The Stalin Cultural Centre in Prague has been forced to cease operations in the middle of the summer season. The reason is the deteriorating condition of the underground rooms beneath the Metronome – but a return in the future cannot be ruled out.
The Stalin Cultural Centre in Prague has shut down – right in the midst of the current summer season. The reason: Prague City Hall has declined to renew the expiring lease. The poor structural condition of the underground chambers beneath the Metronome on Letná is cited as the primary cause. At the same time, the city emphasises its interest in continuing the project. Initial talks are already under way.
The area around the former Stalin monument has been a cult site for decades – for both the skateboarding scene and alternative culture. After the Velvet Revolution, the country’s first independent private broadcaster operated from here. Over the past ten years, the site has also become home to a small but ambitious cultural centre.
The weekend marked a provisional end: on Saturday, 12 July, the final event took place beneath the Metronome, which is visible from afar. The operators had previously announced the closure on their website and social media.
Dilapidated Structure – A Familiar Problem
The deterioration of the former monument’s structure is not a new issue. Back in 2019, the city closed off parts of the upper platform due to the risk of collapse and reinforced the most affected areas. A structural inspection at the time concluded that the platform remained safe for public access.
Now, five years later, the issue has resurfaced. The monument’s condition has worsened further. Ongoing repairs and maintenance are now essential.
Hope for Continued Operation
However, the project has not been entirely abandoned. As Seznam Zprávy reports, the operators are in contact with representatives of the city and the responsible district to explore options for continued operation. The talks remain in their early stages. Adam Zábranský, Prague City Councillor for Property Affairs, confirms the ongoing discussions. The parties are currently working on a short-term lease for the outdoor areas, in order to at least maintain provisional summer operations. “I hope that we’ll obtain approval for the underground rooms in time for the next season,” says Zábranský.
Between History, Techno and Theatre
In recent years, the summer stage at the Stalin site has evolved into a hub of cultural diversity. Alongside electronic music, classical performances have also taken place. Film evenings, discussions, and stand-up comedy have likewise featured in the programme.
The square, which in the 1950s was designed to symbolise the power of an authoritarian regime, has over the decades come to represent something very different – a symbol of change, openness, and cultural freedom.
