What Iconic Structures Define the Czech Republic?
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is best known for designing the Brno Tugendgat Villas, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He even has an important award named after him: the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, Mies van der Rohe Award. This award is given every two years to honor remarkable buildings built across Europe. No building from the Czech Republic has yet won this award, although several have been nominated. The nominated structures include both intimate private homes and larger, well-known sites that attract visitors. Want to know which ones they are?Enjoy exploring the treasures of our architecture
Cable car exit station on Pustevny
Among the nominated structures is the cable car exit station at Pustevny, a popular destination. The Ráztoka – Pustevny chairlift provides a quick and comfortable journey from Trojanovice to Pustevny. The starting point is close to the Ráztoka hotel in Trojanovice, sitting at a height of 620 m, while the finishing point is at the summit of Pusteven, standing at 1018 m above sea level. When the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Podbeskydí landscape, almost as if you were flying like a bird. If the weather is unfavorable, be prepared for potential drops in temperature, and make sure to wear the right clothing before hopping on the cable car.
Boiler house in Libčice nad Vltavou
The boiler house in Libčice is experiencing a transformation. Currently, it is undergoing renovation, changing from a neglected industrial site into a hub for modern art and cultural events, with a distinct focus on traditional craftsmanship. The establishment of a screw factory back in 1872 marked the beginning of this site’s rich history near the capital in Libčice nad Vltavou. The factory was known for producing fasteners, both hot and cold, and over time, it became a significant player in the region. At its peak, after 1948, the factory employed over 1,000 workers and exported tons of its products across Europe. It weathered the storms of world wars, nationalization attempts, failed privatization, bankruptcy, and even a devastating flood in 2002.
Doubravka lookout tower on Černý Most
In Černý Most, you can find the unique Doubravka lookout tower, a remarkable structure made of acacia wood that stands 23.5 meters tall, designed by architect Martin Rajniš. Unfortunately, a fire was deliberately set at the tower in November 2019, causing significant damage. However, it has since been repaired, allowing visitors to once again appreciate its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. The lookout tower is part of the “The Way to Doubravka” project, aimed at rejuvenating hiking routes, bike paths, and other roads in the Čihadla area. This initiative also introduces various small architectural features and creates spots for relaxation, picnics, and leisure activities.
Protest podium – Landscape project installation
Even though the Landscape Festival in Prague has concluded, many of its installations continue to bring life to certain natural spots in the city where the festival took place. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the staff from the Prague City Hall and the Prague 3 Municipal District, who have embraced these installations, locals can still enjoy and interact with them.
Most of the original works can still be found on Vítkov Hill and Dolní Žižkov, where 15 out of the initial 29 projects remain. One of these installations is the Protest podium created by the Slovak studio in 2021.
Expansion of the DOX Contemporary Art Centre
The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague has significantly expanded its space and collection through the renovation of an adjacent office building and the addition of an extension in the courtyard. The renovated office space keeps the charm of the 1970s, highlighting a careful selection of details and materials, and is now home to a private architecture school. On the other hand, the newly constructed halls have prominently transformed the courtyard, with concrete shells wrapped in sound-absorbing materials. The smaller hall functions as a test room, while the larger one is designed for hosting music, film, or theater productions. This cohesive design is unified by a neutral grey color on the exterior façades.
Church of St. Wenceslas Sazovice
In a village that previously had no church, a very modern structure named St. Wenceslas Church was built between 2015 and 2017. This church serves primarily for religious purposes but also functions as a center for cultural engagement and community activities. Its design is modern and unique, filled with many symbols. Those who pay close attention will find the door handle inspired by the knocker from the church in Stará Boleslav, where the saint met his fate at the hands of his brother, Boleslav. On the inner side of the handle are engraved Latin words from the first legend of St. Wenceslas: “Crescente fide Christiana…” (During the times of spreading Christian faith). Modernity is evident not just in the church’s architecture but also in its interior design. Along with chimes that can be controlled remotely, there is also an optical glass cross. Under the sunlight, it reflects golden light, and under September spotlights, it turns blue. Light enters the inside of the church through a round skylight in a triangular frame, which has great symbolic meaning, reminding one of The Eye of God.
Mies van der Rohe Award 2022
The jury for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2022 found the project by the Irish studio Grafton architects for Kingston University in London particularly interesting. After several years, a local project also made it to the shortlist of forty buildings for the award—this was the revitalization of the embankments along Prague, led by Petr Janda / brainwork. Other structures that received nominations were the New City Hall in Prague 7 (by Bod Architects), the Lahofer Winery and the Enoteca of Znojmo wines located in Znojmo (both by Chybik+Kristof Architects & Urban Designers), and the Lasvit headquarters located in Nový Bor (designed by Jiří Opočenský and Štěpán Valouch) along with the Jan Palach Memorial situated in Všetaty.
Mies van der Rohe Award for 2024
In the competition for the Mies van der Rohe Award for 2024, 362 notable works from 38 European countries were submitted. The winning project was the Study Pavilion on the campus of the Technical University in Braunschweig, Germany, crafted by architects Gustav Düsing and Max Hacke. Several Czech structures also competed, many of which have previously won other awards, such as in the Czech Architecture Award competition. You can find them on Kudy z boredy. These included the Kloboucká lesní headquarters in Brumov-Bylnice by Mjölk architects, the Gočár Gallery in Pardubice (designed by Transat architects), the Kunsthalle art center in Prague (by Schindler Seko architects), the town hall in Lázně Bělohrad (by re:architects), and the Plato contemporary art gallery in Ostrava. The Slaughterhouse also stood out as the only Czech project that not only made the shortlist of forty buildings throughout the award’s history but also became one of the seven finalists for this esteemed prize.
Mies van der Rohe Award 2026: eleven Czech projects nominated for EUmies Awards 2026!
For the nineteenth edition of this prestigious competition, a total of 410 projects from 40 different countries have been nominated. These are the most significant works completed between May 2023 and April 2025. From there, the jury will create a shortlist of 40 standout projects, expected to be revealed in January 2026. The following month, that list will be narrowed down to seven finalists. In spring 2026, the judges will visit the sites of the finalists in person, engaging with architects, clients, users, and local communities. The winners in both Architecture and Emerging Architecture categories will then be announced in April 2026 at the Oulu event—one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2026—which will celebrate projects that are at the forefront of European architecture.
In 2026, the Czech Republic will represent eleven buildings, which include the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Nesvačilka, the Art studios of the Faculty of Education at Masaryk University in Brno, the renovated Red Church in Olomouc, the children’s hospice called House for Julia in Brno, Štvanická lávka in Prague, the New Provost’s Office located at Prague Castle, the Atrium concert hall situated in the Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary, GAMPA and Sphere in the Automatic Mills in Pardubice, along with adaptations of a grain silo, the Forest Swimming Pool in Liberec, and the Karlín Viaduct—an initiative to convert Prague’s Negrelli Viaduct into a community center.
