The Rise of Modernism in Moravia

In the early 20th century, Brno grew rapidly as an industrial center. Wealthy factory owners wanted modern homes. They hired visionary architects to build them. This created a perfect environment for functionalism to thrive. The motto was "form follows function."

Local architects like Bohuslav Fuchs led the way. They used steel, glass, and concrete in new ways. These materials allowed for large windows and open floor plans. You can find many of these places to visit in Brno across the city center. The movement reached its peak between 1927 and 1930.

Brno even hosted a massive exhibition in 1928. This event showcased the latest in modern living. It solidified the city's reputation as a modernist capital. Many of these structures still stand today in excellent condition.

10 Icons of Functionalist Architecture in Brno

Brno offers a dense collection of modernist masterpieces. Many are within walking distance of each other. Use this list to plan your architectural pilgrimage. Here are the top 10 sites to see.

• Best Overall: Villa Tugendhat
• Best for Coffee: Era Café
• Best Free Site: Brno Exhibition Centre Grounds
• Best Hidden Gem: Hotel Avion

1. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Mies van der Rohe. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approx. 400 CZK. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets and tours months in advance.
2. Name: Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV) Type: Experience Why go: It features massive functionalist pavilions with glass roofs. Best for: Scale and engineering. Where: Pisárky. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: Look for Pavilion A, the oldest part of the complex.
3. Name: Hotel Avion Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. Best for: Photography. Where: City Center (Česká street). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: The hotel is only 8 meters wide.
4. Name: Era Café Type: Experience Why go: A fully restored functionalist café with a red spiral staircase. Best for: A lunch break. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a coffee/meal. Getting there: Near Villa Tugendhat. Tip: Try the local desserts while enjoying the view.
5. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Sight Why go: Known as the "Government Villa," it hosted world leaders. Best for: History buffs. Where: Pisárky. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Trolleybus 25 or 26. Tip: The garden is beautiful in the spring.
6. Name: Moravian Bank (Komerční banka) Type: Sight Why go: Features a stunning glass brick facade by Bohuslav Fuchs. Best for: Urban architecture. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Center of Liberty Square. Tip: Visit at dusk when the building lights up.
7. Name: Alfa Passage Type: Experience Why go: A commercial arcade with a glass ceiling and a cinema. Best for: Shopping and vibe. Where: Poštovská street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the main station. Tip: It is a great place to escape the rain.
8. Name: Zeman Café Type: Sight Why go: A replica of the first functionalist building in Brno. Best for: Historical context. Where: Koliště park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Near the Janáček Theatre. Tip: The original was demolished but rebuilt perfectly.
9. Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: Sight Why go: Shows the transition from Art Nouveau to modernism. Best for: Families. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Tugendhat. Tip: You can visit Villa Tugendhat garden through this villa's gate.
10. Name: Brno Crematorium Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of spiritual functionalism by Ernst Wiesner. Best for: Unique design. Where: Central Cemetery. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5 to Ústřední hřbitov. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for visiting hours.

Planning Your Functionalist Architecture Tour

Most functionalist sites are easy to reach. The city has an excellent public transport system. You can use the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website to plan routes. Buy a 24-hour ticket for the best value. This allows you to hop on and off trams easily.

Walking is the best way to see the city center gems. Start at Liberty Square and head toward the Alfa Passage. Then, take a tram to the Černá Pole district. This area holds the highest density of famous villas. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets are hilly.

Remember that some villas require advance planning. If you miss the main tour, check for garden-only tickets. These are often available on the day of your visit. Always check the Go To Brno portal for current opening times. Many sites close on Mondays.