Fancy a trip back in time? Here at Vzlet, history dances with the present. Vzlet is more than just a cultural center. It’s a place where stories unfold.
Originally, Vzlet was built in 1921. It was a Sokol cinema in the Art Deco style. Bohumil Hrabě was the architect. Imagine Vrsovice back then. The local Sokol needed a space for sports. In 1902, the Vrsovice community gave them land. It was near Heroldovy sady, next to Vrsovicky замecek. First, they built a summer training ground and cinema.
Vzlet cinema was making money. In 1932, it helped fund a new Sokol Vrsovice building. The main hall had a unique feature. A protected projection screen from 1923. It was made of plaster.
After 1948, things changed. The state took over Vzlet. It remained a cinema until the mid-1970s. Later, it became a film archive storage. After 1989, Prague took ownership. In 2002, they handed it over to Prague 10. The building was in poor condition.
In 2007, architect Michael Klang leased Vzlet. He promised to renovate it into a cultural center. In return, he got 15 years of free rent. Reconstruction began between 2007 and 2009. But Klang ran out of money. In 2012, the lease ended and Prague 10 regained control.
Before reopening, there were more adjustments. Allegedly, unauthorized interventions had occurred. In 2016, Prague 10 faced a fine. The Office for the Protection of Competition fined them. It was 100,000 CZK. This was due to a tender violation. A new tender was announced for the reconstruction.
Vzlet reopened on September 1, 2021. Prague 10 had renovated the building. It became a “Vrsovice cultural intersection.” Vzlet provides space for live art.
Today, Vzlet is a collaboration. The Vosto5 Theater, Collegium 1704 and Kino Pilotu joined forces. Together they gave Vzlet a new impulse in 2021.
Vzlet also includes a gallery. It’s a new exhibition space for Vrsovice art. The facade was first covered by Kristof Kintera. He created a site-specific piece. Eva Koťátková followed. The Vzlet Gallery also has a wall in the large foyer. Jan T. Urant was the first artist. His works were loaned from a private collection. Art is also presented in a space called Rohovka.
Brejlando is another Vzlet project. It started during the pandemic. It offers virtual reality theater experiences. You can borrow the show or experience it in Vzlet’s virtual cinema. Vzlet’s story is one of resilience. It is a testament to the power of culture. Its transformation reflects the spirit of Vrsovice. From Sokol cinema to cultural hub, Vzlet continues to evolve.