Budějovický Budvar is planning a comprehensive modernisation of its site under the motto “Open and Green Brewery.” The project aims to transform the brewery into a modern, ecological, and publicly accessible meeting point, turning it into a new tourist attraction for České Budějovice.
Budějovický Budvar is on the brink of a fundamental transformation. Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, the South Bohemian Regional Authority, and the city of České Budějovice, the national brewer signed a cooperation memorandum for the development of the brewery site and its surroundings. Under the project name “Open and Green Brewery” (Pivovar otevřený a zelený), the site is to become modern, environmentally sustainable, and accessible to the public.
“Budvar is the heart of Czech beer and at the same time a cultural symbol that reaches far beyond our borders. We want to show that a brewery can be a lively, green place that people return to not only for the beer, but also for the atmosphere and inspiration,” says Budvar CEO Petr Dvořák.
The vision emerged from an international architectural competition held in 2024 under the auspices of the Czech Chamber of Architects. 34 studios from home and abroad submitted designs. A professional jury of architects and brewery representatives selected seven finalists, who presented their concepts in two rounds.
The contract was awarded to partners MUOTO sarl (Paris) and PEER COLLECTIVE s.r.o. (Brno). Their design includes, among other things, the reconstruction of the historic malt house, a new brewery façade, a viewing platform, a brewery restaurant, and landscaping of the public areas. In 2025, Budvar signed a contract with the winners for future collaboration; a complete architectural study is expected by the end of the year.
The plans are ambitious: a new visitor centre, a brewery garden with an event space, a skywalk over the brewhouse and cellars, and a car park for 300 vehicles are planned. The goal is to make the site one of the main tourist attractions of České Budějovice.
“I am pleased that Budvar is not only producing beer, but is also actively shaping the future of its site and its significance for České Budějovice and the entire region. This strategic approach is an example of responsible action with long-term benefits for all,” says Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný.
The site could attract up to 200,000 visitors annually; in addition, tens of thousands are expected to use the publicly accessible brewery garden. The project also fits into the concept of the European Capital of Culture year 2028, for which České Budějovice will hold the title.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2028, with full completion planned for 2030. Investments are in the high three-digit million range; the business case is currently being optimised.
