2017 — Our Beginnings and Site Restoration
Pražské centrum association, previously behind Nákladové nádraží Žižkov, takes over Kasárna Karlín, starts clearing and restoring the site, and gradually transforms former military barracks into a vibrant public space.
2017–2023 – Development and Cultural Life
Days are filling up with events, drinks are being served and the courtyard is slowly coming back to life.
New greenery is being planted and interactive features for kids, like sandpit and a dedicated space for outdoor activities, are appearing.
At the same time, the Pražské centrum association is carrying out repairs and conservation work on the New Building, gradually turning it into a café, cinema, concert hall, and dance studio.
During this period, the site is owned by the state - first by the Ministry of Justice, later by the ÚZSVM - which treats the association's activities as temporary and therefore offers no cooperation either in its efforts to change the official use of the spaces or to reclassify the building from a military facility to a civilian one.
2024–2025 — Closure of the premises
Kasárna Karlín becomes city property. The Prague 8 Building Authority bans the use of the building, citing a mismatch between its approved and actual use. At the end of May 2024, the gates of the site are suddenly closed to the public.
May 2025 — Return to the courtyard
In the meantime, the zoning plan is changed, and Kasárna Karlín is reclassified as a mixed-use urban core. This allows the Pražské centrum association to relaunch some of its activities on a provisional basis in the courtyard.
All of this is made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of the neighbors, because even a closed site still costs a lot to keep secure, powered, and maintained.
Pražské centrum association would have never been able to reopen without the support of the local community.
November 2025 — The current situation: waiting and hoping
Prague 8 Building Authority has now issued an additional building permit for Kasárna Karlín, against which an appeal has unfortunately been filed. As a result, the association is still unable to reopen the indoor spaces and must continue operating under provisional conditions until the appeal is resolved.
The appeal is more disappointing, as in recent months the association has been in close dialogue with neighbours, addressed a number of their comments, and implemented many measures aimed at minimizing the impact of our operations on the peaceful life of the surrounding community.
Současná situace
Na začátku listopadu 2026 jsme se konečně dočkali šťastného konce – proběhla kýžená rekolaudace vnitřních prostor a Kasárny se tak po 2,5 letech konečně vrátily do plného provozu.