Neutral Palette Unifies Dining Spaces in Cinema Conversion

In the heart of Prague, the transformation of a former interwar cinema and 19th-century stables into a multi-functional venue named Alma showcases the power of a neutral colour palette in uniting diverse spaces. Renowned local studio Neuhäusl Hunal led the 800-square-metre renovation, seamlessly blending the site’s historical elements with contemporary design.

GALLERY  

The ground floor of Alma now hosts a restaurant, café, wine bar, wine shop, and garden area, while the basement level features a bar that doubles as a nightclub, a function hall, a fermentation room, and a dedicated wine-tasting space. Despite the variety of purposes within the building, a cohesive atmosphere prevails, thanks to a design scheme dominated by sober, earthy tones. This palette not only reflects the laid-back yet refined ambiance characteristic of operator Kro’s locations but also ties together the various architectural styles present on the site.

“The Alma project is housed in three buildings – the many-times-rebuilt classicistic house and the former stables in the courtyard date back to the 19th century,” Neuhäusl Hunal explained. “The Alma cinema – which houses the restaurant today – was completed in 1924.”

Throughout the interiors, unobtrusive lighting fixtures play a key role, providing both task and ambient lighting while highlighting the space’s original historic structures and vaults. The tiled walls, which gradually darken from a light beige in the café to a dark tone in the subterranean bar, further enhance the venue’s sophisticated aesthetic.

In a bold contrast to the muted interiors, graphic designer Jan Horčík introduced a striking wayfinding system featuring chunky uppercase lettering displayed on illuminated light boxes. “The sober interior is complemented by funky lightboxes, which illuminate it with their novel colours, formulations, and graphic design,” the studio noted.

Alma’s design is not only visually cohesive but also functionally versatile, serving visitors from morning till night. Whether it’s enjoying breakfast in the café, a leisurely lunch in the restaurant, or a drink in the wine bar, the space’s character, colour, and atmosphere evolve seamlessly throughout the day, reflecting the thoughtful design behind this unique conversion.

Images by Radek Úlehla via Dezeen

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