Tabačka: A cultural hub in Košice

Tabačka Kultfabrik is the first independent cultural center in the eastern part of Sl[ovakia](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/slovakia-a-country-off-the-beaten-path-zslg). It is worth visiting Košice, the second biggest city of Sl[ovakia](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/slovakia-a-country-off-the-beaten-path-zslg), among many other reasons also for this cultural hub, or as Tabačka refers to - Kultfabrik. It is a one-of-its-kind place that brings the community together. You can meet locals as well as foreigners, and enjoy the eccentric vibes of the city.

The story of Tabačka Kultfabrik

People of Košice always knew this place as Tabačka because, in the 19th century, it used to be a tobacco factory. Later on, the demand for tobacco decreased, since other factories were opened, and after some governmental changes, the factory finally closed its gates. Later it served as a school for a short period of time, but the space of 2 500 square meters ended up abandoned. This hadn’t changed until 2009 when Tabačka was re-opened and turned into an independent cultural centre, and despite the reconstruction, Tabačka Kultfabrik still keeps its industrial features. The concept of turning the abandoned buildings into clubs or galleries became super popular in former East Berlin, an artistic hotspot of Europe, and slowly moved to other post-communist countries. But for Košice, with its only 230 000 inhabitants, and very few active artists, it was something brand-new and unique. One could ask, why Košice? "Our intention is to build a public space that is a cultural center for all. A place for meeting people, sharing knowledge and realizing ideas." says the founder of Tabačka Kultfabrik, Peter Radkoff. Tabačka filled the missing cultural space in Košice, and it gained deserved popularity among people of every age, from every part of Slovakia, and even neighbouring countries.

What Tabačka Kultfabrik actually is?

It is a little bit of everything under one roof. During the day, you should definitely visit Tabačka bistro, with great vegan and non-vegan seasonal menu and an emphasis on local ingredients. You can enjoy your lunch with a special beer, crafted directly in Košice. The atmosphere is pretty laid back, so it makes you feel like you are in a friend’s house, not in a restaurant. During the summer, the outside venue, decorated with graffiti wall, is also opened. And when the sun goes down, a bistro turns into a bar, and the venue is filled with electronic music played by the best DJs in the country. There is also a cinema projecting alternative movies and a room for different art performances, for instance, a new generation of a circus. TabačkaTalks are the discussions on topics such as politics, art, culture, ecology, traveling and many more, and they are also held regularly here. During some weekends, the venue is used for farmer markets or mini-festivals. In the building, you can find a co-working space and even rent your own business office. And at the top of that, a part of the building serves as a very stylish and still affordable hostel. So, during your visit to Tabačka, you meet locals, foreigners, artists, families with kids or businessmen. And they all have one thing in common. They love Tabačka Kultfabrik.

A unique experience in Košice

If you plan your trip to Košice, make sure you don’t miss out Tabačka, a cultural hub of Slovakia. Tabačka is located very close to the city centre, so after a long tour through the historical downtown, you can finish your day, or most likely night, here. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, or what you like, as long as you have an open mind and open heart, you belong to the community. And Tabačka Kultfabrik, with its laid-back vibe, will make your stay in Košice unforgettable.