National house Ústí nad Labem

The National House in Ústí nad Labem is entering a new chapter in its history, seeking a new identity that builds on its cultural legacy while responding to the needs of a contemporary cultural venue.

The competition calls for a proposal to redesign the building's interior and operational layout, with the aim of creating a modern, flexible, and sustainable cultural centre. The ambition goes beyond restoring the existing building; it is to transform the National House into an open and welcoming venue for concerts, theatre performances, club events, conferences, community activities, and a wide range of contemporary cultural programmes.

The competition is looking for proposals that thoughtfully integrate architecture, operations, and technical infrastructure. Key themes include the flexibility of the main hall, high-quality acoustics, well-considered spatial and operational relationships, and the ability to adapt the building to different modes of use throughout the day. Participants are also encouraged to explore stronger connections to the public realm and new ways of activating shared and outdoor spaces.

The contracting authority welcomes innovative approaches and is not seeking a conservative restoration. The goal is to identify a proposal that unlocks the full potential of the National House, strengthens its role within the city, and provides a high-quality setting for cultural life for decades to come.