Gears grind. Imagine stepping into a futuristic, industrial pirate’s cove. This is the Cross Club.
The Cross Club is more than just a venue. It is a multicultural center. It stands as a crossroads of cultures. You will find it in the heart of Prague’s Holešovice district.
Founded in 2002, the Cross Club began as a low-key space. A small group of friends led by František Sádra Chmelík created it. It was a place for DJs and Czech creatives to practice. Word spread quickly. The owners raised over half a million Czech koruna via crowdfunding. This allowed them to expand the club.
Over a few years, the Cross Club grew. It became a three-floor factory. It churned out art, activism, and education. Of course, there were also banging electronic concerts.
The Cross Club’s design is uniquely futuristic. Unusual artifacts fill the space. This gives the club its unique identity. The interior is innovative and imaginative. It uses natural materials. Much of the design incorporates trash metal and waste. The Cross Club team created it themselves. The space is constantly evolving.
Musically, the Cross Club is diverse. Early DJs focused on dubstep, EDM, and breakbeat. The repertoire expanded over time. Now, you can hear punk, ska, rockabilly and reggae. World music and experimental music are also featured.
But the Cross Club offers more than just music. Family-friendly programs occur during the day. There are children’s theater and puppet shows. The “Ghettollege” program offers educational lectures. Topics range from Islamic theology to software programming. These lectures are often free.
Other events include poetry readings and film screenings. You might even catch a costume contest. A café offers food and drinks. It’s a great place to relax after dancing or learning. The Cross Café features fresh coffee and delicious food. Specials are available every day.
The Cross Club has multiple bars. There are also two indoor stages. You’ll find a theater and rehearsal studios. An outdoor sitting area includes its own stage.
In 2014, The Guardian listed the Cross Club. It was named one of the 25 best clubs in Europe.
The Cross Club is easily accessible by metro. Take the metro to Nádraží Holešovice. Then, walk east along Plynární street. Look for the enormous industrial sculpture. It stands in front of a tall yellow building. You have arrived at the Cross Club.
Entry is often free during the week. Weekends may have a friendly admission fee. This supports the club’s diverse programming. The Cross Club is a space where people and art styles cross paths. It is a true crossroads of culture.