The reopening of Prague’s Industrial Palace gives travel and event planners a striking new reason to consider the Czech capital. Prague continues to rank among the world’s most important congress cities and to maintain their status, investments, such as the one into reviving the Industrial Palace shows the importance of the MICE sector to the country as whole.
Designblok 2026 marked the first public event to open the Industrial Palace. Czech and international designers filled the landmark’s Central Hall, marvelling at the restored steel canopy, stained-glass windows and painted wood ceiling which is largely original from the late 19th century. This offers a glimpse of how Prague’s historic venues can now serve a new generation of congress, conference, exhibition, cultural and sporting gatherings.
The palace has been a focal point of the Prague Exhibition Grounds for 135 years. Designed by Czech architect Bedřich Münzberger for the 1891 General Land Centennial Exhibition, the 238-metre-long Art Nouveau building is arranged around a grand central hall, with symmetrical wings extending on either side. Its richly detailed façade draws the eye from the stained glass to the Bohemian lion crest and the 51-metre clock tower.
A major reconstruction, undertaken after a devastating fire in 2008 to the left wing, has restored the building while adapting it for contemporary events. Inside, three halls provide a combined 11,000 Sqm of space, with capacity for nearly 9,000 people in theatre-style seating. The rebuilt left wing features modern digital technology and spatial-audio systems. Practical event infrastructure includes vehicle access, large elevators and parking beneath the hall.
“The renovated palace will significantly expand Prague’s possibilities for organizing large international congresses and conferences,” says Tomáš Slabihoudek, Prague City Councillor for Culture, Tourism, Monument Preservation and Exhibitions.
A campus of venues and experiences
The Industrial Palace is the centrepiece of a wider exhibition complex, allowing organisers to build multi-venue programmes and vary the pace of an event. Nearby options set within the leafy park are the Křižík Pavilions and their roof terraces, the distinctive Nová Spirála theatre and the Bohemia Pavilion. Outdoor spaces include a 4,000-seat amphitheatre, while the on-site Kolkovna brewery is a relaxed setting for informal gatherings and chance to taste traditional Czech food and drink.
Set beside Stromovka Park, the complex is also well placed for exploring Holešovice, a lively district with galleries, cultural attractions and hotels. Mama Shelter Prague is close to the exhibition grounds, with 238 rooms, six connected meeting spaces and an open-plan restaurant and bar designed for both work and socialising. Its communal areas, playful design and relaxed atmosphere make it a natural fit for groups seeking a fun and less formal environment.
For planners prioritising a central location and established hotel services, Hilton Prague Old Town offers 303 rooms and a meetings floor. Its dedicated MICE level, has 14 meeting rooms providing 1,200 square metres of event space, while nearby Náměstí Republiky metro station connects delegates to the wider city.
The hotel’s art deco-inspired interiors incorporate Czech crystal by Preciosa, bringing a local design touch to Hilton’s usual reliability of service, comfortable beds and quality eateries. Their newest unveiling ‘Cartolina Bar & Restaurant’ inspired by the culinary heritage of their Italian Executive Chef, draws inspiration from Italy’s Adriatic regions, while the adjoining bar celebrates Czech flavours and local traditions.
Culture beyond the conference
Prague’s historic buildings can be part of the event programme as well as the backdrop. Designblok 2026 extended across several city venues, including the neo-Renaissance Museum of Decorative Arts in the Jewish Quarter and the Prague Castle Riding School. At the latter, ‘Design for Václav Havel’ explored how the former president worked with Czech architects, designers and artists to reshape Prague Castle’s identity.
A clever tip for Event Planners is encouraging delegates to purchase and use the 48hr to 120hr Prague Visitor Pass to access public transport and more than 70 cultural and historic attractions, making it easier to add sightseeing to a congress or conference itinerary. From Holešovice’s creative scene to the landmarks of the historic centre, the city offers a wide range of options for pre- and post-event stays.
The Industrial Palace’s revival strengthens Prague’s position as a destination for international congresses, exhibitions and incentive programmes. Its combination of flexible event facilities, distinctive architecture and links to the wider city gives planners room to create experiences that extend well beyond the meeting room, hall or theatre. Preserving the past in this classically elegant city is priming it for the meeting and events sector in the years to come.
“For 135 years, Prague Exhibition Grounds have reflected the ambitions of the city,” says Tomáš Hübl, Chairman of the Board. “Today, with the transformation of the site and the reopening of the Industrial Palace, we are ready to begin a new chapter—one that connects our heritage with the future of Prague.”
