Terezin – the Depositories of the National Museum

Terezin was historically a garrison town since 1780. It served as a military fortress until 1888 when this status was removed. The reason for the use of buildings for depositories was the fact that a lot of historic buildings should have remained abandoned by the Czech Army which definitively left the town in 1996. The technical conditions of the protected historical buildings were getting worse and the loss of their authenticity and integrity was a big threat. The project of the National Museum depository has helped to save and maintain the historic parts of a unique historic urban landscape which is protected by the Czech law. 2 barracks buildings were restored (Magdeburg and Prokop Holý Barracks). The most important impact was an opportunity to guarantee a re-use of the historic buildings which were involved into the project of the National Museum. It is more important because it is not easy to find new use for buildings with some 10.000 square meters and more. In the town there still remain large historic buildings without any use, maintenance. Their safe is needed. Its condition is critical, but no new use was found for them yet. This project helped to save at least two historical valuable buildings from the 18th century. The specific benefit of this re-use is the fact that a state organization secured an immovable cultural heritage with the aim to protect a valued movable cultural heritage. These activities have been supported and covered by a state budget.