Brno: A Masterclass in Modernist Architecture

Brno became a hub for avant-garde architects after World War I. They focused on light, space, and simple forms. This movement created a unique urban landscape that survives today. You can see these principles in schools, banks, and private homes.

A Brno functionalist architecture route is the best way to see them. Most sites are within walking distance or a short tram ride. This makes the city perfect for architecture lovers. You can easily spend two days exploring these sites.

• Best overall: Villa Stiassni
• Best for coffee: Era Café
• Best free site: Brno Exhibition Centre
• Best for families: Villa Löw-Beer garden

10 Famous Functionalist Buildings in Brno Besides Tugendhat

These ten sites represent the diversity of Brno's architectural heritage. Each building tells a story of innovation and social change. Follow this list to plan your own self-guided tour. Use the DPMB - Brno Public Transport to reach the outer districts easily.

1. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Villa Why go: It served as a "government villa" for famous guests. Best for: Luxury interiors and massive gardens. Where: Pisárky district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~250 CZK for a tour. Tip: Book your interior tour in advance online.
2. Name: Era Café Type: Café/Experience Why go: It features a stunning red spiral staircase and original furniture. Best for: A stylish coffee break. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a meal. Tip: The upstairs seating offers the best views of the design.
3. Name: Avion Hotel Type: Hotel Why go: It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. Best for: Seeing how architects used very tight spaces. Where: City Center (Česká Street). Time: 15 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Tip: Look up to see the clever window placement.
4. Name: Brno Exhibition Centre (Pavilion A) Type: Exhibition Hall Why go: The parabolic arches are a feat of early engineering. Best for: Large-scale industrial design fans. Where: Pisárky. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by event; often free for grounds. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for event dates.
5. Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: Museum/Villa Why go: It was the home of Greta Tugendhat's parents. Best for: Learning the history before the Tugendhats. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Tip: Walk through the garden to see the back of Villa Tugendhat.
6. Name: Municipal Crematorium Type: Monument Why go: A world-renowned masterpiece by Ernst Wiesner. Best for: Spiritual and minimalist architecture. Where: Central Cemetery. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Tip: Visit the Brno Central Cemetery official site for opening hours.
7. Name: Moravian Bank (Náměstí Svobody) Type: Commercial Why go: It features a beautiful glass-roofed passage. Best for: Seeing functionalism in a commercial setting. Where: Main Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the "Paternoster" elevator inside.
8. Name: Colony Nový Dům Type: Neighborhood Why go: Sixteen experimental houses built for a 1928 exhibition. Best for: Seeing how modern living was envisioned. Where: Žabovřesky. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (walking tour). Tip: Most are private homes, so stay on the sidewalk.
9. Name: First Moravian Savings Bank Type: Commercial Why go: A bold white facade with elegant proportions on Jánská street. Best for: Urban photography. Where: City Center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit at night to see the facade lighting.
10. Name: Vesna School Type: Educational Why go: It shows the Bauhaus influence on Czech education. Best for: Fans of clean lines and social history. Where: Jaselská Street. Time: 20 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free. Tip: It is near the city park, perfect for a walk.

How to Walk the Brno Functionalist Architecture Route

Planning your trip is easy with a self-guided Brno architecture walking tour map. Start your morning in the Černá Pole district. This area hosts the Era Café and Villa Löw-Beer. From there, take tram line 1 toward the Exhibition Centre. This route covers the most famous functionalist buildings in Brno besides Tugendhat.

Most buildings are located in the city center or Pisárky. You can buy a 24-hour transport ticket for convenience. This ticket works on all trams and buses. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot. Many streets have cobblestones which can be tiring. Check the Brno sightseeing guide for more local tips.