Former Karlín Barracks to Be Transformed into Summer Culture Space

The publication says that the Ministry of Justice has rented the building of the former barracks in Karlín, on the corner of Prvního pluku, Křižíkova, and Vítkova, to cultural developer Matěj Velek, who oversaw the revival of the Freight Station in Žižkov between the years 2013-2015.

In the past, the Department of Defense has unsuccessfully tried to sell the building; its plan to develop a Palace of Justice, a project that could take up to ten years and cost an investment of billions, is currently tabled. The idea for the temporary new use was proposed by Justice Minister Robert Pelikán (ANO).

Concerts, film screenings, a café, and even a football pitch are planned for the courtyard area. A garage wall will be demolished to create a large theater with café, the unique and well-preserved rehearsal room of the Garrison Orchestra Prague will become a screening hall and music club.

Dormitories where prisoners were once held are to become galleries—Karlin Studios, will support the project’s artistic line-up.

From the 19th century, the historical barracks building served a military purpose; in the second half of the 20th century, the building housed the headquarters of the Prague military police. It was designed by Vojtěch Lanna in 1846–49, then the biggest building of its kind in Prague.

The space could be open as early as this June.