New Addition to Prague’s Gay Scene Opens In Vršovice

The Krymská street venue is a cinema, cafe, and community space sponsored by the Mezipatra Queer Film Festival

Expats.cz Staff Jason Pirodsky

Written by Expats.cz StaffJason Pirodsky Published on 29.09.2017 09:52:51 (updated on 29.09.2017) Reading time: 2 minutes

The Mezipatra Queer Film Festival annually presents a lineup of Czech and foreign films centered around the LGBTQ+ experience. The 18th outing of the event kicks off on November 2, but if you don’t want to wait until then for a dose of rainbow diversity, the new Patra Club and Café might serve you well.

An art gallery and community space with its own cinema and full-service café-bar, the venue occupies the first two floors of Krymská 17, in Prague’s boho-chic Vršovice district.

Photo: Patra / Facebook
Photo: Patra / Facebook

Patra was established by the civic organization behind Mezipatra, the Czech Republic’s only queer film festival. Visitors are encouraged to come for a drink then head upstairs to the gallery to catch a film or view the latest exhibition of contemporary art.

“The space provides a warm, safe environment to explore culture and challenge your perspectives. With the support of Patra’s unique programming, including special film nights, Mezipatra’s premieres and lectures are open to everyone, all year round,” says Aleš Rumpel, the manager of Patra and a former director of the festival.

Photo: Mezipatra / Facebook
Photo: Mezipatra / Facebook

The café had its trial run during Korso Krymská; an official opening was held this past Wednesday.

The cozy exposed-brick and blonde-wood rooms were designed by architect Lukáš Výtisk who said of his design, “The new community center should be a space which leaves… prejudices behind, helps delete them or deal with them.” 

The bar serves Belgian-style ales from Pivovar Clock, wines from family vineyard Hrdina & dcera in Velké Bílovice, and a good espresso martini; a small selection of vegan sandwiches and nibbles including hummus from Hummus Princess and fresh homemade nakládaný hermelín are also on the menu.

Photo: Patra / Facebook
Photo: Patra / Facebook

The multi-purpose function-room above the café will offer guests a chance to regularly meet the festival team and numerous other interesting personalities; it has already hosted lectures and workshops including a workshop for children by the TransparentCZ project. 

The new venue brings an important addition to the Prague gay scene, typically concentrated in Vinohrady and Old Town, to the Vršovice neighborhood.

Patra Club and Café is open Monday-Sunday 14:00-22:00.

Follow them on Facebook or see the website for program and special events.

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