St. Vitus Cathedral is Crafting a New Organ – Anticipate its Melodies Next Year

The process of installing a brand new organ has officially started in St. Vitus Cathedral, which is located at Prague Castle. This marks a significant milestone, the result of nearly ten years of hard work from numerous donors, organizations, and volunteers who came together to support a public fundraising campaign led by the Svatovítské Organ Foundation. There is just one last step before the project is fully realized – raising the remaining 2.5 million crowns needed to cover the total costs of installation and the necessary assessments. The official ceremony to unveil the new organ will be held on the Feast of St. Vitus, which is set for June 15, 2026.

The Archbishopric of Prague views this occasion as a culmination of a deep spiritual and social journey. The organ is much more than just an instrument; it embodies the spiritual voice of the cathedral, destined to resonate with the faithful and tourists for future generations.

Six thousand pipes are making their way to Prague

This monumental instrument, which is constructed with over six thousand pipes, was built by the acclaimed Spanish organ workshop Gerhard Grenzing. After construction, the organ was taken apart into smaller sections, which are currently being transported to Prague. This valuable cargo is being moved via trucks; the third of nine batches arrived on April 15 so that the installation could start the following day. This approach will significantly minimize interruptions for visitors to the cathedral. In the next few weeks, experts will work on assembling the organ in the cathedral’s choir area.

The complete installation is expected to take several months and should be finished by this summer. Once built, the organ will need to be tuned, which must occur outside the cathedral’s visiting hours to ensure the best acoustics. The preparation for this installation followed a complex renovation of the west chancel and includes the setup of new wiring managed by the Prague Castle Administration. The area has been diligently secured, and each part of the organ is lifted into place using a specialized lift. To quote Gerhard Grenzing, a representative of the organ workshop, this is akin to creating a musical cathedral within an existing stone structure.

Fundraising continues – will we reach the final goal?

The fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing the new organ, initiated by the Foundation in 2017, has resonated widely, inspiring many citizens to participate. The campaign titled “Let’s Give Voice to the Symbol of Our Homeland” has reached tens of thousands of people across the nation. To date, the effort has successfully raised over 106 million crowns. However, the target remains at the last 2.5 million crowns required to finalize the project, including various essential static and climatic assessments connected to the cathedral. Donors can contribute by transferring funds to the current account of the Svatovítské Organ Foundation (2109930876/2700); donors who provide their name will be acknowledged in the donor list. Donations can also be made by leaving cash in the donation box located in the Cathedral or by “adopting” specific pipes, keys, or parts of the organ. Even a small contribution can play a role in a significant legacy that will last for centuries. Additional information regarding the fundraising and project status is available on the website: svatovitskevarhany.com

The formal inauguration of the new organ is slated for June 15, 2026, and will be attended by notable guests. This event will be followed by a week of public concerts in collaboration with several orchestras and music festivals. This concert week will serve as a symbolic thank-you to all donors who contributed to giving the Cathedral its own voice. Those who supported the fundraising will have the opportunity to reserve tickets in advance.

New Organ at St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague

A landmark project celebrating the cathedral’s spiritual heritage with a state‑of‑the‑art instrument set to debut in summer 2026.

Project Overview

• Location: St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle

• Significance: Symbolizes the cathedral’s “spiritual voice” and will serve worshippers and visitors for generations

Timeline & Milestones

• Planning & Fundraising: Nearly a decade in the making

• Installation & Inauguration:

  • Date: June 15, 2026

  • Week of Concerts: June 16–22, featuring collaborations with leading orchestras and music festivals

Builder & Instrument Specs

• Organ Builder: Gerhard Grenzing (Spain)

• Features: Over 6,000 pipes of varying sizes and timbres

Fundraising Status

• Goal: Final ČZK 2.5 million needed to complete installation

• How to Donate:

  • Bank transfer (details on cathedral website)

  • Cash donations in the cathedral’s donation box

  • “Adopt” an individual pipe or component

Historical & Cultural Context

• St. Vitus Cathedral: The largest and most significant cathedral in Prague, host to coronations of Czech monarchs

• Legacy: This new organ continues a centuries‑long tradition of music at the heart of Czech spiritual life

Plan your visit around mid‑June 2026 to witness the inaugural concerts and experience the cathedral’s new resonant voice firsthand.