The DOX Center for Contemporary Art has expanded to include a multifunctional hall

Prague - The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague has expanded with a multifunctional hall called DOX+ designed by the studio Petr Hájek Architekti. It will serve theater, dance, music, and performances. The hall, with a capacity of 450 to 700 visitors, represents the last, fourth phase of the expansion of the DOX Centre, which, with its 8000 square meters, will become one of the largest institutions focused on contemporary art in the Czech Republic. This was announced to journalists today by the director of the DOX Centre, Leoš Válka.

"The total costs for all four phases of construction of the extensive DOX complex are around 460 million crowns, and we had to take out a massive loan for the fourth phase. However, abroad, the costs for similar types of buildings are up to four times higher," Válka told ČTK.

The connection of the concert hall with a separate rehearsal space will provide professional facilities for theater and dance productions, film screenings, performances, concerts, and conferences. The theater company Farma v jeskyni, led by director Viliam Dočolomanský, will find a permanent base in the new DOX+ space starting this year. The company will premiere the performance Refuge on June 4.

Due to the new spaces, DOX has expanded its existing programming working group, which now includes Dočolomanský, director of the documentary festival in Jihlava Marek Hovorka for film, and Petr Hájek for architecture.

"Our goal is not to adopt existing formats or duplicate the focus or programs of local established institutions focused on theater, dance, music, or film, but primarily to create conditions for the creation and emergence of new works," said Michaela Šilpochová, a member of the DOX+ project programming team and director of communication. "We will focus on creators whose work reflects contemporary society and whose signature is unmistakable and authentic," she added.

The new DOX+ hall with a rehearsal space complements the renovated six-story building on Poupětova Street, which serves as operational facilities, and three floors house the private higher education institution ARCHIP.

The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2008. The project for the transformation of the former Holešovice factory into a multifunctional space was signed by architect Ivan Kroupa. In 2011, another building was added with two exhibition spaces and an auditorium. Five years later, another space in the form of the Airship Gulliver appeared in the complex. Events focused on literature take place in its interior.