New Smetana Hall ‐ Moving Temporary Roof above the Courtyard of the Litomyšl Castle

A novel temporary roof structure, the 'SmetaNOVÝ sál,' has been successfully implemented to protect and enhance the courtyard of Litomyšl Castle. This innovative design merges audiovisual performances with historic scenery without compromising the integrity of the original frescoes and arcades. The 31x29m steel roof, positioned 18.5 meters above ground, features two lattice columns supporting a fixed lower section and a mobile upper section, ensuring stability through prestressed tendons anchored to foundations below courtyard level. The assembly process involves erecting columns followed by lifting pre-assembled roof sections using motor hoists, with the entire structure designed for full demountability at the end of the concert season. This approach ensures minimal visual impact on the historic site during off-seasons while providing a versatile performance space.

Zeman, T., Valach, J., Janata, V., & Lukeš, M. (2026). New Smetana Hall ‐ Moving Temporary Roof above the Courtyard of the Litomyšl Castle. Ce/Papers, 9(2-3), 819–823. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/cepa.70342