Hanging down the exhibits, wrapping everything in foil to prevent damage to the works, and the subsequent removal was the least that the gallery's employees had to do. They are also preparing the exhibition halls for reconstruction, dismantling the panels that served as an extended exhibition space for paintings in front of the windows and at the same time protected the works from sunlight. All furniture from the exhibit halls must also be stored.

The main challenge was clearing out the cellars of both buildings and the basement, which contained not only things that had not been used for a long time, but also painting easels and frames, but mainly a large number of heavy, chipboard pedestals for sculptures. Because there is no elevator to the cellars and the building at Masaryk square 24 lacks an elevator completely, it was often very difficult work. Some objects are gradually removed, for those that remain in the gallery, a more suitable space must be found where they can be stored.

Part of the preparation for the renovation also included the clearing out of the receptions, where catalogs and items intended for sale were stored. All these items had to be inventoried and placed in a safe place where they would be protected from dust.

And what else awaits us? Among other things, the clearing out of the education room at Komenského 10, where art supplies have their place, which are used for educational programs for schools, art workshops and other creative activities, which will continue to take place in a slightly different form during the reconstruction.

A large part of the work is already done, but the preparation of the gallery buildings is still not over. We hope that everything will be successful and that we will be able to welcome visitors to the repaired premises of the gallery after the reconstruction.

Veronika Dolanská, August 2024