Bohemian National Hall

Reality Czech

One of the city’s many exciting venues for contemporary art, music, film, and theater is this little-known treasure on a sleepy Upper East Side street. Judging by its exterior, Bohemian National Hall is an elegant neo-Renaissance townhouse. But step inside for a postmodern surprise: a sleek white-on-white lobby emblazoned with catchphrases and quotes, multimedia screen projections, and a glassed-in art gallery. The bright yellow reception desk faces a space-age spiral staircase and state-of-the-art screening room.

Various local and international organizations within Bohemian National Hall are dedicated to promoting and celebrating Czech culture in the United States, encouraging dynamic dialogue between American and Czech communities, and presenting a richly diverse calendar of events. It’s filled with free performances, exhibits, rooftop screenings, lectures, workshops, and galas – all presented (or subtitled) in English. There’s something for everyone, including Hospoda, a sophisticated gastropub with an inventive menu and pilsner pumped four distinct ways.

Originally built in 1897 by local Czech and Slovak immigrants as a social hall, it was central to community life – with a theater, ballroom, club rooms, gymnasium, bowling alley, even a rifle range. For nearly a century it played an essential role in the neighborhood by providing a place for gatherings, special events, language education, political action, and the exchange of ideas. But as the area’s Czech population dwindled, the building fell into disrepair. In 2001, ownership was transferred to the Czech Republic for one dollar, and renovation began. By 2008 the major overhaul, incorporating restoration with dramatic interior re-design, was complete. The revived Bohemian National Hall – now also home to the Consulate General of the Czech Republic – has become a vibrant cultural venue for new generations of New Yorkers.

Address 321 East 73rd Street (between First and Second Avenue), New York 10021, +1 646.422.3300, www.bohemiannationalhall.com, www.czechcenter.com | Getting there

Subway: 72 St (Q), 77 St (6); bus: M 15, M 68, M 72, M 79, M 101, M 102, M 103 | Hours See website for events | Tip View (and bid on) fine art and antiques on exhibit at Sotheby’s, the legendary international auction house, 72nd Street & York Avenue.