Spahijski Podrum (Spahija Cellar) in Pakrac is an innovative hybrid cultural space that brings together a museum, public library, and civic hub within a restored 18th century Baroque building. The project transforms a former economic structure into a contemporary public interior that preserves local identity while creating a new platform for learning, gathering, and everyday community life.

The spatial concept is based on a complete integration of functions. A permanent exhibition, library collections, reading areas, and public programmes are designed as a single continuous experience without clear institutional boundaries. Museum artefacts, archival material, and books coexist within the same environment, encouraging spontaneous discovery of heritage through movement, reading, and staying in the space.

The design reinterprets the historic cellar structure through contemporary materials, light, and exhibition elements, emphasising authenticity without imitating historical styles. New layers are carefully inserted to create a clear spatial narrative and orientation while enabling flexible use.

Today, Spahijski Podrum operates as a living urban living room of the town, a place for meeting, learning, and cultural exchange that redefines the role of cultural institutions in smaller communities.

Muze (Museological concept and destination strategy)
Rašić+Vrabec (product design, graphic design, interior design, signage)
Hidroenerga (architectural reconstruction design)
Studio A38 (interior design documentation)
AVC (multimedia planning)
Production and implementation: Primat RD
Client: Grad Pakrac
Project partners: Grad Pakrac, Muzej Grada Pakraca, Gradska knjižnica Pakrac, Panora razvojna agencija
Photo: Dora Jurić, Kreator media.