Crematorium Pardubice, Crematorium in Pardubice, Czech Republic

Crematorium Pardubice is a rectangular building with modernist elements from the 1920s, characterized by large stained glass windows and geometric patterns. A grand ceremonial staircase leads to the main hall, while a modern pavilion added in 1995 houses the technical facilities.

Pardubice council decided in spring 1918 to build a crematorium and held a competition judged in March 1919, when 95 projects by 81 authors arrived; no first prize was awarded and Pavel Janák's entry took second place. Cremation was legalised on 1 April 1919, and after the city took over the project, construction ran from August 1922 to September 1923 under Karel Kohout & Jaroslav Krupař, costing 1.9 million Kčs. The first cremation followed in 1923.

The main ceremony hall features sculptures depicting the passage between life and death, along with decorative paintings on the walls. These artistic works create a respectful setting for farewell ceremonies.

The building is located in the Green Suburb of Pardubice and is accessible to visitors interested in viewing the architecture and artworks inside. It is advisable to inquire ahead about visiting conditions, as ceremonies may be taking place throughout the day.

The building was a filming location for Juraj Herz's 1968 film Spalovač mrtvol (The Cremator), with both exteriors and some interiors used. The ceremonial hall's wooden coffered ceiling was replaced by painted decoration to cut costs, and the three-metre rosette window in the north wall was designed by František Kysela.