Savarin Reanimated

Can you introduce us to the Savarin project?

The Savarin project is our most ambitious project to date in the historical center of Prague. Our goal is to revitalize and connect historical buildings and courtyards in the area between the streets Na Příkopě, Jindřišská, Panská and Wenceslas Square. The key element of the project is the Baroque Savarin Palace on Na Příkopě street, which has undergone sensitive reconstruction under the direction of renowned architect Jakub Cigler. Its renovation, completed in the autumn of 2024, restored the palace to its former beauty and dignity, while emphasizing the preservation of historical value and opening the space to the public.

However, Savarin is not just about reconstructing the past – it is also a project of the future. It will include restoration of the historic riding hall and creation of new public spaces, including a garden and a small square in the courtyard. These spaces will be connected by new passages, which will reopen previously inaccessible parts of the city, and Prague will gain a unique social and cultural space in the heart of the metropolis.

The culmination of the project is cooperation with one of the most respected representatives of contemporary architecture – Thomas Heatherwick. This British visionary, whose works shape the visage of world capitals, is designing his first ever building in the European Union for Savarin. Its concept combines respect for the historical context with modern and innovative design, making Savarin an icon connecting the past, present and future.

We want to create a vibrant, inspiring and open place that attracts not only locals, but also visitors from all over the world. We believe that Savarin will become a new cultural and social hub of Prague, which will be one of the key destinations in Central Europe while representing modern architecture at the highest world level.

How does such an extensive reconstruction of a historic building in the very center of Prague take place? What challenges has Crestyl faced?

Such endeavors are always a huge challenge, and Savarin Palace was no exception. This project required careful planning, precise coordination and constant communication with all the stakeholders. One of the biggest problems was logistics. In such a busy Prague location surrounded by narrow streets and historic buildings, it was not easy to remove building material or bring in new structural elements. Every movement on the construction site required thorough organization to minimize the impact on the surrounding urban traffic and residents.

The second major challenge was the historical value of the building. As it is a cultural monument, we had to carefully consult each intervention with the conservationists with whom we were in daily contact. Although their cooperation was quite constructive and they appreciated our sensitive reconstruction, it was a new role for our team – we had to learn how to respect and restore historical architecture so that its authenticity would be preserved, while enabling it to meet the needs of modern times.

How did the project get up and running – how did the vision of what the entire Savarin complex should look like one day actually materialize? And how was the decision made about what the buildings would represent and the selection of the best architects to entrust the project to?

From the very beginning, we knew that Savarin would not be just another project in the heart of Prague – we wanted to create a unique place that would appear on the map of Europe as a destination that you just have to visit at least once in a lifetime. This meant not only a careful reconstruction of historical buildings, but above all, a thoughtful concept of the entire space.

To give this vision even greater meaning, we decided to reach out to world-class architects who not only perfectly understand their craft, but can also add something unique to the project. Thomas Heatherwick was the perfect choice for us – not only are his works absolutely iconic, but the fascinating connection also lay in the fact that Alfons Mucha was one of Heatherwick's greatest inspirations in life. Given that the basement of the complex envisages a world class gallery dedicated to The Slav Epic, there was no doubt that Heatherwick would add depth and a strong story to the whole project.

Another essential part of the entire concept is the Mucha Museum, which opened at Savarin Palace at the end of February. This institution deserved an extraordinary architectural approach, which is why we approached Eva Jiřičná, one of the most respected Czech architects. Ms. Jiřičná had already successfully cooperated with the Mucha Foundation at the prestigious exhibition Mucha: The Family Collection, housed in the Waldstein Riding School. Her sense of elegance, detail and the interconnection of historical and modern elements was absolutely crucial for the design of the Mucha Museum.

We entrusted the complete reconstruction of the historic Savarin Palace to Jakub Cigler, whose studio has extensive experience in the sensitive restoration of listed buildings. His task was to return the palace to its original beauty, with maximum emphasis on authenticity, details and a natural flowing connection with the modern concept of the whole complex.

The combination of these three exceptional experts - Heatherwick, Jiřičná and Cigler – gave Savarin a unique dimension. Each of them brings their own perspective, experience and vision to the project, creating a place that is not only a rebuilding of the past, but a truly rare achievement with global reach.

Speaking of the Mucha Museum, what inspired the idea of bringing it here?

The idea arose from a long-existing intention to create a new home for The Slav Epic here in Savarin. The palace always played a key cultural role, but the last hundred years saw this legacy broken – there was a casino on its premises, which remained there until the start of reconstruction. Once the casino doors closed for good, we knew it was time to return this place to its well-deserved glory. We wanted to bring art and culture back home here, and what else should find its place here than the work of Alfons Mucha, one of the most important Czech artists of all time?

By housing the Mucha Museum here, we build on the historical significance of the palace while giving visitors the opportunity to experience Mucha's work in a unique environment that corresponds to the magnificence of his art. This space deserves something special – and the Mucha Museum in Savarin Palace fulfills this vision perfectly.

What will the exhibition be about and what is the most interesting about it?

The museum brings a completely new exhibition, which includes more than eighty works from the collection of the Mucha family, including some that have never been exhibited before. The uniqueness of the exhibition also lies in the fact that for the first time, visitors have the opportunity to see the objects that Mucha created for Freemasons, which reveals a new dimension of his work and his deep interest in symbolism, philosophy and mysticism.

We created this exhibition in cooperation with the direct descendants of Alfons Mucha under the guidance of curator Tomoko Sato. Thanks to this, it offers a personal and authentic view of Mucha's life path, his thoughts and his art. It is divided into four thematic sections: Mucha & His Homeland, "Le style Mucha" & Art Nouveau, Mucha the Visionary and The Slav Epic. The exhibition includes paintings, posters, drawings, books and photographs that complement digital projections. This combination of elements follows Mucha's spiritual and artistic evolution – from his early years in Moravia, through his rise in Paris as a pioneer of Art Nouveau, to his last role as a philosopher-artist who captured his Utopian vision in The Slav Epic.

What else, besides the museum, will be part of Savarin Palace?

Visitors can look forward to a wide range of gastronomic concepts that offer diverse tastes from around the world – from cafes, through restaurants, to quality fast food. Most tenants are expected to open their operations by the end of this year, so soon Savarin Palace will transform into a pulsating hotspot for good eats.

Will the reconstruction be beneficial from a different perspective than ''just '' in order to preserve history and provide new commercial space? For example, how will the pedestrian interconnection of Wenceslas Square, Na Příkopě, Jindřišská and Panská streets work?

Our vision is to enable seamless interconnection between them, thus creating a natural pedestrian route that facilitates movement for residents and visitors to the city. However, this is a project whose implementation will take a few more years. In the first phase, however, we will soon open the inner courtyard of the Savarin Palace. This will enable foot traffic from Na Příkopě street through the passage of the Ambassador Hotel directly to Wenceslas Square. This newly opened space will bring more life to the city center and lay the foundations for future urban interconnection of the entire area.

From your point of view, is this a fundamental, even vital project within the development of the Prague center?

Yes, without a doubt. Savarin is a groundbreaking project in which we fuse historic buildings with modern architecture and make previously closed courtyards accessible to the public. This approach has been a trend in recent years, but for us at Crestyl, opening up urban space to people has long been one of our key principles. In addition, this project shows that even great challenges can be mastered – despite the demanding reconstruction and complications associated with historical monument protection, we are able to realize our vision. We want to show that development can be not only functional and aesthetic, but also people-friendly and sustainable.

Thanks to the revitalization of historic buildings and their new use, we create an environment that not only respects the past, but also contributes to the future of the city. Thus, Savarin is not only an iconic project for Prague, but also an example that even development activities can bring valuable and sustainable spaces, built in accordance with our ESG strategy.

What awaits the project in the near future and when will it be completed as a whole?

We are just opening the Mucha Museum, which is the first major milestone in the reanimation of Savarin Palace. In the coming months, we will gradually welcome new gastronomic tenants. Thanks to this, Savarin Palace will really spring back to life and become a new cultural and social center.

The entire Savarin project as a whole will take some time to complete. However, once we attain all the necessary permits, we will be able to open the entire complex within three years. Our vision is for Savarin Palace to become one of the most important destinations in Prague and Central Europe, and this goal is already beginning to come to fruition.

Thank you for the interview.