One of Prague`s most imposing cultural landmarks, the National Theatre, is to undergo a three-year makeover aimed at restoring its original splendour, managers announced on Thursday. Restoration work, which will take place without the theatre closing, will focus on the facade of the late-Italian renaissance style building, its massive cupola as well as the paintings and artwork in the foyers, theatre director Ondrej Cerny explained. Two giant statues representing the Victory in a horse-drawn chariot, weighing six tonnes each, at the top of the building will also be stabilised in reaction to worries about their safety. "It is high time for action," Cerny said. The theatre is regarded as one of the symbols of Czech culture and nationhood. The initial foundation stone was laid in May 1868 when Prague was under Austrian rule but the building was almost completely destroyed by fire just before its official opening in 1881. The building was restored within two years, largely thanks to a nationwide collection.