Palace of Youth and Sports
Brutalist 1977 complex in central Pristina whose halls host concerts, festivals and exhibitions.
The Palace of Youth and Sports, long known by its Yugoslav name Boro and Ramiz, was voted for by the citizens of Pristina in 1975 and finished in 1977. Its architects gave it a folded concrete roof of triangular planes that steps down towards the city centre, a shape that has become one of the most recognisable images of the capital. The complex was built to hold a large arena, a smaller arena, concert and exhibition halls, offices and a shopping level beneath.
The main hall was gutted by fire in 2000 and has not been rebuilt, but the rest of the building remains in daily use. The Red Hall and the Atelier Hall are the usual settings for classical concerts, competitions and award ceremonies, while the smaller arena holds larger touring shows. The plateau and the interiors have also served as venues for Manifesta 14, the Autostrada Biennale and the Festivali i Kenges song contest, and the concrete terraces are a meeting place in their own right.
Highlights
- Folded concrete roof of 1977, a landmark of Pristina
- Red Hall and Atelier Hall used for classical concerts
- Venue for Manifesta 14 and the Autostrada Biennale
- Open plateau used for fairs, markets and outdoor events
