Reading time: 3 minutes 
After nearly a year of closure, the beloved cultural hub Kasárna Karlín will reopen its courtyard to the public on May 27, welcoming visitors back to one of Prague’s most popular community spaces. While the outdoor areas will open, interior spaces within the historic former military barracks will remain closed to the public.
The venue will initially operate in a limited capacity, offering refreshments daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the courtyard open until midnight. The reopening comes after months of advocacy from local residents, schoolchildren, and supporters who campaigned for the return of Kasárna as a community gathering place.
Kasárna Karlín operators have emphasized their commitment to maintaining a quiet environment and fostering good relations with neighbors. In a letter to residents, they addressed concerns about noise and disruptions, outlining several new measures designed to minimize impact, including strict rules for concerts, film screenings, and waste management.
A new chapter for Kasárna Karlín
Kasárna Karlín’s reopening marks the end of a challenging chapter for the cultural space, which had been forced to close due to zoning issues and noise complaints. Although some critics alleged that the venue frequently held loud events late into the night, the operators maintain this was a mischaracterization.
The cultural hub’s survival owes much to the dedication of local residents, including students from a nearby school who organized a charity event to support Kasárna Karlín. Local sixth-graders raised CZK 8,060 at their school fair and presented the donation to the venue's operator, Matěj Velek.
“I was deeply moved by their gesture,” Velek said. “Their excitement to return to the playgrounds and familiar spaces at Kasárna Karlín reminded me why this place matters so much to the community.”
The reopening was also made possible by a change to Prague’s zoning regulations, which allowed the venue to resume limited operations while its full compliance process continues. City officials have expressed support for the venue, recognizing its cultural value and the role it plays in Karlín’s public life.
Noise concerns addressed with stricter rules
In response to concerns about noise, Kasárna Karlín has implemented a series of measures designed to limit disruptions to neighbors.
According to the venue’s statement, no open fires will be allowed in the courtyard during the summer months, and waste will only be removed during daytime hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Concerts will be limited to a maximum of three per year, ending by 10 p.m., with sound checks performed through headphones to reduce noise.
For the popular summer cinema program, Kasárna Karlín plans to use headphones exclusively for film screenings, ensuring no external sound is generated. Staff will also patrol the grounds after 10 p.m. to ensure visitors remain respectful and quiet. Additional security personnel will be on site to support these efforts.
Velek acknowledged that the venue has faced a campaign of complaints, particularly from one neighbor, who he claims has refused to engage in dialogue and has sought to block the venue's reopening altogether.
Despite this, the team remains focused on building positive relationships with the community. “We are committed to working with our neighbors and addressing any concerns that arise,” Velek said.
Over the past year, Kasárna Karlín has collected nearly CZK 650,000 from supporters to help ensure the venue's long-term future. A public fundraiser is still open for donations, but from next week, patrons will be able to support the community hub in person.
Kasárna Karlín invites all fans to revisit the venue from Tuesday, May 27 after a year of closure. For details about future events and additional information, see the venue's official website.
