Discover the Allure of Ostrava’s Plato Gallery: A Haven for Art Lovers

Plato Gallery is dedicated to showcasing modern art. It is housed within a revamped registered historical city slaughterhouse dating back to the late 1800s, located close to the Ostrava-Stodolní train station. The restoration was done by the Polish design firm KWK Promes, led by the internationally respected architect and innovator in mobile architecture Robert Konieczny. This transformation has truly revitalized the building, giving it a new purpose. The gallery features five exhibition galleries that meet modern European standards, with a unique aspect being its rotating walls that allow the indoor exhibition spaces to merge with the outdoors.

The renovation has sparked considerable interest among experts, and in 2024, it was named one of the five finalists for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe European Prize for Contemporary Architecture – a first for any building in the Czech Republic. This prize has been given since 2001 for remarkable architectural achievements in Europe. The award highlights the importance of high-quality architecture in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

For the Ostrava gallery, the jury appreciated not just how thoughtfully the building was transformed from an industrial site but also the inventive way the gallery utilizes its space. The projects that were nominated, shortlisted, and awarded are included in the competition catalogue and are displayed in a traveling exhibition.

Gallery welcoming to nature, families, and dogs

Plato Gallery is surrounded by 7,600 m² of open green space, which was developed on the former site of a brownfield. The gallery has transformed this area into a public, open garden that is not fenced off, focusing on the values of sustainability and biodiversity. Visitors will find exciting features like a beetle garden, lizard garden, wetlands, a pond, and edible plants, as well as shaded relaxation areas designed by the MAK architectural studio. Local children also play a role in maintaining the garden, with schools, after-school programs, and a Ukrainian community having their own garden beds. Additionally, anyone interested can take a prepared seedling from the gallery to plant in the garden.

The garden also features an interactive area called Keyhole, which combines elements of a shed, workshop, and exhibition space. This area encourages both children and adults to draw, play, and relax, and visitors can even get involved with hands-on activities. The work produced in the Keyhole can be seen in the exhibit “Keys, Me and the World.” There are also various outdoor activities, such as scavenger hunts, planting sessions, or borrowing an explorer’s backpack to learn about the garden.

Leashed dogs are generally allowed in the exhibition areas; however, this can vary according to the specific events taking place. The role of animals has long been a recurring theme in the gallery’s exhibitions, with some exhibits specifically designed to accommodate furry friends.

Visitors will find a presentation library where they can borrow materials to take to the café or garden, as well as blankets. The gallery also includes the café itself.

Current displays showcase the construction of the Kosmos cinema in Třinec and artwork by a Polish artist

The “Kino Kosmos” exhibition explores a distinctive region in the Czech Republic through artwork that blends theory, fiction, science fiction, activism, and personal reflections. It presents real cinema and its conceptual aspects as a space for fresh insights into the connections between film, language, nature, and place. Curators utilize a mix of audio-visual, sculptural, and photographic works to dissect the unique cinematic language of the particular environment.

The creations of Polish artist Dorota Jurczak are marked by a distinct style that evokes elements of mystical tales that go against traditional logic. Her work draws inspiration from puppet theater, utilizing its ability to bring characters to life and turn them into storytellers.

Visitors with a stroller can easily access the exhibitions, and there are facilities for changing babies, a nursing area, and a children’s corner in the café. Admission is based on goodwill – visitors can choose what they wish to pay. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, extending to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.