The barracks building in Karlín will be occupied by artists; the ministry rented it out

Prague - The Ministry of Justice has leased the former barracks in Prague's Karlín to "cultural developer" Matěj Velek, who was responsible for revitalizing the Žižkov Freight Station from 2013 to 2015. He has signed a contract for three years, but the ministry has promised him that if everything goes well, it will extend it for at least six seasons. This was reported by the weekly Respekt in its Monday issue.

Velek plans to move his team’s activities from the Žižkov Freight Station to Karlín. There, he was able to quickly establish a dynamic space in the abandoned industrial complex, where films were screened outdoors, performances, concerts, exhibits, and dances took place. The National Film Archive, which gained management of the station, has found a new operator.

"Compared to the freight station, this is an absolute Hilton; there wasn’t even sewage, while here heating is operational, and even air conditioning," Velek stated. He intends to invest the rest of his savings into the launch, relies on income from refreshments, and next year plans to apply for grants. A grand opening is expected at the beginning of June, the paper reports.

In the past, the Ministry of Defense unsuccessfully tried to sell the property. The idea for new use was brought forth by Minister of Justice Robert Pelikán (ANO). Last year, he requested the transfer of the complex under his ministry to build a judicial palace there. Some courts from various parts of Prague are to be relocated here. However, as Respekt writes, this will require billion-dollar investments and a large architectural competition. The project is estimated to launch in about ten years, so the ministry was looking for a temporary use.

The courtyard is planned to host concerts, screenings, a café, and also children's and footvolley courts. In the more preserved two-story building, Velek's team intends to establish four programming sections. One of the garages, with the demolition of one wall, will become a spacious theater hall with a café, from the uniquely preserved rehearsal room and screening room of the Prague Garrison Band a cinema with a music club, and from the dormitory for detained foreigners a gallery. The gallery will be managed by people from Karlin Studios, who last year saw a developer demolish a building they had rented for years nearby and are building offices in its place.

The historic barracks building dates back to the 19th century and was used for military purposes during both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. In the second half of the 20th century, the complex housed various units and facilities of the Prague military garrison, such as the garrison band, military police, command headquarters, or infirmary.