Culture and sport
Candidate for European Capital of Culture 2015
Ostrava is a candidate city for European Capital of Culture 2015. One Czech city and one Belgian city will be awarded this prestigious status.
Architecture
In comparison with other large historical towns in Bohemia and Moravia, Ostrava cannot flaunt very many architecturally historical buildings. But in terms of modern architecture, Ostrava is one of the most interesting cities in the Czech Republic.
Theatre
In the past, the Readers´ Club significantly influenced the development of theatre and it became an important cultural centre in the city. The Readers´ Club supported the founding of theatrical groups and the construction of the National House, later renamed the Jiří Myron Theater.
Festivals
The cultural traditions of the City include many festivals. While some of them have disappeared or moved elsewhere in the past, others have remained and new ones have come to life.
Folklore
The cultural and spiritual city sphere is also enriched by dozens of different ethnographic amateur folklore groups, who maintain and develop folklore, performing to the general public, and contributing to the creation of new cultural traditions.
Music
The musical arts in Ostrava have got a rich traditions similar to theatrical activities. Music has been performed in the city since the end of the 19th century. The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, a leading symphonic orchestra, has its home in Ostrava .
Cinema
In addition to theatres, movies have been also very popular in Ostrava since the excellent invention by the Lumier brothers. Ostrava had eleven cinemas in the period between 1926 - 1930 and three of them offered sound.
Clubs
Ostrava is more and more becoming known as a pleasant centre of rich cultural events and leisure. These events concentrate especially in the area of the famous Stodolní Street , the street that “never sleeps”.
Libraries
Since the reign of Maria Theresa, the enlightened ruler of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy who introduced mandatory school attendance, the people of the Czech lands have enjoyed a great tradition in literature. Ostrava is no exception.
Houses of culture
Houses of culture also offer rich programmes. They are often visited by theatres and musical orchestras and bands both from other cities and from abroad. They organise exhibitions, concerts, balls, fashion shows, theatre performances, workshops, and company presentations. Many hobby clubs and activities for both children and adults also find a home here.
Fine Arts
While creative arts occurred in the city only at the end of the 19th century, these kinds of activities quickly developed after the country became independent in 1918. Currently, there are a large number of galleries and exhibition halls and their activities are supplemented by the biggest and the oldest one of them - the Gallery of Creative Arts Ostrava.
Sport possibillities
If you wish to make your visit of Ostrava more enjoyable and enrich it with sports, or you wish just to exercise a bit and keep fit, there are many opportunities for you available.
Cycling trails and paths
Biking enthusiasts can select from an extensive offer of biking routes and trails crisscrossing Ostrava . The network is developing all the time and offers many interesting routes and circuits going to natural or historical sites, or providing interesting rides.
Calendar of cultural and sporting events
If you are looking for cultural or sport experiences, Ostrava is the right place for you. The culture lovers and sport enthusiasts can select from a rich programme scope regularly prepared by operators of leisure facilities.