Prague's historic sewage plant to transform into vibrant cultural hub

The Old Wastewater Treatment Plant in Prague-Bubeneč is set to undergo a transformation later this summer, blending history with contemporary culture. This protected site of national industrial heritage will soon feature a café and seasonal bar with a rich cultural program under Petrohradská kolektiv, an artist-run initiative that recently won a tender to operate a portion of the landmark premises.

The new cultural venue is slated to open its doors to the public by the end of August, the city has announced through a press release, promising a unique blend of art, performances, and quality refreshments.

"The successful applicant offered not only the highest rent but also a strong dramaturgical intent and years of experience operating a cultural center," says Prague city councilor Adam Zábranský. "The lease also includes a turnover rent of seven percent of the monthly revenue, so I wish them many satisfied customers."

The selection process focused not only on rent but also on the business concept and the ability to create a natural cultural and relaxation space. The new tenant’s proximity to their nearby artistic community will foster a unique synergy between the two sites.

"We are thrilled to be part of this new team at the national cultural monument Old Wastewater Treatment Plant in Prague-Bubeneč," explains Daniel Konopáč, chairman of Petrohradská kolektiv.

"This project aligns perfectly with our activities at the Tusculum Prague artistic residency and creative space nearby. Our decade-long experience in temporary building use and cultural platform development will be invaluable in creating a new, vibrant cultural and artistic hub in Prague-Bubeneč."

The lease includes the café and the bar, with access to nearly half a hectare of grassy space above the architecturally unique underground tanks from the early 20th century. Larger social events can also be hosted in the halls of the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"Petrohradská kolektiv will help us realize our vision of attracting mothers with children during the day, families on weekends, and bohemians in the evenings," adds Cyril Holub, the future head of the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant, which also features a popular museum that offers tours of the facility.

Since 2014, the café at the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant has been accessible and frequented by visitors on tours. The unique industrial building also offers opportunities for various social and cultural events, including private rentals for celebrations, weddings, and similar occasions.

Designed by British civil engineer Sir William Heerlein Lindley, the plant was built between 1901 and 1906 and offers an exceptional record of water management, architecture, and technology from the turn of the 20th century. It was part of Prague’s modern sewerage system until 1967 and continued to be used for sludge management through the 1980s.

Declared a national cultural monument in 2010 and an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage in 2016, Prague's Old Wastewater Treatment Plant stands as a rare example of early modern wastewater treatment in Europe. It was submitted for UNESCO world heritage consideration in 2020.