BUT Opens New Centre in the Heart of Brno, Connecting Science, Technology and Art

Brno University of Technology (BUT), with the support of the Brno-střed municipal district, has opened the Center BUT Tržnice – a vibrant, open space in the centre of Brno where technology, science and art meet. The new centre will serve the public, students and professionals as a place for learning, meeting and inspiration. Its programme will feature lectures, workshops, exhibitions, conferences and informal gatherings. The centre aims to become an important platform for dialogue on current societal issues and for sharing knowledge across disciplines.

“Center BUT Tržnice gives our university an attractive space in the very heart of Brno, where we can present to the public the full scope of what we do at the university. We want to act here as a partner for open discussion on current societal challenges – in science, research and education, as well as in art, design and architecture. At the same time, I believe it will become a lively and inspiring place. Our presence can contribute to its renewed revival and give it contemporary, meaningful content,” says Milan Houser, Vice-Rector for Artistic Activities and Sustainability at BUT.

The market hall building is managed by the Brno-střed municipal district, which provided the premises for the university centre. “We had been planning to open a university club or similar space for students and young people in the market hall for quite some time. The key was regaining access to the first floor of the building, which had until now been leased by the current tenant of the entire market hall. After negotiations, we succeeded in agreeing to a reduction of the lease agreement, which enabled us to offer the space to BUT. I believe the new university centre will bring life, energy and a programme open not only to students, but also to the wider public,” says Vojtěch Mencl, Mayor of the Brno-střed municipal district.

The centre was created through a sensitive adaptation of the first-floor space of Brno’s market hall, led by architect and Faculty of Architecture lecturer Michal Palaščak. “Our studio reconstructed the dilapidated market hall ten years ago. It was a project close to my heart, and I was looking forward to seeing the building come back to life. Unfortunately, those expectations were not fulfilled at the time. That is why I am all the more pleased that, thanks to the university and with the contribution of our faculty, the market hall is now coming back to life once again,” adds Palaščak, architect of the Center BUT Tržnice project. Students and alumni were also involved in both the design and implementation, which is reflected in the architectural solution, visual identity and interior furnishings. The graphic concept was created by FaVU alumnae Tereza Bierska and Nela Klímová from Studio Zobrazení.

The market hall building is managed by the Brno-střed municipal district, which provided the premises for the university centre. | Author: Václav Koníček

A Space That Evolves

Center BUT Tržnice was designed as a flexible and dynamic space. Most of the furniture is mobile, allowing the interior to be quickly adapted for different types of events – from intimate workshops and exhibitions to larger social gatherings. The space can be divided using an acoustic curtain, creating facilities for conferences and lectures with a capacity of up to 80 people. New technical features include sound equipment and projection screens. The final interior design also involved BUT alumni, including Plastic Guys, who supplied work tables, and Betonique, which contributed examples of concrete furniture.

The centre will also function as an open place for studying and informal meetings – visitors can enjoy coffee from Brno-based roastery Punkt., light refreshments and a calm setting right in the city centre with breathtaking views.

Programme for the Public and Professionals

The centre will host events several times a week. Its facilities will be available both to BUT faculties and departments as well as university partners. The space will also serve as a venue for meetings with representatives of partner organisations and institutions, as well as operational support for selected events in the area around Zelný trh. Visitors can look forward to:

popular science lectures and Science Café events,
workshops and exhibitions by the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Architecture,
meetings with innovators and startups in cooperation with JIC,
lifelong learning events.

Immediately after opening, the centre will offer a rich programme:

Chemical Tea at Five (May 14, 5:00 PM)
Brno Open House (May 15, 1:00–7:00 PM)
Brno Expat Fair (May 16, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM)

Exhibition of diploma projects from the FaVU Body Design Studio (May 18–22)

Admission to all events is free.

Exhibitions and BUT-Connected Content

The centre will also serve as an exhibition venue with regularly changing displays. Student-built racing cars were on display at the opening, followed by an exhibition of diploma projects from the Faculty of Fine Arts.

The centre also includes a retail area offering publications from VUTIUM publishing house, university merchandise and an e-shop collection point. It also serves as an information point for prospective students and alumni activities.

New Life for the Market Hall

The establishment of Center BUT Tržnice also contributes to revitalising this important urban space. Local businesses such as Chleba Brno, Matějovo pekařství, Podobrazy and Punkt. collaborated on the grand opening, underlining the university’s connection with the city and its community.

Center BUT Tržnice
A place where technology, science and art meet.
An open space for discovery, learning and creativity.

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00–7:00 PM
Admission: free