Exhibition Hall in the Attic of the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum by Šépka Architekti: A Dialogue Between History and Contemporary Design

In the heart of Olomouc, Czechia, the attic of the Chapter Deanery within the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum has been transformed into a compelling exhibition space by Šépka architekti. Completed in 2023 and encompassing 152 square meters, this innovative architectural intervention balances preservation and modern functionality, reflecting a deep respect for historical integrity while introducing a bold new spatial narrative.

Architectural Vision: A House Within a House

This attic renovation follows earlier modifications made between 1998 and 2006 during the establishment of the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum. Faced with the question of how much to intervene in the attic's existing state, the architects chose a minimalist approach: preserving the original wooden structure and the historic roof, rejecting conventional insulation methods to maintain the attic’s authenticity.

Instead, Šépka architekti introduced a freestanding concrete structure within the attic, effectively creating a “house within a house.” This new volume mirrors the geometry of the attic’s sloped ceilings but maintains a respectful distance from the original elements. With overhead lighting and ample vertical wall space, the new insertion functions as a climate-controlled exhibition hall while visually floating within the historic framework.

Interior Strategy: Technology Meets Tradition

Designed as though it were placed in an open-air environment, the inserted structure includes integrated systems for heating, air conditioning, cooling, and lighting, all neatly enclosed within the perimeter walls. The existing attic required no new technologies or thermal insulation, allowing it to retain its patina and aged atmosphere, fostering a contrast that highlights the dialogue between old and new.

The visual experience is enhanced by strategic glazing, allowing visitors to view the historic vaulted ceiling above and the untouched sections of the attic. These moments offer a glimpse into the architectural evolution of the chapter deanery, enriching the cultural and historical context of the museum experience.

Curated Experience: From Prehistory to Present

The permanent exhibition within this contemporary envelope traces the history of St Wenceslas Hill, from its prehistoric origins to the modern era. Metal pedestals and custom-designed stands support both physical artifacts and interactive digital experiences, including virtual walks through the hill’s landscape. The spatial design also includes an educational room with storage facilities, making the attic not only a site of display but also a dynamic environment for learning and discovery.

A Sensitive Intervention for Cultural Heritage

The Exhibition Hall in the Attic of the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum exemplifies sensitive architectural intervention. Šépka architekti’s approach neither romanticizes the past nor overwrites it—instead, it layers contemporary spatial logic onto historic fabric with care and precision. The resulting dialogue between the new concrete form and the aged timber roof structure celebrates adaptive reuse, heritage conservation, and contemporary exhibition design in perfect harmony.

All Photographs are works of Aleš Jungmann.