Káznice

Káznice, a former prison dating back to the reign of Maria Theresa in the eighteenth century, now serves as a vibrant hub in the area known familiarly as the Brno Bronx. Nestled between Bratislavská, Soudní, and Cejl streets, it has become an oasis of freedom and creativity, flourishing thanks to the efforts of individuals and associations. 

The prison was in operation until 1956 and bears witness to significant historical events: the Nazi occupation, post-war trials of collaborators, and unjust prosecutions and executions following the Communist coup of February 1948. Traces of these turbulent times remain visible to this day. 

Originally designed as a four-winged structure, Káznice is now integrated into the surrounding urban fabric. However, when it was built, it stood on the edge of the city’s suburbs. Established by an imperial decree on 4 August 1770, the prison was intended as a regional penitentiary for all of Moravia. The foundation stone was laid on 20 July 1772 by Count Arnošt Kryštof von Kaunitz, and construction was completed eight years later. In 1778, rather than housing prisoners, the building accommodated 147 orphans relocated from the Jesuit College in Brno. It was not until 1784 that Emperor Joseph II ordered the closure of the orphanage and transferred the premises to the prison administration. Initially, the prison held individuals convicted of offences that led to sentencing of from one to ten years. Over the next two centuries, the complex expanded to include additional cells, halls, offices, and residential spaces. 

During the First Czechoslovak Republic, Káznice also housed the regional court. It sustained damage during bombing raids in the Second World War and was used as a prison by the Communist regime until 1956. The complex was empty from the beginning of the 21st century until 2018, when the city of Brno developed an ambitious plan to transform it into the Creative Centre Brno. 

What lies ahead for this block-sized complex? The Creative Centre Brno will serve as a space for enterprising individuals from the creative and cultural industries, fostering the development of both its local community and the broader neighbourhood known as the Brno Bronx. Part of the site will cater to creative individuals, while another section will be dedicated as a memorial space reflecting its melancholy history. Public spaces will also play an integral role in the centre’s future. The comprehensive redevelopment plan, resulting from an architectural competition, was designed by the KAVA studio. Meanwhile, under the stewardship of the Tripitaka association, Káznice already functions as a community and cultural centre.