Malthouse in Písek, Malt house in Písek, Czech Republic

The Malthouse in Písek is a multi-story building with traditional architectural details, featuring large windows that were essential for proper ventilation during malt production. Today it operates as Sladovna Písek, hosting interactive exhibitions and creative programs throughout the year.

The malt house was built between 1862 and 1864 next to Písek Castle; during construction a castle tower collapsed. Malt was prepared here for decades, and during World War II the building stored weapons and housed Soviet soldiers. Nationalised in 1948, it kept producing malt until the 1970s, then served as a municipal warehouse until the city bought it in the mid-1990s.

The building is named after the Právovárečné měšťanstvo, the brewing burghers who had it built. Since June 2009 it has housed two permanent exhibitions: one on Písek-born illustrator Radek Pilař and one tracing the history of children's book illustration. A candle and soap workshop, Rodas, also operates on site.

The building stands at house number 113 beside Písek Castle, within the town heritage zone, and part of it serves as an extension of the Prácheňské muzeum displays. Inside are a candle and soap workshop called Rodas and a café whose seating looks out on the oldest surviving stone bridge in the Czech Republic.

A dedicated space called Pilařiště was created specifically for children under six to engage in creative exploration and hands-on discovery. This thoughtful design shows how the site prioritizes learning experiences for the youngest visitors.