Culture Ministry: Kyjev Hotel and Prior Store Declared National Monuments

Bratislava, 31 July (TASR) – The Culture Ministry issued a decision on 26 June to designate the Kyjev Hotel and Prior department store in Bratislava as national cultural monuments, with the decision becoming legally binding as of 8 July, TASR learnt from head of the ministry's press department Petra Bacinska on Thursday. „This decision was the result of an appeal process, during which the ministry carefully examined all objections raised by the parties involved and proceeded in accordance with legal procedures," Bacinska explained, adding that the Ministry is simultaneously handling multiple appeals. „Given the number of ongoing cases and the ministry’s limited capacity, decisions are not made "on a conveyor belt". Each matter receives the attention it deserves," she added. According to Bacinska, the primary reason for declaring the buildings as national cultural monuments was their exceptional architectural and historical value. „As the ministry stated in its decision, the aim of the designation is not to turn the buildings into a museum exhibit, but to preserve the original valuable features of the building complex within the framework of their continued existence," she said. In the ministry’s view, it is possible to create new architectural value even while integrating existing elements into a new structure, provided there is good level of cooperation with various experts. „Ordinary buildings are not declared national cultural monuments – only exceptional structures that possess certain added values, which the Kyjev Hotel undoubtedly has. The ministry agrees with the opinion of the company Lordship that the reconstruction of the property it owns will not be a simple matter," the ministry noted. mf/mcs