Places

Zemský dům II and III

Zemský dům II was constructed in 1907, with an extension (III) completed in 1924. This building was primarily used for entertainment, housing cafes and social spaces on the ground and basement levels. During the communist era, it was repurposed as part of the state offices. Today, it stands as a reminder of the city's architectural transition from pre-war to post-war functions.

Rozmarýn Variety Theatre

Bílý Kříž (The White Crocodile)

Bílý Kříž, or the "White Crocodile," was another popular nightspot in Brno. It was an evening venue for dancing and socializing. The locals humorously referred to it as the "Billy Drac," playing on the English pronunciation. It was a place where people gathered for music and dancing, adding to the lively night scene of Brno during the communist era.

Bellevue Café

The Bellevue Café, established in 1913, was a well-known spot in Brno, often mentioned in literary works. Milan Kundera even referenced it in one of his short stories. The café fell into disrepair after 1989 and was eventually closed down. In 2001, it reopened briefly as Potrefená Husa before being converted into a branch of Air Bank. It's a classic example of how many traditional cafes in Brno struggled to survive after the fall of communism.

Kounicův Palace

Kounicův Palace was built between 1871 and 1873, originally as luxury apartments. In 1908, Václav Kounic donated the building to support poor students of the Czech Technical University. During the communist era, it was repurposed into office spaces. Post-1989, it became part of Masaryk University. A bust of Václav Kounic can still be found at the back of the building, serving as a tribute to its original purpose.

Moravské náměstí (Moravian Square)

Moravské náměstí, located near St. Thomas Church, underwent significant changes in the early 2000s. Previously a car park, since the communist era, got refurbished in 2010 according to the concepts and designs of Petr Hruša, with new sculptures by different artists, representing the four cardinal virtues. The square's appearance reflects the broader transformation of Brno's public spaces after the end of communism.

Museum of the Brno Region Labour Movement

The Museum of the Brno Region Labour Movement, which was located in today's "Místodržitelský palác", was established in 1957, focusing on the history of the proletariat's struggle from early industrialization until the "Victorious February" of 1948. It was a common destination for school field trips. The museum closed down in March 1990, shortly after the fall of the communist regime.

Moscow cinema

The Kino Moskva, established in 1948, was the premier cinema in Brno, known for hosting film premieres and the annual Workers' Film Festival. It was rebranded as Scala in 1991, and in the early 2000s, it became a multifunctional venue operated by Masaryk University. Today, it serves as a unique cultural space, blending its historic roots with modern uses.

Kavárna Savoy

Kavárna Savoy was established in 1929 by architect Jindřich Kumpošt for café owner Jan Nekvapil. Its design was heavily influenced by a 1927 study tour of France organized by the Moravian and Silesian Association of Innkeepers and Café Owners. During this trip, Kumpošt and others observed the latest café trends, including modern architectural and technical innovations, which were incorporated into the Savoy's design.

Located in the Thonethof building on Jakubské Square, Kavárna Savoy was a symbol of elegance and innovation. Kumpošt's redesign included a two-story interior, with a prominent onyx staircase connecting the floors. Modern features included ventilation systems that purified and scented the air, automatic temperature regulation, and spacious seating areas with large windows that could be fully opened in summer, blending the café's interior with the bustling street life outside.

The café also featured luxurious materials like travertine, alabaster, and onyx, with plush furnishings and dedicated spaces such as a gallery, game room, and even salon-style women's restrooms. Live music played from a balcony above the staircase added to the sophisticated atmosphere.

Following World War II, the café's function changed drastically. In the 1950s, the space was repurposed as a textile shop called Výběr, with much of the original interior design lost. In 2008, the building underwent extensive renovations to restore parts of its former function. While the onyx staircase and some architectural elements were preserved, the modern interior no longer fully captures the grandeur or technical sophistication of the original Kavárna Savoy.

Zlatá Studna

Zlatá Studna has records dating back to 1358. It was closed down in the 19th century, but in 2007, the fountain was restored by Hrůša and Pelčák. There are plans to return the water flow to the fountain, bringing back a piece of Brno's history.

Jezuitská Street and Religion Under Communism

Jezuitská Street, known as Chorázova Street during the communist era, was home to the Jesuit Church, which was the only religious institution on this street. Other religious institutions, such as St. John, St. Mary Magdalene, and others, were located along nearby streets, including Kozi, Minoritská, and Josefská. In 1950, religious orders were abolished under the communist regime, and these institutions faced severe suppression. Despite immense pressure, many religious institutions continued to function, albeit with great difficulty

Gagarinova (Kobližná)

Gagarinova, now known as Kobližná Street, became famous for its street illumination in 1959. It was part of the first trade fair and marked the beginning of the "Neon Age" in Brno, where many buildings showcased neon signs. This was one of the first pedestrian zones in Czechoslovakia, creating a unique urban experience.

Malinovské náměstí

Malinovské náměstí is notable for the Dům umění (House of Arts), which became the home of Divadlo Husa na Provázku in 1968. The name changed in 1969, and by 1980, it was under the State Theatre. In 1992, it became the Centre for Experimental Theatre (CED), and on September 5, 1993, a new theatre complex was inaugurated. The Mahen Theatre, another significant landmark, was involved in the theatre scene during November 1989 and faced issues with censorship during the communist regime.

Café Opera

Hotel Astoria

Located on Novobránská Street, Hotel Astoria was a well-regarded establishment that became a favorite lodging place for visitors to Brno. It played a role in hosting guests during the city's trade fairs.

třída Vítězství (Victory Avenue)

Victory Avenue, now known as Masarykova Street, is a bustling shopping street featuring popular stores like Promod and Sparky's. It is one of the key commercial areas in Brno, symbolizing the city's recovery and modernization after communism.

nám. 25. února (Zelný trh)

The building, where now a luxury hotel stands, used to be The Law Faculty. The building was constructed in 1932. It was then taken over by and used as the headquarters of the Gestapo during WWII.

Reduta Theatre

Velký Špalíček

Velký Špalíček was a controversial postmodern development project completed between 1996 and 2001. The site was bombed in 1944 and remained vacant for years. The modern design was heavily criticized, breaking many building regulations. 

nám. Družby národů (Society of Nations Square)

This square, now known as Dominikánské náměstí, was previously named nám. Družby národů. It housed a Tuzex shop, where goods from the West could be purchased using foreign exchange vouchers. The shop was part of the government's effort to obtain hard currency. Customers often bought high-quality jeans, electronics, and other luxury items unavailable in regular stores.

Mintmaster's Cellar

During excavations at the start of the 21st century, a large medieval cellar was discovered under the square. It is believed to have been the cellar of the mint master's house. The cellar, measuring 20 meters in length and almost four meters in height, is located just 60 centimeters below the surface. It has been brilliantly preserved and is now open to the public, featuring exhibitions related to Brno's medieval history.

Zámečnická Street

Zámečnická is unique in Brno for being the only street that has retained its original name since the Middle Ages. The name means "Locksmith Street," and unlike many other streets, it was never renamed during the communist era. This makes it a rare exception in the city's history.

nám. Svobody (Freedom Square)

Nám. Svobody underwent significant changes after 1989. The square was refurbished in 2006, adopting a neo-functional style. One of the most notable features is the Skácel Fountain, with a unique program of ten six-minute segments. The square is known for its flexibility, accommodating various events. It also features a controversial astronomical clock, installed in 2010 to commemorate the 365th anniversary of the Swedish siege. The project cost 12 million CZK.

Omega Building

Originaly, a functionalist building JEPA, constructed in 1933, stood here. During World War II, it suffered damage and was later blown up in 1988. After many complications, it was redeveloped and reopened as the Omega shopping center in 2006, incorporating parts of the Alfa Passage. The restoration aimed to blend modern functionality with elements of the original design.

Communist Banners and November 1989

Throughout the city, banners with slogans like "Se Sovětským svazem na věčné časy a nikdy jinak!" ("With the Soviet Union forever and never otherwise!") were common. This reflected the propaganda of the communist regime, which dominated public spaces until the Velvet Revolution in November 1989. The revolution brought an end to communist rule, leading to significant changes in Brno's cityscape and political life.