Prague's famed Savarin Palace to open as culture, shopping, and dining complex

The Crestyl real estate development group has completed the reconstruction of the historic Baroque Savarin Palace in the heart of Prague 1 – in the middle of Na Příkopě Street – marking the first step in a larger project to open previously inaccessible parts of the building to the public.

Down the line, the development will also connect Na Příkopě with Wenceslas Square, and the Jindřiška and Panská streets. Notably, the new-style Savarin Palace will feature a new commercial and cultural complex, complete with shops, eateries, and exhibitions.

The Savarin Palace, originally designed by German architect Kilian Ignác Dientzenhofer in the 18th century, underwent a three-year restoration project. It will no longer house a casino, but instead will be reserved for exhibitions and shopping options. 

"We want to permanently put this place on the cultural map of the metropolis with a reference to history," said Crestyl CEO Simon Johnson. Prior to having a casino inside of it, a McDonald’s outlet stood inside the old building. 

"The Savarin Palace is a significant part of Czech culture, and we are thrilled to bring back its rich history and make it accessible to the public," said Johnson.

The project is not yet complete as the final touches are still being made and preparations for future tenants are underway. The renovated building is expected to receive approval in November, after which it will be open for public use.

Members of the public celebrated the renovation of the Savarin Palace with a public opening during the Prague Art Week art show this September. The project, which cost over CZK 500 million, was a collaboration between developers and preservationists to restore and preserve the historic elements of the building.

The next phase of the Savarin project, led by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick, will see the creation of a new commercial complex in the courtyard of the palace. This will include shops, offices, a cafe, and a gallery. 

The Savarin project also includes plans for a new underground shopping center, which has received a positive opinion from preservationists. The developer is preparing for the construction of the complex, which is estimated to cost CZK 10 billion. The center will connect Wenceslas Square with Na Příkopě, Jindřiška, and Panská streets.

The complex will be divided into four interconnected parts, each with its own character and purpose, Crestyl says. The centerpiece will be the historic riding stable, surrounded by a square with restaurants and a garden. There will also be a multi-purpose space for cultural and social events, a new entrance to the metro, and a gallery that will house the renowned painter Alfons Mucha's collection – The Slavic Epic.

The Savarin Palace has a long and storied history in Czech culture. It was once home to the Ethnographic Museum and a well-known social club frequented by famous figures such as journalist Ferdinand Peroutka, director Hugo Haas, and playwright Jan Werich. Later, it served as a venue for social events and the world's first black-light theater.

The Savarin Palace's facade now displays 11 restored original Baroque sculptures by artist Ignác František Platzer, making it one of the most significant changes to the palace. "The restoration of these sculptures was a crucial part of the project, as they are an essential element of the palace's history and architecture," said Johnson.