The Capital of Czech Functionalism

In the 1920s, Brno was a wealthy industrial city. It was the perfect place for young architects to experiment. They followed the rule that "form follows function." This led to a style known as functionalism. It features clean lines, flat roofs, and open spaces.

Today, Brno remains a living museum of this era. You can see these designs in schools, banks, and even private homes. Many of these buildings have been carefully restored. They show how people lived and worked a century ago. This heritage is part of the city's industrial heritage that still shapes its identity today.

Walking through Brno feels like traveling back in time. The city is very walkable and easy to navigate. You will see modernist details on many street corners. Look for large windows and simple facades. These are the hallmarks of the Brno style.

12 Sites for Modernist Architecture Beyond Tugendhat

Brno is packed with architectural gems that many tourists miss. Here are the top 12 locations to explore the city's modernist legacy.

• Best overall: Villa Stiassni
• Best for coffee: Era Café
• Best for scale: Brno Exhibition Centre
• Best free experience: Masaryk Quarter walk

1. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Sight Why go: This grand villa served as a home for high-ranking government officials. It features a massive garden and elegant, simple interiors. Best for: History buffs and garden lovers. Where: Pisárky district. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Usually 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 1 to the Výstaviště stop. Tip: Book a guided tour in advance to see the interior rooms.
2. Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: Sight Why go: This was the home of Greta Tugendhat's parents. It bridges the gap between Art Nouveau and modernism. Best for: Understanding the Tugendhat family history. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 150 CZK for the main house. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Villa Tugendhat. Tip: The garden connects directly to the Tugendhat grounds.
3. Name: Jurkovič House Type: Experience Why go: It is a unique mix of folk art and early modernism. The colorful facade is unlike anything else in Brno. Best for: Fans of colorful and decorative design. Where: Žabovřesky district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Usually 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 1 or 12 to the Bráfova stop. Tip: The surrounding woods offer great walking paths.
4. Name: Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV) Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the largest functionalist complexes in the world. Pavilion A is an architectural marvel with its sweeping arches. Best for: Large-scale photography. Where: Pisárky. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds unless an event is on. Getting there: Take Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: Check the event calendar to ensure the gates are open to the public.
5. Name: Avion Hotel Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. Designed by Bohuslav Fuchs, it maximizes space in a tiny gap. Best for: Seeing clever urban engineering. Where: City center (Česká street). Time: 15 minutes (exterior view). Cost: Free to view from the street. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Look up to see the unique window patterns on the facade.
6. Name: Era Café Type: Experience Why go: This café is a functionalist dream with a famous spiral staircase. It has been fully restored to its original 1920s glory. Best for: A coffee break in a historic setting. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a coffee or meal. Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: Try to get a table on the second floor for the best views.
7. Name: Brno Crematorium Type: Sight Why go: Designed by Arnošt Wiesner, this building is a somber but beautiful example of modernism. It is listed on the Brno Central Cemetery records as a key landmark. Best for: Fans of minimalist and spiritual architecture. Where: Central Cemetery. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to view the exterior. Getting there: Take Tram 2 to the Ústřední hřbitov stop. Tip: Please remain quiet as this is a functioning site.
8. Name: Alfa Passage Type: Experience Why go: A classic functionalist shopping arcade. It connects several streets and houses a cinema and shops. Best for: Exploring hidden passageways in the city center. Where: Near Freedom Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Visit the Alfa Cinema for a vintage movie experience.
9. Name: Zemanova Kavárna Type: Experience Why go: This is a perfect replica of a 1926 pavilion. The original was destroyed, but this version uses the exact same plans. Best for: Relaxing in a park setting. Where: Koliště Park. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a drink. Getting there: Walk from the Janáček Theatre. Tip: It is a great spot to see unusual statues in the nearby park.
10. Name: Moravian Bank Type: Sight Why go: A massive commercial building that shows how functionalism was used for business. It features a striking white facade. Best for: Seeing the scale of Brno's 1930s growth. Where: Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Located in the heart of the city. Tip: The ground floor often hosts public exhibits.
11. Name: Masaryk Quarter Type: Experience Why go: This neighborhood is a living gallery of modernist villas. You can see dozens of unique homes just by walking the streets. Best for: A quiet afternoon stroll. Where: Near Kraví hora. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 4 to the end of the line. Tip: Stop by the 10-Z Bunker nearby for a contrast in history.
12. Name: Münz Villa Type: Sight Why go: A beautifully restored private residence. It shows the luxury and simplicity of the era's elite. Best for: Seeing residential restoration. Where: Hroznová street. Time: 20 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Walk from the Exhibition Centre. Tip: The street is full of other smaller modernist gems.

Planning Your Brno Architecture Walk

Getting around Brno is very simple. The Brno Public Transport system is efficient and affordable. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on any tram. Most architectural sites are within a 15-minute tram ride from the center.

If you prefer walking, start in the Masaryk Quarter. This area has the highest density of modernist homes. You can also visit the nearby Kamenná čtvrť for a different vibe. That district offers a bohemian feel that contrasts with the clean lines of modernism.

Always check opening hours for the villas. Many are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is best to book tickets at least two weeks in advance for interior tours. You can find more details on the official tourism portal of the city.