News

The international urban and architectural competition for the design of Ostrava’s future Žofinka district concluded with an unusual result: two proposals were awarded first place. The jury deemed both designs of equal quality, granting the top prize jointly to the Prague-based studio Pavel Hnilička Architects+Planners and the Danish studio ADEPT, which competed alongside Czech partners atelier.tečka, VEN.KU architekti, ohboi studio, and transport experts VECTURA Pardubice.

On 12 and 13 June 2025, the international jury reconvened, led by the renowned Irish architect Valerie Mulvin, to take another significant step towards the final design of the much-anticipated New Bazaly football stadium.

The largest dance music festival in Central Europe, Beats for Love, is entering a new decade with bigger ambitions than ever before. Taking place from July 2–5, 2025 in Ostrava’s iconic Lower Vítkovice district, this year’s edition promises unforgettable experiences, exclusive world premieres, and a spectacular atmosphere under the theme “Beats for Love Universe.”

From May 28 to June 1, 2025, the industrial setting of Lower Vítkovice in Ostrava hosted the 8th edition of the elite beach volleyball tournament, J&T Banka Ostrava Beach Pro. The striking backdrop of former blast furnaces witnessed a proud moment for Czech sport, as home duo David Schweiner and Ondřej Perušič clinched the bronze medal after a thrilling win over their Polish rivals.

On Sunday, May 31, 2025, the second stage of the popular charity bike ride Na kole dětem (On Bikes for Children) set off in front of Ostrava’s New City Hall. The cyclists, who had just arrived from Dolní Vítkovice, were welcomed by Ostrava Mayor Jan Dohnal before continuing their journey toward Slopné, the final destination of the day’s stage.

The first phase of the architectural competition for the design of the new Bazaly Stadium has concluded with nine participants submitting their proposals. These designs will now be evaluated by a professional jury, with the final recommendations to be reviewed by the Ostrava City Council.

On May 26, 2025, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová visited Ostrava as part of their two-day official visit to the Moravian-Silesian Region. Their itinerary began at the national supercomputing center IT4Innovations at the Technical University of Ostrava, followed by a welcome ceremony at the New City Hall by Mayor Jan Dohnal.

Ostrava has achieved outstanding results in the 10th annual City Nature Challenge, a global biodiversity monitoring project that this year brought together 669 cities from 62 countries across six continents. Ostrava ranked 4th in the world and emerged as the most successful city in both Europe and the Czech Republic.

On Friday, June 13, the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre will host a unique performance of White Disease (Bílá nemoc) by Karel Čapek, staged in Ukrainian with Czech subtitles. This one-night-only event will take place at the Antonín Dvořák Theatre and is presented by the youth drama company "We Believe!" from Dnipro, Ukraine — one of Ostrava’s partner cities.

One of Ostrava’s favorite natural landmarks, the Ema slag heap, is set to receive significant upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. Frequently visited for its unique views over the city, Ema will soon offer improved trails and infrastructure thanks to a city-led revitalization project.

On Thursday, May 15, representatives of the BMW Group, Czech developer Gridarch (formerly Concens Investments), the City of Ostrava, and the Moravian-Silesian Region gathered in Mošnov to ceremonially plant three symbolic Czech lime trees, marking the start of construction for a state-of-the-art logistics center.

The 64th edition of Zlatá tretra Ostrava (Golden Spike Ostrava), one of the most prestigious meets in the World Athletics Continental Tour GOLD, will once again light up the city with an all-star lineup of international athletic talent. Confirmed names include global legends such as Armand „Mondo” Duplantis, Neeraj Chopra, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Femke Bol, and Jakub Vadlejch, alongside rising stars like Gout Gout and Lurdes Gloria Manuel.

The 16th edition of the popular Ostrava Museum Night kicks off on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Around 30 museums, galleries, schools, and other institutions across Ostrava will open their doors late into the night, offering fun and enriching experiences for all ages. As in previous years, the event will begin in front of the New City Hall on Prokeš Square.

From April 25 to 28, 2025, Ostrava will once again take part in the global City Nature Challenge (CNC), the world’s largest community biodiversity mapping project. Following the city's impressive debut last year, Ostrava joins hundreds of cities across all continents in this citizen science event that connects nature lovers of all ages with scientists to document urban biodiversity.

On 26 April, the Silesian-Ostrava Castle, its surrounding area, and the embankment of the Ostravice River came alive with grand and dignified celebrations marking 80 years since the liberation of Ostrava. A rich and engaging program was prepared for visitors of all ages.

At the end of this April, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the Ostrava–Opava operation, which led to the liberation of Ostrava from German occupation. This was one of the last major battles of World War II on the European continent. To commemorate this significant historical milestone, the city of Ostrava, together with the regional military command, military history clubs, and other partners, has organized a festive program on Saturday, April 26, 2025, offering a wide range of activities for all ages.

On Sunday, April 13, the Parish Garden of St. Mark in Heřmanice was ceremonially reopened after completing its second phase of renovation. The project was supported by Ostrava’s “Creating Space” program, which enabled the garden's expansion and the addition of several new features: the “Corner of Virtues,” a gazebo, and a pétanque court.

The city of Ostrava is planning a significant transformation of the Fifejdy area. In addition to the revitalization of a brownfield site and urban development of the currently unattractive land, a new multi-purpose sports hall for at least 3,500 spectators will be built, designed specifically for ball sports.

The City of Ostrava is committed to promoting sports and physical activity among children and young people. One of the city's key initiatives in this area is the popular Ostrava Sports Games, now in their fifth year. As part of this year's program, the FIT 4 SCHOOL event took place on April 4 at Form Factory fitness center, welcoming students from grades 6 to 9.

With the kind permission of POSITIV Business & Style magazine, we are publishing here an interview by Tadeáš Goryczka with the chairwoman of the international jury for the architectural competition for the New Bazaly project, Irish architect Valerie Mulvin. Her name is associated with the McCullough Mulvin Architects studio, which has designed many fascinating buildings (see photo below). What brought this exceptional personality from the „Emerald Isle" to Ostrava?