Prague 6 to Revamp the Kaštan Cultural Centre in Břevnov with New Hall and Garden Café

The Prague 6 district has named the winner of an architectural competition to redevelop the Kaštan cultural centre in Břevnov. The winning design calls for restoring the historic building and adding two new structures alongside it.

The competition was launched last autumn. The winning proposal includes the renovation of the state-protected historic building, along with the construction of two extensions. One will house a cultural hall seating 150–200 people, while the other will contain a café with a garden terrace that can also host fairs and markets. The plan also covers the redevelopment of the park and public space between Břevnovská and Patočkova streets. No exact start date for construction has been set yet.

A total of 44 architectural firms entered the competition. In February, a panel of experts shortlisted nine finalists, who submitted detailed project proposals. Second place went to the re:architekti studio, while third place was awarded to architect Patrik Hoffman's design. The jury also gave a special award to the firm M1A.

According to Petr Prokop, deputy mayor of Prague 6 (STAN party), the winning design best balanced urban planning considerations with respect for the neighbouring Břevnov Monastery. Prokop noted that the result should be a cohesive ensemble combining the restored historic building with the two new structures. "In the future, Kaštan should become a new cultural and community hub for Břevnov — one that fits harmoniously with the surrounding architecture while meeting professional standards for hosting events," he said.

This autumn, the district council plans to hold a public exhibition of all the competition entries, giving residents a chance to view not only the winning design but also the other participants' proposals.

The building currently housing the Kaštan cultural centre originally served as an inn. In 1955, it lost its left wing due to the widening of Břevnovská street, and seven years later it was declared a cultural monument. Today the building contains a theatre hall, an art studio, a café, and a museum of popular music. The centre is run by the civic association Unijazz.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by prazsky.denik.cz