybernů, currently home to the Hybernia Theatre operated by Slovak billionaire Milan Fiľo. This decision follows years of debates and disputes over the future of these properties, which have been managed by the State Culture Fund. Denik N was the first newspaper to report the story.
The State Culture Fund supports around 500 cultural projects annually on a budget of less than CZK 100 million, income that comes in part through rental income from these buildings. If the two landmark buildings are auctioned off, the fund will lose this source of revenue. As is the case with most ageing buildings, the need for capital investments is behind the sale. “The income from the National House in Vinohrady and Hybernia is considered risky in the long term by the ministry, as a significant investment in the renovation of these properties would be necessary. The State Culture Fund does not have the resources for this,” explained ministry spokesperson Jana Malíková. The annual rental income for the House U Hybernů is listed at CZK 15.6 million, while the National House in Vinohrady will produce CZK 13.2 million, half of which will be eaten up by repairs.
The main potential buyer of the House U Hybernů is expected to be Milan Fiľo, who already owns the adjoining former monastery on Republic Square, now an administrative building. Fiľo, whose company Eco-Investment is the majority owner of the Hybernia Theatre, has expressed interest in purchasing the building. There’s been no word yet if he’ll get involved in the transaction. The auction for the buildings is expected to take place next year. Going forward, the State Culture Fund should receive a quarter of its income from sponsorships of Czech Television programs.
