Automatic Mills

The Automatic Mills (Automatické mlýny) is an outstanding monument of industrial architecture located in the city of Pardubice. This majestic red-brick complex, erected on the banks of the Chrudimka River in Czechia, is rightfully considered one of the country's most impressive industrial sites. Designed by the famous architect Josef Gočár, it combines features of functionalism and Rondocubism, creating a unique silhouette that harmoniously complements the panorama of the Old Town.

Automatic Mills. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Originally created as a high-tech enterprise for the Winternitz brothers, the mills served as the heart of the region's flour milling industry for a long time. Today, the site has undergone a massive renovation and turned into a modern public space called Automatic Mills. It is a place where history meets art: galleries, educational centers, and venues for cultural events have opened here, while preserving the raw aesthetic of the old workshops.

The mill complex is included in the list of technical heritage monuments and attracts tourists with its unusual geometry, resembling a fairytale castle in an industrial style. Visitors are captivated by the contrast between the massive brick walls and elegant architectural details, as well as its proximity to the river, which gives the site a special atmosphere.

To inquire about current exhibitions or events at the Automatic Mills, you can use the official communication channels. The complex staff are always ready to help visitors navigate the cultural center's program.

A visit to the Automatic Mills offers many options for interesting leisure activities. First and foremost, it is worth taking a walk around the complex itself and admiring its facades from the bridge over the river. This is the perfect spot for taking striking photos: the monumental red-brick building against the backdrop of the water looks truly photogenic, especially in the light of the setting sun.

Inside the reconstructed space, guests can immerse themselves in the world of modern art and history. Exhibitions, creative workshops, and festivals are held here regularly. While exploring the interiors, pay attention to the preserved elements of the industrial past: authentic wooden staircases, massive concrete floors, and details of old milling equipment that turn the building into a living museum of the industrial era.

Near the main building, you can find unusual exhibits such as ship parts—an anchor, a propeller, and even a lighthouse. Also, be sure to study the information plaques that tell the story of this place and its significance for the region. Since the grounds are accessible 24/7, you can come here late in the evening to enjoy the silence and beautiful architectural lighting.

Getting to the Automatic Mills is easy, as the complex is located in the very heart of the city at Mezi Mosty, 530 03 Pardubice I. If you are already walking through the Old Town of Pardubice, simply head towards the Chrudimka River—the massive red-brick towers of the mills are visible from afar and serve as an excellent landmark. A walk from the main square will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, many buses and trolleybuses run through the city center. Get off at the stop nearest to the embankment and walk towards the bridge. If you arrive in the city by train, you can take a taxi from the Pardubice hlavní nádraží railway station in 5–10 minutes or enjoy a pleasant walk through the city center, which takes about half an hour.

Travelers by car can easily navigate using GPS coordinates and look for parking spaces on the streets adjacent to the river. Thanks to its convenient location, a visit to the mills is easy to combine with exploring other attractions in the central part of the city.

The history of this site began in 1909 when the Winternitz brothers decided to build a modern flour mill in Pardubice. The project was entrusted to Josef Gočár, one of the most influential Czech architects of the 20th century. Construction continued until 1926, resulting in an architectural masterpiece that became a striking example of Czech Rondocubism—a style that combines geometric shapes with national motifs.

For decades, the mills were a technical marvel of their time. The interior housed elevator towers, grain cleaning areas, and complex roller millstones. Interestingly, the city itself has been famous for its tradition of manufacturing milling equipment for over 140 years, starting with the activities of the renowned firm "Josef Prokop and Sons."

In recent years, the complex has received a second life after a large-scale renovation costing approximately 16 million euros. During the work, architects carefully preserved the historical heritage: for example, old wooden ceilings were used to create new staircases. Today, the Automatic Mills are not just a technical monument but a symbol of the successful transformation of an abandoned industrial zone into a thriving cultural center.

To get acquainted with the Automatic Mills, most tourists only need to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to examine the architectural details of the complex from the outside, take some striking photos, and peek into the public areas of the renovated building.

If you plan to visit temporary exhibitions, take part in a cultural event, or spend time choosing the best angles for a professional photoshoot, the visit can last for half a day. The industrial atmosphere of this place invites leisurely exploration of textures and details, so you won't want to rush here.

One of the main advantages of the Automatic Mills as an architectural site is its accessibility. The grounds of the complex and the opportunity to view the building's facades are open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can come here early in the morning or late at night.

The operating hours of specific establishments within the complex—museums, galleries, or educational centers—may vary and are usually tied to standard cultural institution hours (most often from 10:00 to 18:00). However, the Automatic Mills space itself is always open to those who want to enjoy the city's industrial aesthetic.

The location of the Automatic Mills in the historic center opens up excellent opportunities for further exploration of Pardubice. Just a few minutes' walk away are other iconic sites that will help you fully experience the atmosphere of this region and learn about its rich history.

A stroll through the surroundings will allow you to see both the medieval architecture of the castle and cozy squares with ancient gates. Below is a list of interesting sites located within walking distance of the complex: