Ceremonial opening of the new canteen at the Faculty of Chemistry

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the Faculty of Chemistry BUT held the ceremonial opening of its new canteen. Following an extensive renovation, the facility now offers a more modern and comfortable environment.

The Faculty of Chemistry has officially opened a new canteen. | Author: Tomáš Malcher

The opening remarks were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Michal Veselý. In his speech, he noted that the reconstruction of the original canteen builds on the faculty’s long-term efforts to gradually modernize its facilities and improve working and study conditions. He placed the project in the broader context of the development of the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology, which since its re-establishment 33 years ago has undergone a series of significant construction changes – from the originally inadequate buildings on Veslařská Street, through the construction of the Pod Palackého vrchem campus, to numerous partial modifications and reconstructions.)

He also recalled the historical development of the canteen space itself: as recently as 1998, the area housed part of the dean’s office, the study department, and facilities for a snack bar. The decision to change the use of the space was made in 2005, and the conversion into a canteen began in 2006. Over time, the separation of student and staff dining ceased to be practical, and the newly reconstructed space therefore offers a shared canteen that enables more efficient meal distribution while also creating a natural meeting place for staff and students.

The new facilities include a canteen with a serving line, a buffet, a self-service café, and a seating area designed for informal meetings. | Author: Tomáš Malcher

This was followed by short speeches by the Director of the BUT Dormitories and Canteens, Iva Jarolínová, the Head of the BUT Investment Department, Petr Marvan, and the architect Martin Pálka from the studio HEXAPLAN International, s. r. o. Together, they then symbolically cut the ribbon, officially opening the newly reconstructed canteen space.

The new facilities include a canteen with a serving area, a snack bar, and seating spaces designed for informal meetings. The premises can also be used for other faculty events organized by departments and research teams. The architectural design was prepared by HEXAPLAN International, s. r. o., and the project was financed by the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology in cooperation with the BUT Dormitories and Canteens Administration.

The programme also included a vote of thanks to the outgoing Dean, Michal Veselý, delivered by the incoming Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Stanislav Obruča. In recognition of his long-standing efforts, work for the faculty, and contributions to numerous reconstructions, Dean Veselý received a commemorative photo book documenting the transformation of the faculty over recent years.

The official programme was followed by a toast and light refreshments provided by the BUT Dormitories and Canteens. Faculty staff also had the opportunity to tour the new canteen facilities and see the backstage areas of the future operation.

Trial operation of the canteen will begin at the start of the summer semester.