Introduction: Beginnings of the Association
Pražské centrum association was founded in 2015 as a formal organization of a group of people who had already been running a cultural centre in the former Žižkov Freight Station since 2013.
Working together with a number of state, civic, and private partners, they managed to put on a rich cultural programme that attracted strong public interest.
Over three years of its operation, the association estimates it welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. A site once closed to the public became one of the most distinctive points on Prague’s cultural map.
Members of the Association
Matěj Velek – runs his own production studio, providing technical and production services for theatre, film, exhibitions, and other cultural projects.
From the very beginning, he was involved in designing all construction and spatial adaptations at the Žižkov Freight Railway Station Cultural Centre, as well as managing the café operations. Since 2017, he has been responsible for the operation and management of the Kasárna Karlín complex, and coordinates its physical development.
Jan Touš – as production director of KC Kasárna Karlín, he is responsible for coordinating events and the production team. He previously worked with the student theatre Pidivadlo and on the production team of Jeden svět (One World) documentary film festival.
Ondřej Kolář – a lawyer and economist who, since early 2015, has worked with the other members on organising and providing legal support for the operation of KC NNŽ, and since 2017 for KC Kasárna Karlín.
2013 – 2015: Žižkov Freight Station (NNŽ)
In 2013, the station building was declared a cultural heritage monument. That same year, a pilot season took place in one of the station’s former warehouse buildings, in collaboration with Divadlo Letí and members of what would later become the association.
Two further seasons followed, with the project expanding through partnerships with the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague), the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery, the National Film Archive, and the Tygr v tísni Theatre Company.
The defining moment was the 2015 season, when a monumental outdoor terrace was built on the former railway tracks, hosting large open-air events and a regular outdoor cinema, giving visitors a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of this unique industrial functionalist landmark.
2017 – 2025: Kasárna Karlín (KK)
During 2016, members of the association, together with the original team, focused on finding a new home in similarly striking premises. They spent six months temporarily involved in revitalising the Továrna Holešovice community centre.
At the same time, negotiations were under way with the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic (then led by Minister Robert Pelikán) regarding the lease of Kasárna Karlín.
In 2017, the association signed a loan-for-use agreement with the ministry for the so-called New Building and courtyard of Kasárna Karlín.
The site opened to the public for the first time on 23 June 2017, to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Karlín.
Through the team’s hard work and investments, it was transformed from a neglected parking area into an urban oasis.
Some of the key changes:
Removing over 120 tonnes of waste, self-seeded and dead trees, shrubs, and hazardous structures.
Dividing the courtyard into multiple zones: beach volleyball court, children’s play area, outdoor cinema seating area, pétanque court, and seating areas.
Installation of four sculptures, by artists Josefína Jonášová, Čestmír Suška, and František Skála; the site was also originally home to the legendary “Prastánek” by František Skála.
Planting 28 trees along with numerous plants in large pots, as well as repairing a significant portion of the courtyard’s paving.
Installation of a three-part exhibition around the perimeter documenting the history of the barracks, their current use, and an anthropological study of life in the barracks based on interviews with contemporary witnesses.
New Building:
Removing dozens of tonnes of rubble and waste as well as repairing numerous structural and interior defects.
Repairing skylights and roofing (over 110 m²).
Installing newly custom-made doors and windows throughout the ground floor, including the former swimming pool and café areas.
Installing a completely new electrical system throughout the building, with the exception of the music club.
Adding new facilities, including four maintenance rooms, 31 toilets, two accessible toilets, six showers, and a laundry room.
Converting the military storage facility into a study room with a café, and a new lecture and screening hall (“cinema hall”).
Renovating the former military swimming pool and changing rooms into a multifunctional event space and a café with supporting facilities.
Converting the military training room into a space for a dance and movement school.
Significance and Contribution
Pražské centrum association is actively transforming vacant spaces into vibrant cultural and community hubs, keeping their historical value in mind.
It is opening them to the public – apart from attending cultural events, it enables them to be used for education, sports and many other activities.
It plays an active role in showing what revitalisation of public space can look like, emphasising its return to local communities.
Challenges and Perspectives
Revitalising spaces on this scale is always demanding – it requires substantial investment, technical and organisational resources, and the involvement of partners from the public, private, and civic sectors.
Over the past years, the association has invested more than fifteen million Czech crowns in improving Kasárna Karlín, funds it earned entirely through its own activities. Beyond these investments, the association has also generated significant savings for the public sector by providing site security, operating public toilets, and delivering other public services. The annual cost of these services exceeds 3 million Czech crowns, meaning that over eight years of operating Kasárna Karlín, the association has saved the state more than 24 million Czech crowns.
Sustainability of operations – The association’s goal is not only to create inspiring public spaces, but also to ensure their continued operation, maintain a high-quality programme, and encourage lasting public engagement.
Focus on inclusion – The association has ensured that the spaces and programmes are genuinely accessible to the wider public, including people of different ages, social backgrounds, and ethnic groups.
Conclusion
Pražské centrum association stands as a significant player in Prague’s urban culture – from its origins at NNŽ to its development of the Kasárna Karlín complex.
Its mission, long-term vision, goals, and concrete achievements demonstrate how a cultural initiative can actively reshape and revitalise urban environment.
Its story serves as an inspiring example of how the thoughtful revitalization of underused urban spaces can strengthen local communities and create lasting public value.