Opava's Breda will open to the public, offering space for cultural events

Opava - The ground floor of the Breda department store in Opava, which is set to undergo extensive reconstruction, will be accessible to the public starting in May. Under the management of the Opava Cultural Organization, cultural and social events will take place there. City officials are looking for interested parties from the public as well. This was stated today by the spokesperson of the city hall, Roman Konečný.

"One of the main landmarks of Opava will reopen to the public before the overall reconstruction begins. We are preparing a temporary use for the ground floor of the building and announcing an open call for anyone who wants to fill this space with programming starting from May 2026," said the spokesperson. According to him, the aim of the project is to revitalize the building, test various forms of its use, and also verify some of its future functions.

The ground floor, with an open view of the square, will offer a multifunctional space for up to 200 people, which can be adapted according to the type of event. The facilities will also include a workspace and smaller meeting areas, facilities for a café, and barrier-free access from U Jaktařské brány and Pivovarská streets. "The spaces will be in use until the comprehensive reconstruction of the entire building begins," stated the head of the project team, Jana Foltysová.

The call is intended for entrepreneurial initiatives, creators, organizations, artistic collectives, associations, and companies. "Cultural and social programs are welcome, such as lectures, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, or performances, as well as activities supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and cooperation, community, social, or artistically oriented projects for the public. The space also considers initiatives related to local gastronomy and other local products, as well as private or commercial events," added the director of the Opava Cultural Organization, Eva Týlová.

At the time of its opening in 1928, Breda was the largest department store in the country. The dilapidated cultural monument, which belonged to the bankrupt firm of businessman Kamil Kolka, was acquired by the city in 2022 for 39.5 million crowns. Gradual repairs began immediately after the city purchased the building. Last year, a construction company repaired the facade and replaced all the windows. This year, work began to save the unique glass dome. The total reconstruction costs were originally estimated at about 300 million crowns, but are now 200 million higher.

After the repairs, the former shopping center is expected to host a market, restaurant, café, and rental spaces. The architects also plan to create a square in front of the building. The transformation of Breda involves the Brussels studio OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen, the Brno studio GRAM, and the Slovak collective Spolka. The architects aim to restore Breda's original glory and open the space to the public. According to Foltysová, they are working on project documentation, which should be completed in 2027. Then, the reconstruction is expected to begin.

Opava is looking for partners for this demanding project. The city wants the facility to be self-sustaining and not require subsidies for its operation. They plan to relocate the puppet theater, which currently operates in rented facilities.