Venues
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DOX+
Poupětova 1339/3
170 00 Praha 7 - Holešovice
Map →The DOX Centre is a dynamic cultural platform and a space for bringing together different approaches and trends in the arts. Its independence from state institutions enables it to put on an eclectic programme with international scope.
DOX is an outstanding example of contemporary architecture. This internationally recognized project involving the transformation of an old factory into a multi-functional space is the work of architect Ivan Kroupa. In 2008, DOX was nominated for the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award. The prestigious Phaidon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture includes it among the best 1000 architectural projects of the last ten years. Over 3000 m2 of exhibition space are supplemented by a café, a bookshop, and a design shop.
In 2018, DOX was expanded to include a state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall called DOX+, which was designed by the architectural studio Petr Hájek Architects. DOX+ is primarily used for staged performance – theatre, dance, music, and film. It has become an important venue on the Prague concert scene, in particular for fans of contemporary music.
Festival artists to have appeared at Dox+ include contemporary composers Caroline Shaw and Michael Gordon.
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Rudolfinum
Alšovo nábř. 12,
110 00 Josefov
227 059 227
Map →Rudolfinum is one the most important neo-renaissance buildings in the Czech Republic. It was conceived as a multi-purpose cultural centre which emphasised its contemporary European significance. Designed by eminent Czech architects Josef Zítek and Josef Schulz, it became a cultural centre combining exhibition rooms with concert halls and a museum. The grand opening took place on 24 January 1885 in the presence of Crown Prince Rudolf, in whose honuour the building was named. In 1896, the first ever concert of the Czech Philharmonic took place in the main concert hall of Rudolfinum, conducted by composer Antonín Dvořák, after whom the hall is named.
Festival artists who have appeared at Rudolfinum include Cassandra Wilson, Ahmad Jamal, Brad Mehldau, Gil Shaham, Lizz Wright, Hugh Masekela, Daniel Hope, and Charles Lloyd.
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La Fabrika
Komunardů 1001,
170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice
Map →La Fabrika is a cultural centre in the heart of the Holešovice district of Prague. This unique complex was created by converting several buildings of an old factory site which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The renovation and redesign was handled by the KAVA Studio. The industrial history of the complex provides La Fabrika with a particular charm and spirit. The renovation of Studio 2 was completed in 2012. Even before its completion, this former factory had hosted alternative site-specific projects that made use of the rawness and somewhat shabby appearance of this deteriorating building. The wooden beams of the ceiling structure and other unique industrial elements of the original design were preserved during the renovation.
The festival has put on concerts at La Fabrika by artists such as alt-rapper Saul Williams, performance poet Kae Tempest, multi-instrumentalist Jiří Slavík, and avant-garde string ensemble JACK Quartet.
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Forum Karlín
Pernerova 51,
186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
Map →Forum Karlín is a multi-functional hall located in Karlín, a progressive neighbourhood near Prague city centre. It was built on the former grounds of a historical steam boiler factory, which was operational throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1908. Forum Karlín was designed by the world-renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, who said: “Forum Karlín is a unique industrial building. My job was to emphasize the uniqueness of this impressive place and sensitively modify its industrial origins. The project successfully accentuates the beauty of Karlín’s historical and industrial heritage.”
Previous festival concerts at Forum Karlin have featured Steve Reich, Julia Wolfe & Bang On A Can, Laura Mvula, and a concert performance of Zdeňek Liška's music for the film 'Markéta Lazarová.'
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Lucerna – Grand Hall
Štěpánská 61,
110 00 Nové Město
224 225 440
Map →The construction of Lucerna Palace was realised by MSc Vácslav Havel, the grandfather of former Czech president Václav Havel. The Palace was originally intended to be an ice rink, but that idea was abandoned once it was established that the dimensions of the building were not appropriate. At the time it was built, the palace notable for being one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Prague, as well as for its original glass-roofed passageway. The design of palace in general is inspired by Art Nouveau on the one hand, and modernism on the other.
The probable author of its west façade was the architect Osvald Polívka (1859–1931), who desigend the façades of some of Vácslav Havel’s other buildings (Haštalská Street 6 and 8, Vězeňská Street 4, V Kolkovně Street 5 and 7, Myslíkova Street 4, Rašín’s Riverbank 70 a 78), but all of these buildings were sold by Havel in order to fund the construction of Lucerna Palace in 1905. The core of the palace is the Lucerna Grand Hall which takes up three storeys and can accommodate 2500 concert-goers. Since it was built, Lucerna Palace has become a significant cultural and social centre of the Czech capital.
Previous festival concerts at Lucerna have featured Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Punch Brothers, Gidon Kremer, Brad Mehldau & Chris Thile, and Jason Moran.
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Archa Theatre
Na Poříčí 1047/26,
110 00 Nové Město
Map →Since it opened in 1994, Archa Theatre has built a reputation on the progressive scenes at home and abroad for its inventive programme and the unique projects it associates itself with. Archa is situated in the building which used to house the D34 Theatre and, later, the E.F. Burian theatre – a functionalist structure in rondo-cubist style built in the period 1937-9. It was designed by the architect Frantisek Marek, with the current interior designed by Ivan Plicka.
Past festival concerts at Archa include performances by Shabazz Palaces, folk duo Andy Irvine and Paul Brady, and Czech songwriter Dagmar Voňková.
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ROXY
Dlouhá 33
110 00 Praha 1Roxy is situated in a building that originally served as a cineman before the second world war. The architect of the cinema moved to New York before the war, where he designed an almost identical space, also called Roxy. The new-era history of Roxy started to be written in 1992, and the club has since become one of the most important venues on the local dance scene, also hosting concerts by cult bands and performers. The club is characterised by its stylish art-deco architecture, passion for music, and feeling for art. The first floor of the space houses the multi-purpose cafe, gallery and theatre NoD.
Roxy's history is also linked to the Prague Sounds festival. It hosted 'Spotlight,' the festival's club night, which saw performeances by then up-and-coming stars Ghostpoet, Young Fathers, Andreya Triana, Robert Glasper Experiment, GoGo Penguin, Taylor McFerrin, and Chris Dave.





