Jul 09, 2025

Last Call at Stalin - Prague's Beloved Outdoor Venue to Shut Down

Prague Morning

A wave of renovations is sweeping through Prague’s cultural landmarks this summer and into 2026.

From the brutalist New Stage of the National Theatre to the open-air Stalin club beneath Letná’s metronome, some of the city’s most visited cultural spots will temporarily close their doors for modern upgrades or, in some cases, permanent transformations.

New Stage of the National Theatre to Undergo Major Overhaul

The New Stage, a hallmark of 1980s brutalist architecture and part of the National Theatre complex, is scheduled to begin a major renovation this autumn. The project, which also includes adjacent buildings, comes with a price tag of over CZK 2 billion.

Key elements of the refurbishment will include the cleaning of the iconic glass shell, technical upgrades, and an overhaul of public spaces. The NONA café, long a staple of the venue, will close with the theatre and will not return in its original form. In its place, a two-story café is planned, facing Václav Havel Square, intended to host cultural events in the future.

Kinský Palace on Old Town Square to Close for a Year

Another cultural landmark affected this summer is the Kinský Palace, located on Old Town Square and part of the National Gallery Prague (NGP). Renovations are scheduled to begin during the summer months and will last approximately one year.

The CZK 60 million reconstruction will be funded by the Ministry of Culture and includes replacing windows, updating heating and electrical systems, and installing a new elevator. Repairs will also be made to two main entrance portals and the exhibition spaces on the second and third floors.

Final Season for Stalin, Prague’s Iconic Open-Air Club

Meanwhile, the popular Stalin club, located beneath the metronome on Letná, is preparing for its last summer season. The venue, beloved for its free concerts, DJ sets, and relaxed atmosphere, will close permanently in July due to the deteriorating condition of the site.

“When we opened Stalin in May 2015, we never imagined how many people it would bring together,” the organizing collective wrote on social media. The final event is scheduled for July 12.

The structure housing Stalin is part of the former monument to Joseph Stalin, long since demolished, but its concrete base remains a striking landmark — and one that’s becoming increasingly unsafe.

Museum of Prague Set to Reopen After Modernization

While some venues are closing, others are reopening. After a long closure and a CZK 290 million renovation, the Main Building of the Museum of Prague in Florenc will reopen to the public this autumn.

Built in the late 19th century, the museum underwent full modernization, including new technical infrastructure, safety systems, and a much-needed elevator installation. All interior spaces have been updated to better serve the public and house the museum’s extensive collections.

 

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