Aleš Galerie

The Alšova Jihočeská Galerie is the only art museum in the South Bohemian Region, and one of the five largest institutions of its kind in the Czech Republic. The museum is currently housed in the Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle on the outskirts of České Budějovice. In 2024 an international competition was organised for a new building in the centre of the city. The project was a central part of České Budějovice’s investment as European Capital of Culture in 2028.

Our proposal received a Special Jury prize. The design was based on a series of stacked volumes, with the galleries arranged around a central circulation void. At roof level an open air terrace and restaurant have panoramic views over the medieval city and adjacent public gardens.

The opaque facades to the upper levels are clad in glazed terracotta tubes of varying widths, creating a subtle vibration to the elevations. Public areas at street level are revealed by full height glazed facades, creating a direct connection between the surrounding public realm and the Galerie.