The architectural design competition for the Vltava Philharmonic Hall was announced by the City of Prague and the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague) at the end of August 2021.
A total of 115 teams from 25 countries entered the competition and the jury eventually chose from 19 finalists. The competition was won by the Danish architectural studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), one of the world's current architectural leaders, in May 2022.
The Czech branch of the international design firm AFRY, which acts as the local architect and general designer of the building, is collaborating on the project.
After the announcement of the competition results, the project was repeatedly presented to the public, and for several months Prague residents were able to comment on the Vltava Philharmonic Hall as part of the participation process and give their suggestions for additions and improvements.
Based on this, the architects re-worked the architectural study in detail and it was then presented personally by the studio’s founder Bjarke Ingels in January 2024.
„The Vltava Philharmonic Hall is composed as a meandering journey from riverbank to rooftop. Public flows and belvedere plazas unite the city life of Prague and the music within. Its halls are formed for sight, fine-tuned for sound, and orchestrated for functionality and connectivity. From this rhythmic structure, a symphony of colonnades and balconies extend as platforms for public life. Expressive yet pragmatic, the new Philharmonic will ascend to form a key landmark of Prague – from river to the roof,“
said Bjarke Ingels, founder of the architectural studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
The Vltava Philharmonic Hall is designed to be as open as possible to all directions. It is connected to the Vltava by a waterfront, where you can also find several stylish food outlets.
The waterfront follows on from the walkable façades, on which it will be possible to move around or even ascend to the roof to enjoy the views and delicious refreshments.
It also includes a square, which will be planted with trees and green spaces.
The project’s roof is conceived as a continuation of the square’s public space, which means, among other things, that it will be grassed over and largely accessible. It will be possible to ascend to the top either by the escalators in the foyer or by the façade galleries, where everyone will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Prague.
There will be two restaurants on the Philharmonic Hall’s roof: a city view bistro and experiential fine dining. The roof terrace will also serve as an amphitheatre for smaller concerts and movie screenings.
The design of the public space was part of the assignment of the architectural competition and the architects conceived it as a vibrant centre of life on the Vltava.
A new city park will extend eastwards from the philharmonic hall, the south side will have access to the water, a square will be created on the west side and there will be a view of the new Bubny-Zátory district to the north.
The building itself will be accessible from all directions and levels. On the waterfront you will be able to sit in stylish and modern establishments.
All traffic will be channeled underground. A new exit will be built from Vltavská metro station directly to the philharmonic hall.
The building’s interior combines a unique design and functionality.
The Main and Chamber Halls will offer a top-class acoustic and visual experience, while variable multipurpose spaces will facilitate concerts, exhibitions and conferences.
The building also includes catering establishments, music shops and an open foyer with balconies that is a meeting place for all visitors.
The building’s façade, as well as its interior, will use building materials and elements that come from characteristic local sources and that represent Czech craftsmanship. For example, glass from northern or western Bohemia, wood from Šumava or Jeseníky, stone (sandstone or marlite) from southern Bohemia, etc.
With a capacity of 1,800 seats, it is designed for classical music concerts.
The interior will use wood from Šumava, where the Vltava, on the banks of which the building stands, originates. The wood gives a warm impression and, thanks to the rough way it is worked, will diffuse sound well in the room.
The main hall is designed in the form of interconnected terraces that allow for visual and physical interconnection of all audience seating, enabling an intimate concert experience.
Designed for 550 listeners, it is suitable for chamber music.
The walls will be lined with a material that provides the desired acoustic properties. The hall’s interior is inspired by Czech woodcraft.
The auditorium of the chamber hall will offer a variable elevation, thanks to which the hall’s layout can be easily changed according to the type of event.
It can accommodate 500 seated spectators or up to 1,200 visitors at standing events and will function as a flexible multipurpose space.
Its design is a tribute to the industrial heritage of Holešovice. It will be completely sheathed with steel grids.
It is designed as a “black box” with maximum variability, so it can host a wide range of events.
It will provide space for the younger generation of artists, music schools and serve for educational programmes for children and young people.
It will be used for daily orchestra rehearsals.
The dimensions and construction of the stage in the rehearsal hall will be identical to the stage in the main hall.
The space will be lined with bent wood wall tiles to provide the necessary acoustic conditions.
It will offer a generous space with items from the collection of the Municipal Library of Prague. There will be a reading room, study rooms and comfortable seating to listen to borrowed audio recordings. Visitors will also be able to make their own recordings in the recording studio.
It will be ideal not only for performances by art school ensembles, but also for educational programmes and other types of performances.
They will provide quiet, as well as excellent technical facilities. They will also be suitable for meetings.
They can be used not only for rehearsals, but also for educational programmes for smaller groups, seminars, lectures, etc.
It will be fully equipped and can be used by booked clients to make their own recordings.
The entrance foyer will offer an open and vibrant space full of natural light, connected to the surrounding environment. It will serve as a place for all-day meeting and relaxation for all visitors, regardless of the programmes in the building. Here you will find an information centre, ticket sales, shops, catering facilities and common cloakrooms.
Part of the foyer is designed as a variable space for exhibitions and events, with the option of installing a stage and audiovisual equipment.
The foyer for the halls serves as a comfortable space for visitors before events, during breaks and after they end. There are facilities for refreshments and seating, and the space can be separated or connected according to the needs of individual events.
If the capacity is available, it can host educational programmes, press conferences or other accompanying events. Thanks to the interconnectivity of the foyer, the space can be used flexibly, for example during festivals and conferences.
A variety of catering services include everything from fast food to fine dining.
The building’s unique genius loci and the emphasis on quality and diversity will ensure a unique experience. The open kitchens, tapas bar and restaurant with views create an atmosphere where food becomes part of the cultural experience.
It will be suitable for everyday meetings with friends and business partners.
For all types of occasions. You can enjoy a drink and delicacies served as tapas
It will refresh you while studying in the library.
It offers modern fast food and a relaxed, casual atmosphere with a view of the city.
With a luxurious interior and haute cuisine, it will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
It will be a great place to hang out with friends or walk along the Vltava.
