News
Uncover the Treasures of Contemporary Czech Architecture!
Open Doors of Architecture
Mark your calendars! From the 2nd to the 7th of October 2025, Architecture Day 2025⬈ will be hosted in communities throughout Czechia. This colossal architecture festival will center its theme around the female perspective in architecture and will showcase approximately 450 diverse events!
<h2>Prague: The Dancing House with the Head of Franz Kafka</h2>
<p>When you're exploring Prague, a stop at DOX and Kunsthalle is essential. These renowned <strong>contemporary art exhibition spaces</strong> are creatively established in repurposed industrial buildings. Additionally, at DOX, you can step aboard the **Gulliver airship**, a true architectural wonder!</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/f2022ff6-fcfa-4978-bec5-9bf4688584b0/shutterstock_1857349600_Prague_Dancing_House.jpg?width=800&height=533" style="width: 800px; height: 533px;"/></p>
<p>Another must-see is the iconic Dancing House, a proud recipient of a distinguished award from U.S. Time magazine. As you leisurely walk along the Vltava River and meander around the Náplavka – Rašínovo embankment, you might stumble upon the enchanting <strong>“dungeons”</strong>. These rooms boast enormous round glass doors, all while housing cozy cafés, vibrant clubs, and eclectic galleries.</p>
<p>Furthermore, don’t forget to check out the two impressive structures near the National Theatre—the <strong>DRN</strong> and the <strong>Quadrio</strong>. The DRN showcases a remarkable 21st-century architectural style, emphasizing lush greenery and public space quality, alongside its innovative interior. Peeking out from behind the Quadrio shopping center, you’ll find a monumental <strong>rotating head</strong> of Franz Kafka, crafted by artist David Černý.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/d6a5f24a-0714-42dc-a8e7-8c9886ff0993/prague-modern-architecture-drn-building-shutterstock-1933662461.jpg?width=800&height=1207" style="width: 800px; height: 1207px;"/></p>
<h2>Transformation of Historical Sites: A Former Factory and Slaughterhouse</h2>
<p>Head to Ostrava, particularly to Dolní Vítkovice, for a glimpse of brilliantly transformed industrial sites. There, you’ll discover the remarkable <strong>Bolt Tower</strong>, which features a café and an observation deck, seemingly floating above an old blast furnace.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/05df1905-4734-4cff-bd30-b2f9016f45ec/Multifunkcni-hala-Gong-Ostrava-Boris-Renner-CzT-Library.jpg?width=800&height=533" style="width: 800px; height: 533px;"/></p>
<p>Nearby, you can find the cylindrical multi-use <strong>Gong Hall</strong>, which occupies a repurposed gas holder. At the renowned Expo Real trade fair in Munich, Gong was celebrated as one of the world’s TOP 10 buildings! It serves as a venue for concerts and has become one of Czechia’s most desirable sites for congress events.</p>
<p>For families, the nearby <strong>Small World of Technology</strong> situated in a former factory hall provides ample entertainment for both kids and adults, offering insights into the wonders of technology. Moreover, modern art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Plato Gallery in Ostrava, brilliantly located in a <strong>former slaughterhouse</strong>. Its renovation has resulted in a striking combination of raw architectural elements and contemporary art, receiving international accolades.</p>
<h2>A Fairy-Tale Palace in Ostrava</h2>
<p><img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/b4492d74-64ba-40ec-97fc-61d44f940fe1/ostava-architecture-grossmann-villa-credit-for-grossmann-villa.jpg?width=800&height=533" style="width: 800px; height: 533px;"/></p>
<p>In the northeastern part of Czechia lies the stunning <strong>Grossmann Villa</strong>, celebrated as the architectural jewel of Ostrava. The contemporary press affectionately describes it as a <strong>fairy-tale palace</strong>. What makes it special are its architectural details, exquisite furnishings, and an impressive garden. Notable among its features are the vibrant stained-glass windows, which embellish this heritage site.</p>
<h2>An Unparalleled Resort in the Heart of Nature</h2>
<p><img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/962d1939-e36d-4aed-9164-4dc84ec5ded3/vir-forest-resort-hotel-accodommation-architecture-credit-for-forest-resort.jpg?width=800&height=533" style="width: 800px; height: 533px;"/></p>
<p>The four-star <strong>Forest Resort</strong> is nestled in the charming village of <strong>Vír</strong>, right by the reservoir of the same name and just an hour’s drive from Brno. Guests can enjoy elegantly designed accommodation in <strong>luxuriously appointed chalets</strong> and rooms inspired by the theme of the fourteen <strong>highest mountains on Earth</strong>. Enveloped by stunning natural scenery, the resort includes a newly renovated <strong>First Republic villa</strong> with a cozy restaurant, a spacious summer garden, and facilities ideal for hosting social events.</p>
<h2>Pavlov: Journey Through Concrete Labyrinths into the Past</h2>
<p>Some of Czechia’s architectural treasures also serve as a distinctive backdrop for invaluable museum exhibits, as seen at the <strong>Pavlov Archaeological Park</strong> in South Moravia. Its underground concrete passages emulate ancient caves, paired with white monuments that rise from the ground, illuminating the surrounding shadows. This scenic design offers a captivating glimpse into the long-gone world of mammoth hunters from millennia past, presenting a stylish blend of the ancient and modern.</p>
<img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/374e670f-a06b-4396-9ad6-70794d08b0df/Archeopark-Pavlov-Anrephoto-shutterstock-620436035.jpg?width=800&height=527" style="width: 800px; height: 527px;"/>
<h2>Cubism That Even Picasso Would Envy</h2>
<p>In September, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the passing of Josef Gočár, <strong>one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Czech architecture</strong>. Consequently, a segment of the festival will shine a spotlight on his contributions. You’ll have the opportunity to delve into Gočár’s Cubist and Functionalist works in Hradec Králové and Humpolec, where the <strong>Meda Villa</strong> will be available for public viewing starting in 2024. In Prague, festivities will recognize one of his most celebrated designs—the Cubist House at the Black Madonna—or the building housing the Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture, which was crafted through the vision of Josef Gočár and Jan Kotěra.</p>
<p>Cubism in architecture remains an exceptional rarity, and <strong>you won’t encounter such a concentration of Cubist edifices anywhere else on the globe as in Czechia</strong>! Embark on an adventure to uncover more of Gočár’s Cubist masterpieces.</p>
<p>For example, the city of Pardubice features the magnificent <strong>Cubist</strong> structure of the <strong>Automatic Mills</strong>. This complex, which now houses the Gočár Gallery, has undergone renovations and was even nominated for the Czech Architecture Award 2023. The restoration of the grain silo at the mills was particularly successful, earning a spot in the <strong>finals of the Czech Architecture Award 2024</strong>.</p>
<p>Another stellar work by Gočár—the Bauer Villa—awaits your visit in Libodřice, near Kolín. Not only can you appreciate the one-of-a-kind architecture, but you’ll also find <strong>Cubist furniture</strong> and small interior design details as part of the exhibition, which only opened to the public in the summer of 2025.</p>
<p>For a unique combination of <strong>Cubist architecture and wellness</strong>, visit Gočár’s third structure located in Lázně Bohdaneč, where the <strong>Cubist pavilion</strong>, complete with a covered colonnade named after its architect, continues to function as a facility for peat treatments.</p>
<h2>Let Modernity Speak for Itself!</h2>
<p>Czechia enjoys a rich historical tapestry and features an abundance of grand castles and quaint châteaux. It takes immense courage to challenge the long-held belief in the inviolability of their architectural styles. Yet, the results are undeniably rewarding.</p>
<p>An exemplary case is Helfštýn Castle located in Moravia, one of the branches of the <strong>Amber Trail</strong> coursing through Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea, which still stands guard today. Its remarkable transformation garnered it the <strong>Czech Architecture Award</strong>. The fusion of medieval stone elegance with contemporary construction techniques using modern materials will captivate architecture lovers and casual visitors alike.</p>
<p>Another instance is the contemporary addition to the neo-Gothic <strong>Kamenice Château</strong>, situated just a few kilometers from Prague. This former home of the famous Ringhoffer family, pioneers of Europe's largest wagon factory, recently expanded with a modern <strong>new building reminiscent of a historical orangery</strong>. The architects undertook a challenging project that achieved a harmonious design, complementing the existing cultural heritage without compromising its integrity. Come witness this for yourself!</p>
<br/>
<img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/567e7e33-a76f-4320-976c-c18d7cfaf253/Helfstyn-Castle-copy-atelierrhradhelfstynboysplaynice-www-ceskacenazaarchitekturu-cz.jpg?width=800&height=449" style="width: 800px; height: 449px; margin: auto 0px;"/>
<small><em style="text-align: center;">Helfštýn Castle, ceskacenazaarchitekturu.cz, ©BoysPlayNice</em></small>
<h2>Steel Giants and a Glass House</h2>
<p>A marvel of engineering, the <strong>Mariánský Bridge</strong>, spanning the Elbe River, was recognized as one of the <strong>ten most beautiful buildings in Europe</strong> at the century's close, connecting the various areas of the North Bohemian city of Ústí nad Labem.</p>
<p>On the opposite end of Czechia, a suspension bridge unveiled a few years ago in the mountain resort of Dolní Morava was awarded first place among similar bridges globally. The breathtaking Sky Bridge 721, along with the nearby Sky Walk, ranks as one of the most popular attractions in Czechia.</p>
<p>For another architectural surprise, explore a house clad in glass, located in Nový Bor. It houses **LASVIT**, a leading manufacturer of glass and crystal installations globally, known for crafting the iconic trophies for the illustrious Tour de France and the US Open, which adorn the homes of stars such as <strong>Rihanna and Justin Bieber</strong>.</p>
<br/>
<img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/3b0ff3f0-a982-426b-94ad-bfefa42e1a6e/LIBEREC-REGION-Novy-Bor-Lasvit-05703_CT_VisitCzechia_LIBERECKY_roubenka_V02.jpg?width=800&height=565" style="width: 800px; height: 565px;"/>
<h2>Fine Dining in a Stylish Setting</h2>
<p>How does a romantic dinner under the stars in Prague sound at the famed <strong>Ginger & Fred</strong> restaurant? Situated on the 7th floor of the iconic Dancing House, you can enjoy exquisite views of Prague Castle and Malá Strana that will make your meal even more special!</p>
<p>Another stunning architectural marvel awaits at the Miura Hotel, nestled in the Beskydy Mountains, where its acclaimed restaurant is designed to resemble a <strong>spaceship</strong>. This establishment showcases the Krychloids by David Černý, along with exceptional works from both Czech and international talents, including <strong>Andy Warhol</strong>, <strong>Damien Hirst</strong>, and Petr Pastrňák.</p>
<p>If you’re in the mood for wine, head to South Moravia! While there are countless options to explore, two stand out for mention. The Znojmo Enotéka, located in a refurbished technical space of a former brewery, offers a unique self-service wine-tasting experience. Near Znojmo, you’ll also find the Lahofer Winery, which has gained recognition in esteemed architectural publications worldwide.</p>
<br/>
<img alt="" src="https://cms.visitczechia.com/cms/getmedia/c5fcd2e6-fb0c-46d5-a2d9-9eca7ab34dee/enoteka-znojmo-vinarska_turistika_028.jpg?width=800&height=533" style="width: 800px; height: 533px;"/>
<h2>Winner of the Czech Architecture Award 2024 in the Spa Towns</h2>
<p>Speaking of the prestigious Czech Architecture Award 2024, let us introduce you to the highly regarded winner. To witness it, you’ll need to journey to a spa town—specifically the hub of Czech spa culture, Karlovy Vary. The standout project this year is the newly constructed <strong>concert hall</strong> within the historic <strong>Imperial Baths</strong>. Consider joining a guided tour to explore this remarkable edifice, where you can step into the cultural hall. Alternatively, you could <a href="https://www.kso.cz/en/program" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" class="czt-link">purchase a ticket</a>⬈ for a performance by the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra and appreciate the imaginative design of this award-winning space, likened to a crab.</p>
<h2>The Legacy of Zaha Hadid in Prague</h2>
<p>Another stunning architectural highlight of 2024, which has collected numerous prestigious awards—ranging from Best Building in Central and Eastern Europe at CEEQA to Czech Building of the Year 2024—is the Masaryčka building. This creation was crafted by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid's studio. The golden, dynamically-curved structure positioned near Masaryk Railway Station even garnered mention in a New York Times article featuring <strong>must-see spots in Prague</strong>!</p>
<h2>When Brutalism Meets Art</h2>
<p>One of the exciting developments in 2025 is the inauguration of the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel, formerly known as the InterContinental Hotel. This was a <strong>symbol</strong> of <strong>Czech Brutalism</strong> and once showcased Czechoslovak design and art. It was the first five-star hotel established in former Czechoslovakia, hosting notable figures such as <strong>Michael Jackson</strong> and U.S. President George Bush Sr. This landmark has recently undergone major renovations. The successful revival of the timeless elegance of this iconic edifice on Pařížská Street is evidenced by its <strong>nomination for Building of the Year 2025</strong>. The architects preserved numerous original artworks from celebrated Czech artists, complementing them with contemporary pieces, including an eight-meter sculpture created by the internationally renowned Czech glassworks, Lasvit. You can admire this masterpiece at the entrance of the wellness center, which is accessible to the public.</p>
<div class="czt-info-block">
<span aria-hidden="true" class="v-icon notranslate v-icon--svg theme--light czt-info-block__icon align-self-start" style="font-size:40px;height:40px;width:40px;color:#404040;caret-color:#404040;">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 24 24" height="40px" width="40px" role="img" aria-hidden="true">
<path d="M20,11H23V13H20V11M1,11H4V13H1V11M13,1V4H11V1H13M4.92,3.5L7.05,5.64L5.63,7.05L3.5,4.93L4.92,3.5M16.95,5.63L19.07,3.5L20.5,4.93L18.37,7.05L16.95,5.63M12,6A6,6 0 0,1 18,12C18,14.22 16.79,16.16 15,17.2V19A1,1 0 0,1 14,20H10A1,1 0 0,1 9,19V17.2C7.21,16.16 6,14.22 6,12A6,6 0 0,1 12,6M14,21V22A1,1 0 0,1 13,23H11A1,1 0 0,1 10,22V21H14M11,18H13V15.87C14.73,15.43 16,13.86 16,12A4,4 0 0,0 12,8A4,4 0 0,0 8,12C8,13.86 9.27,15.43 11,15.87V18Z"/>
</svg>
</span>
<p><strong>Our Tip:</strong> Treat your significant other to a meal at one of the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel’s restaurants. You can indulge in excellent cuisine, architecture, and artworks, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Prague.</p>
</div>
<br/>
<p>As part of the hotel's transformation, a two-storey glass extension has been added. Starting in September 2025, you can explore the newly launched <strong>KodlContemporary gallery of modern art</strong>, featuring contemporary works from both Czech and European artists.</p>
