Fórum Karlín

Fórum Karlín is a multifunctional complex and was created by renovating the existing industrial buildings of Karlín Hall and Šípkárna. These original halls, built in the early 20th century, were used for large cultural events due to their raw, industrial atmosphere—such as the Prague Biennale, Designblok, Miss Czech Republic, and performances by the Forman Brothers Theatre.

Each of the three floors of the main concert hall has its own lobby with a distinct atmosphere. The industrial rawness is reflected in the materials and details, such as exposed concrete and wall cladding made from raw steel. This is combined with refined details like custom doors, a steel staircase, and bar features. The color scheme meets the needs of production, with a dark space being essential. A monochromatic palette is accented with yellow, bringing vibrancy to the space. Fórum Karlín hosts over one hundred concerts and various social events each year.

After being purchased by Zdeněk Bakala, the Forum Karlín cultural venue was built, according to a design by Ricardo Bofill, with the Karlín Group serving as project manager. The complex also became the headquarters for the publishing company Economia.
The complex consists of two parts: the renovated industrial hall and a newly built eight-story extension, which houses a three-story concert hall with a seating capacity of 3,000, as well as 9,500 m² of modern office space. Both parts are connected by a glass atrium, creating a pleasant, shared space that honors the industrial heritage of the location.