The Prague Congress Centre (PCC) has officially begun construction of a new Exhibition Hall that will add 5,000 sq m of multifunctional event space and increase the venue’s ability to host major international congresses. The project, valued at approximately CZK 1.35 billion, is one of the largest investments in the centre’s 45-year history and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The foundation stone was laid by Lenka Žlebková, Chair of the Board and CEO of PCC, Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague, Zdeněk Kovářík, Prague City Councillor for Finance, and representatives of construction company GEMO a.s. and architectural studios OCA Architects and CMC Architects. Construction is expected to take 27 months and will help Prague attract international congresses that the venue has previously been unable to accommodate because of capacity limits.
The new Exhibition Hall will be divisible into five independent sections and will be integrated with PCC’s existing network of 70 halls and lounges. Once completed, the congress campus will offer a total exhibition capacity of 21,000 sq m and will be capable of hosting large-scale events entirely under one roof, including academic programmes, exhibitions and gala dinners for up to 1,500 guests.
“International congresses today are looking for much more than adequate capacity. Organisers expect flexible spaces, cutting-edge technology, sustainability and a strong destination experience. That is precisely what our new hall delivers. And the demand is not hypothetical. PCC already has enquiries from approximately fifteen world-class congresses, particularly in the field of medicine, whose organisation is directly contingent on the completion of the hall,” said Lenka Žlebková, Chair of the Board and CEO of Prague Congress Centre.
Major investment backed by Prague
Prague Congress Centre will finance most of the project using its own resources, having allocated more than CZK 1 billion. The City of Prague has approved a capital contribution of CZK 600 million, supporting not only the Exhibition Hall but also energy efficiency projects, technology upgrades and improvements to public spaces around the venue.
“The City of Prague is investing in PCC’s development with a clear objective: to strengthen Prague’s long-term position as one of the world’s leading congress destinations. Major congresses bring the city prestige, expertise, business connections and significant public revenue. The new hall is therefore not just an investment in PCC, but in the economy and reputation of Prague as a whole,” said Zdeněk Kovářík, Prague City Councillor for Finance.
Construction will begin in July 2026. The structural shell is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with final handover scheduled for September 2028. The project is being delivered by GEMO a.s., which won the contract through a competitive tender process.
“The construction of the new Prague Congress Centre Exhibition Hall is of extraordinary importance to us. The hall has been designed in an unconventional form as a levitating tube nearly 177 metres long, which means the construction process requires careful coordination among all those involved. We are delighted to be part of a project that will expand the capabilities of Prague Congress Centre and create a new, high-quality public space for the residents and visitors of the capital,” said Jaromír Uhýrek, founder, owner and CEO of GEMO a.s.
Sustainability and public space improvements
The architectural design was created by Barcelona-based OCA Architects in partnership with Czech studio CMC Architects following an international design competition. The project aims to achieve LEED Gold certification and includes rainwater harvesting systems and expanded green areas around Pankrác Square.
Following completion of the Exhibition Hall, the northern terrace overlooking Prague Castle will be redeveloped with a café, viewing point, outdoor seating and step-free access connecting directly to Vyšehrad metro station. The space will be open to both congress delegates and local residents.
“Congress tourism is of extraordinary importance for Prague. It is not only about economic benefit, but also about knowledge exchange, innovation and international connections. Congresses bring leading specialists from around the world to Prague and strengthen ties between Czech and international academic and business communities,” said Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of the City of Prague.
Prague recently ranked sixth worldwide in the International Congress and Convention Association’s 2025 rankings, ahead of destinations including London, Copenhagen and Tokyo. City officials believe the new Exhibition Hall will strengthen Prague’s position in the global meetings industry while increasing economic benefits from congress tourism, whose delegates spend on average three times more than leisure visitors.
