Historic Prague railway station to reopen as cultural center next month

August 28, 2024 will mark exactly ten years since the last train stopped at the Praha-Bubeneč station in Prague 6, and the historic location is currently undergoing a complete transformation to mark the anniversary. On this date, the former railway station will reopen as a cultural and recreation center called Stanice 6 (Station 6), the City of Prague 6 has announced.

Located on the edge of Stromovka Park, the revitalized space promises to become a focal point for community activities and cultural events. The centerpiece of Stanice 6 will be its multifunctional hall, complemented by a gallery, a bistro on the former platform, and a bike rental service.

The newly-renovated center aims to cater to a wide range of interests, hosting concerts, exhibitions, sports activities, debates, and community gatherings. The initiative is spearheaded by Prague 6, which has overseen the extensive renovation efforts over the past five years.

Stanice 6 represents Prague's first permanent reuse of a former railway building, the district writes in a press release. The renovation project has included restoring the interiors, facade, roof, windows, doors, and enhancing the surrounding areas. Architecturally, the building's wooden veranda has been painstakingly refurbished, and internal partitions have been removed to create a spacious, open environment.

Infrastructure improvements have been equally comprehensive, involving the installation of new electrical, water, heating, and gas systems. The outdoor areas have been redesigned, featuring newly paved walkways, refurbished platforms, and upgraded landscaping.

Accessibility has also been prioritized, with barrier-free access provided both from the street and the platform. Safety measures include the installation of a fence to prevent unauthorized access to the adjacent tracks, which still see passing train traffic, ensuring a secure environment for visitors.

Designed by architect Antonín Jüngling, the Praha-Bubeneč station was the second railway station to open in Prague (after Masarykovo nádraží in the city center). It was constructed in 1850 and became operational in 1854 with the opening of the Northern State Railway from Prague to Lovosice.

The last passenger train stopped at Praha-Bubeneč on August 28, 2014, before operations moved to the nearby Prague-Podbaba station. Recognized as a cultural monument in 2013, the building subsequently faced years of disuse following the closure of the station and its restaurant.

Prague 6 acquired the property from the city in 2019, as well as nearby land from Czech Railways. Following a challenging restoration process, operators Richard Preisler, Martin Kontra, and Martin Krb, known for their innovative cultural projects like Bajkazyl, Bike Jesus, Fuchs 2, and Šachta, won a tender to operate the location for the next ten years.