Ministerstvo cannot do anything about the closure of the Karlín Barracks, Baxa said

Prague - The Ministry of Culture cannot do anything about the closure of the cultural and social center Kasárna Karlín in Prague. This was stated by Minister of Culture Martin Baxa (ODS) during today's parliamentary interpellations in response to inquiries from MP Ondřej Babka of ANO. The construction office of Prague 8 banned the center's activities because, according to them, it utilized the premises and built structures without occupancy permits. Organizers at the barracks held film screenings, concerts, and also operated a bar, café, or sauna.

"Can the Ministry of Culture effectively act in this matter in accordance with the valid legal order? The answer is: It cannot," Baxa said. If the construction office has issued any decision, only the participants in the proceedings, which does not include the Ministry of Culture, can appeal against it, he noted.

Since this January, the building has been owned by the capital city of Prague, which acquired it in a property exchange with the state. In April this year, the city decided to have an analysis of the further development of the historically protected barracks prepared. The operation of the center did not comply with the urban plan, which Prague would like to change this year. Baxa stated that the municipality requested the ministry’s opinion on this matter. According to him, in its initial statement, the ministry agreed to change the use of the area from its current function as military and security to a mixed urban core, but not in such a way that further extensive construction activities would be possible there.

The historic building of the Karlín barracks dates back to the 19th century and served military purposes during the era of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The building has been a protected monument since 1958. The state has previously attempted to sell the complex repeatedly but without success.