Vodárna Kolín Water tower

Vodárna Kolín is a 45-metre high technical monument from 1930, which has become a major urban landmark. The building, designed by Jank Hraskej and František Jana, was subject to extensive reconstruction in 2015 and is now used as a sightseeing tower with museum exposition.

The original Štítarský water pipeline in Cologne, built between 1896 and 1904 according to the design of the hydrologist Jan Hráský, was expanded and reconstructed in 1928-1930. During this phase, a new water tower was built. The system drew water from two wells in the area of Štítarský creek 28 and 35 metres deep, with a pumping capacity of 2400 litres per minute. In 1945, a third well of 40 metres was dug to strengthen supplies. Ing. F. Uher and Ing. Pucek were responsible for the construction of the water pipeline, and the ČKD was supplied by the pumping machines.

The water tower is a functionalist and constructivistic reinforced concrete building, which was developed by Ing. Hráský. The architect František Janda added a view gallery at a height of 36 metres, supported by concrete columns with still life, with a fountain and a staircase.

The operation of the water plant was completed in 1977, when the technological part was dismantled. After 1990, the building changed owners a few times and faded. In 2005 it was purchased by the town of Kolín for approximately 2.7 million Czech crowns. In 2010, the water plant was declared a technical monument and entered into the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic.

In 2012 a minor reconstruction was carried out to strengthen the static. From December 2014 until August 2015, the complete reconstruction of the observation tower was carried out with museum exposition according to the documentation Ing. Martin Škorpík. The funding of approximately CZK 12 million was provided by the city of Kolín and by the ROP of Central Bohemia. Almost 300 stairs lead to the observation gallery because the construction of the lift was not realized.

Today, the waterworks offer visitors a view from the highest floor and a barrier-free gallery with projection. There is a video projection in the space of the former water tank, which represents the history of the building, its technical equipment and water industry. The exhibition draws attention to industrial architecture and tourist destinations in the surroundings. The building was opened to the public on 9 September 2015.

Vodárna Kolín is a valuable example of technical architecture that combines the history of urban infrastructure with modern use for the public. Her visit offers not only a unique view of the city, but also insight into the technical history of the region.