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Prague’s waterside delights

Prague’s Cubist Architecture Is Like No Other in the World

Old Town Hall

q Old Town Square 1, Prague 1 r daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Prague:Guides&Tours r daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Na Můstku q Rytířská 12, Prague 1 r daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Václav Havel Airport Prague

q Terminal 1 (arrival hall) r current information at w prague.eu q Terminal 2 (arrival hall) r current information at w prague.eu Get to know Prague in a whole new way Whether you’re looking forward to a stroll through the historical centre, getting to know one of Prague's districts in more detail, or exploring mysterious or picturesque corners, you can always turn to Prague City Tourism for a licensed professional guide. For the youngest tour participants, we’ve put together interac­ tive routes to learn more about the legends and ghosts of old Prague, explore house signs, or discover the animal inhabitants of the Lesser Town.

Take a stroll Strolling along the river downtown is an experience in itself and it’s not easy to choose which of the Vltava riverbanks is more attractive to visit. From the left bank you can admire the majestic Rudolfinum, Národní divadlo (The National Theatre), ‘Vyšehrad’ Castle or Anežský klášter (St Agnes Convent); from the right bank you can enjoy the view of ‘Hradčany’ Prague Castle, Malá Strana (Lesser Town) or Petřínské sady (Petřín Gardens park). If you care to spice up your walk with a more lively programme or some offbeat eating, try one of Prague’s waterfronts. The Vltava riversides become quite the hub of summer cultural events, leisure activities, farmers’ markets or food festivals. As a hot novelty there are the local renovated dungeons, which are hollowed out premises in the embank­ ment wall with giant round glass windows, giving the water­ fronts much­needed new facilities for visitors. In total, twenty of these ‘hobbit-hole’ dungeons have opened on Rašínovo nábřeží (Rašín embankment) and across the water on Hořejší nábřeží (Upper embankment). Three are restrooms, another three serve as galleries, five house workshops and art studios, one hosts a branch of Městská knihovna (Municipal Library) and the rest are cafés. Since the end of May, the theatre ‘Loď Tajemství’ (Ship of Secrets), the original floating stage of the Forman brothers, is anchored at Rašín embankment. For more information, visit the w prazskenaplavky.cz website.

Take a look at the private guided walks that we offer at w prague.eu/guides or contact us at f guides@prague.eu, and we will plan a fully customized walk for you. Now with a 20% discount on all tours booked by December 2020!

w prague.eu Kovařovic Villa

It seems like a paradox of time that a style so admired today was not enthusiastically accepted at the time of its origin. Most contemporary experts were very critical, describing it as too chaotic, outlandish, and impractical. The older generation, who had grown up in the era of Historicism and Art Nouveau, perceived Cubism (from the Latin cubus – cube) as a barbaric experiment. At the same time, their successors rejected it as being an undesirable deviation from pragmatic Modernism. Nonetheless, a small group of pioneering artists (the best known of whom include Josef Gočár, Emil Králíček, Pavel Janák, and Josef Chochol) did not give up – within a short time, they proposed and designed several unique buildings, which con­ tinue to adorn the streets of Prague to this day.

On the ground floor of the Town Hall, you'll find a Tourist Information Centre and contact point for Guide&Tours. Our guides are fully available to you, currently with a 20% discount. A private tour around Prague can be ordered on site, by phone or online

Cubist Island

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The majority of Cubist residences found their place in Prague’s Vyšehrad neighbourhood (Prague 2), specifically along the banks of the Vltava River and in the nearby Libušina and Nekla­

Part of the Cubist exhibition in the House at the Black Madonna; Photo: The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

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The third – and, according to experts, the best – of Chochol’s realised projects is the five-storey rental building on the corner of Neklanova and Přemyslova Streets. It’s known as the Hodek Building after the name of its builder, František Hodek. Here, Chochol took advantage of the sloping terrain as well as the fact that the two streets meet at a sharp angle at this location, which intensifies the building’s overall composition. The main façade is once again composed of diagonal surfaces, and a slim corner pillar supports the prismatic ornamentation between the win­ dows and the crown moulding with inset enclosed balconies. Another building framed by a beautiful Cubist crown moulding was the, at first glance inconspicuous, rental building with a flat façade located at q Neklanova 2.

Small Cubist Gems Emil Králíček also designed several additional noteworthy objects, includ­ ing the unique Cubist lamp installed on Jungmann Square in New Town. Together with the neighbouring Gothic gate of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, they create a magical, mysteri­ ous, almost fairytale nook. The cande­ labra is of artificial stone and consists of a series of stacked truncated pyramid shapes decorated with simple sculpted ornaments. Králíček’s other key works include the Bethlehem Chapel in Žižkov (q Prokopova Street 10, Prague 3 – Žižkov), which today serves as a place of worship for the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. The unassuming building, hidden in the middle of a block of rental buildings, combines elements of Cubism with late Art Nouveau. Knowledgeable visitors will undoubtedly be captivated by its typical simple elegance. Incidentally, this is one of only two Cubist churches in the world; the second one is in the Central Bohemian town of Pečky.

Black Madonna and Diamant Nonetheless, the most iconic and, at the same time, the oldest example of Czech Cubism was built in the very centre of Prague, near Old Town Square at the point where Celetná and Ovocný Trh Streets meet. The House at the Black Madonna was built in 1912 according to a design by the architect Josef Gočár on the site of a demolished Baroque building from which the new structure took its name – and the original Baroque sculpture of a black Madonna and Child was installed at the first storey level behind a golden grille. Although a wave of opposition arose against the construction of what was then a modern structure in the very heart of the city, Prague’s City Hall ultimately – after some recommended modifications – accepted Gočár’s design. And this was a good decision. The building “fitted in" the his­ toric street architecture better than ever expected, and today it is a mandatory stop for all tour guides and their clients as they make their way along the so­called Royal Route. As far as architecture enthusiasts are concerned, this particular building has one other undeniable bonus – it is currently the only Cubist structure whose interior is accessible to the public. And it needs to be said that it is not just any interior. The Museum of Decorative Arts occupies two floors, presenting a cross-section of Czech Cubism centred on fur­ niture and applied arts design pri­ marily from 1911 to 1914, but also extending into the early 1920s. The ground floor houses a gallery shop with the apt name of Kubista. On the first floor, you can relax in

The islands along the Vltava greatly complement Prague’s overall composition, being at the same time tourist­friendly, lively areas, cultural, sports and relaxation zones, and blossom­ ing into a kind of open­air community scene in the summer. Among the most popular is Kampa, between the Vltava river and its millstream arm, the Čertovka. Overall, it is one of the most picturesque places in the metropolis and ranks among the most impressive urban islands in Europe. This comes down to not just its attractive location on the Lesser Quarter shore­ line, but also to the quaint, almost fairytale atmosphere that seems to emanate from every wall of its ancient houses, mills and palaces. The south lawns are widely used for cultural and social events of all kinds, for picnics or just relaxing. No art lover would pass up the highly regarded Museum Kampa, in the former Sovovy mlýny (Sova’s Mills) (with a collection of works by the pioneer of abstract art, František Kupka and more); or the much­lauded Werichova vila (Werich Villa) with its fascinating exhibition on the life and work of this star of stage and film.

A list of Cubist highlights would be incomplete without the peripheral wall and impressively conceived main gate to the cemetery in Prague 8 – Ďáblice, at the northernmost perimeter of the capital city. Then there is the Rondocubist Kiosk in the Vrchlický Garden, near the main railway station on the corner of

Bolzanova and Opletalova Streets, which is an absolute rarity. Hardly any passer­by knows that they are walking past a unique preserved wood tobacco and newspaper stand dating back to the First Czechoslovak Republic. Today, the structure houses a currency exchange office.

When taking a stroll, why not head to Střelecký ostrov (Shooters Island), just like those ‘in the know’. This quiet location in the heart of the city, shaded from direct sun by ancient trees, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and unconventional views of Prague. In the southern part of the island you’ll find an archi­ tecturally notable restaurant building and publicly accessible sports facilities. The northern half serves as a public park with several playgrounds. From time to time there are festivals, con­ certs or open­air festivals.

Cubist Continuation Like other styles, Cubism also had its specific development. Although its bold start was soon interrupted by World War I, the 1920s saw the arrival of architects promoting its more decora­ tive branch – Rondocubism (sometimes referred to as Czech Art Deco). More perceptive visitors to Prague have the opportu­ nity to see three important structures built in this specific style. The first is the former Legiobank Building, which is now a part of the Archa Palace (q Na Poříčí 24, Prague 1 – New Town). The idealised way in which rounded and prismatic elements are interconnected can also be seen on the façades of the Adria Palace (q on the corner of Národní třída and Jungmannova Street, Prague 1 – New Town) and the Radiopalác Building (q Vinohradská 40, Prague 2 – Vinohrady). Cubism is not an extinct style but continues to be a living inspiration even today, as can be seen in the design of the Keystone Office Building completed in 2012 (q on the corner of Pobřežní and Šaldova Streets, Prague 8 – Karlín). Although this gigantic glass “crys­ tal” is shamelessly embedded amid the surrounding older structures and offers a sharp contrast to its neighbours, it fits in well with the overall urbanist concept. It introduces a pleas­ ing, refreshing architectural element in this part of the Czech capital. The Keystone also had its vocal opponents, but the modern and artistically tasteful design ultimately received a green light. If you think you have already heard a similar story, simply recall the analogical rigmarole that Josef Gočár had to endure in connection with “his” House at the Black Madonna exactly 100 years ago…. p You can find more information about the significant Cubist structures to be found in Prague on the w prague.eu website.

Since its overhaul two years ago, the Dětský ostrov over on the left bank by Smíchov has found renewed popularity with (as its Kids’ Island name suggests) younger visitors in particular.

Just a few dozen yards from Shooters Island and majestically looked upon by the National Theatre, the Vltava River bathes the banks of Slovanský ostrov (Slavonic Island). Its centrepiece is palác Žofín (the Žofín Palace), a neo-Renaissance building built in the 1930s, named after the Austrian Archduchess Žofie, mother of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Rental boats and pedalos Like other similar locations, Slavonic Island is a popular des­ tination for family outings and recreational treats. Among the most popular are river­rides on small rowing boats and pedalos. You’ll find no less than three rental firms on the island for these alternative modes of transport. If you should be unlucky and find yourself at the back of a queue, you can head to another pedalo rental on Smetanovo nábřeží (Smetana embankment). If you feel the ‘need for speed’ of a motorboat, or fancy a cruise raft with a barbecue, visit the branch office of this company, headquartered on the Smíchov bank on Strakonická street near the Lihovar bus stop.

Sightseeing cruises Romantic sightseeing cruises are inherently part of the colour­ ful mix of most major European cities. Prague has no shortage in that regard. The views you get from the deck are truly mag­ nificent; unforgettable vistas of the historic heart of the city and its wider surroundings. Particularly popular are late after­ noon and evening cruises; romantic couples will definitely enjoy a sightseeing cruise in a Venetian gondola or the historical saloon boat of the ‘Prague Venice’ company Pražské Benátky. There are guided cruises on the Vltava with live music and dining on offer from Prague Boats and Parníky Praha. If you’d care to venture further out to explore the city’s wider surround­ ings you can board the historical paddle steamers or modern air-conditioned boats of the Prague Steamboat Company, Pražská paroplavební společnost, for a cruise to e.g. Prague zoo, Slapy dam or the Vltava-Elbe confluence city of Mělník downstream.

Žluté lázně area There is one sports and recreation site – Žluté lázně in Podolí – that merits a separate section when it comes to describing Prague’s aquatic antics. It offers rental kayaks, canoes, paddle­ boards and megaboards, pedalos and motor boats, as well as many ‘landlubber’ activities. Your little ones can have fun in the complex of kiddie pools and paddling pools. All this with a rich choice of local eateries. p You’ll find more tips, detailed information, opening times, contacts, and more on the w prague.eu website.

With Prague City Tourism maps and guides, you’ll feel right at home in Prague. Pick up these and other titles free of charge at one of our tourist information centres, where we’ll also be happy to assist.

Old Town Hall q Old Town Square No. 1, Prague 1 r daily 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Na Můstku q Rytířská No. 12, Prague 1 r daily 9 a.m. - 7 p.m Discover the magic of Prague’s neighbourhoods with our professional guides! Book your private tour via w eshop.prague.eu.

Prague.eu Žluté lázně

Discover the beauty of the most famous town hall in Prague, now again in the usual opening hours and standard operation. A nice bonus is a 50% discount on admission between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. (daily except Monday). The tower, with a viewing platform accessible by lift, is open as usual; the chapel and ceremonial halls are open for self­guided tours (with a printed guide). The historical tower is disabled­accessible all the way to the very top – something completely unique in Prague. Guided tours of the chapel, ceremonial halls and Roman­Gothic under­ ground are available without prior booking. And one last hot tip – deaf visitors can now take advantage of a video guide in sign language, available by scanning a QR code on signs posted in the town hall interior.

To the islands

The second Cubist jewel situated in the central part of the Czech metropolis is the Diamant House on the corner of Spálená and Lazarská Streets in New Town, designed by Emil Králíček. Two monumental corner oriels dominate the magnificent building, and its segmented façade is overflowing with impressive details – portals, cornices, sculptures, and other ornaments.

A Rondocubist pearl – Adria Palace

Old Town Hall fully operational from July

the Grand Café Orient, which happens to be the only Cubist café in the world. Here you'll immediately find yourself immersed in the environment enjoyed by the crème de la crème of Prague society shortly before World War I.

nova Streets. One structure that is impossible to overlook is the triplex house on Rašínovo Embankment, built according to a design by Josef Chochol. Particularly striking is its central section, completed by a polygonal gable and highlighted by a dominant bay window above the main entrance. An excep­ tional example of a purely architectural form of Cubism is the nearby Kovařovic Villa (q Libušina 3), which is the work of the same architect’s studio. This multi-level house with a white lime plaster façade and polygonal central section (known as an “avant­corps”) elegantly extending into a small garden is enhanced by the original design of the gable walls constructed of diagonal surfaces. The garden fencing, which uses additional Cubist elements, complements the aesthetic impression of this free­standing villa.

The Cubist lamp is an architectural rarity

More than a century has passed since a handful of daring architects designed several noteworthy structures in Prague. With their unconventional appearance – sometimes to the point of bizarre – they win the admiration of not only the art world but also the members of the general public who travel to see them year after year. Their architectural style, built on a perfect and playful combination of prisms, cubes, and pyramid shapes, was revolutionary right from the start with regard to the way space was conceived, as it was possible to look at the individual parts of the structures from multiple angles at once. Although Cubism represents only one short episode in the history of architecture, here in the Czech environment (and particularly in the capital city), it holds a prominent position. There is no other country in the world where Cubist architecture became popular to the same extent that it did in our country.

In addition to a modern playground complex divided into age groups, its great attraction is to watch large steamers sailing from the adjacent river lock, best viewed from the arched bridge. Worth noting is that the island is one of the first places in Prague to offer attractions fit for handicapped children to enjoy.

summer

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information about Prague • maps and information brochures for free • tickets for cultural and sport events • city tours • accommodation • public transportation tickets • souvenirs from Prague • guide services

Anyone visiting Prague in the summer can take a break from their tours of the main tourist attractions not just with some refreshing relaxation by the Vltava river, but with all sorts of other activities closely linked to our main watercourse. You can try a whole host of recreational and exciting water-sports, take a boat trip to the ZOO or just hang out with your family on the romantic embankments and the Vltava river islands. In short, the banks of Prague’s backbone river are like a magnet for all water lovers. All the interest is well met with due tourist and leisure facilities. Read on to find some of the things we’d recommend.

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g to 22 Nov q National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ngprague.cz The architecture built in Czechoslovakia throughout the 1960s–1980s, both glorified and deplored, is a heatedly dis­ cussed and highly controversial subject. The exhibition presents buildings in Prague (including projects in preparation but never realized) influenced to a lesser or greater extent by Brutalism and progressive influences from the West that was forbidden, yet highly inspiring for creators.

A Dream within a Dream: Edgar Allan Poe and Art in the Czech Lands

g to 31 Jan, 2021 q The City of Prague Museum – House at the Golden Ring, Týnská 6, Prague 1 – Old Town w muzeumprahy.cz The Kingdom of Puppets was established exactly 100 years ago. On Sept. 26, 1920, the curtain first went up and the puppets made by the sculptor Vojtěch Sucharda, backed up by the beau­ tiful stage decorations of Anna Suchardová-Brichová, appeared in the fairy tale Long, Broad, and Sharpsight. While the exhibi­ tion presents primarily puppets, visitors will also be able to see photographs, designs, stage decorations, stage props, and cos­ tumes. It also seeks to present the work of those who breathe life into puppets.

g to 31 July, 2021 q National Technical Museum, Kostelní 42, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ntm.cz An engaging look back at 90 years of activity of the most important Czech motorcycle manufacturer, which significantly influenced the field on a global scale. Fifty motorcycles, cars, trophies from races, and riding equipment are on display, mostly from private collections otherwise inaccessible to the public.

g to 22 Nov q National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ngprague.cz This exhibition is devoted to reflections of the oeuvre of American writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) in Czech art and the phenomenon of horror and fear in general. The project thus includes a wide range of Czech artists.

On the Banks of the Nile

Festivals

1796–1918: Art of the Long Century

g 8–16 July q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w zadvermi.cz Street theater will liven up Prague. The most original Czech and international ensembles present the best of clowning, circus and all forms of street art. Luděk Marold, The Egg Market in Prague, 1888 © National Gallery Prague 2020

g to 26 July q Galerie Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 12, Prague 1 – Old Town w galerierudolfinum.cz The work of Belgian painter Michaël Borremans (b. 1963) is characterized by disturbingly intense psychological moments. Although the subjects of his paintings are often associated with latent violence, they are distinguished by the beauty of their exe­ cution. Borremans’ compositions reveal a great inspiration from movies and photography.

Behind the Doors

Zero Point (Nultý bod) Festival g 11–17 July q Invalidovna, Sokolovská 24/136, Prague 8 – Karlín w nultybod.cz The international festival will once again welcome Czech and international groups in the field of dance and physical thea­ tre. The purpose of the event is to introduce the audience to new provocative and hitherto unexplored genres and trends in European theatre in the field of dance, physical theatre and per­ forming art.

Prague Pride g 3–9 Aug q Prague – various venues w praguepride.cz Europe's largest LGBT festival creates space for the heterosex­ ual majority to meet with the minority community. The aim of

Prague Ice Cream Festival g 30 Aug q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w pragueicecreamfestival.cz An ice cream extravaganza. Come and taste refreshing delica­ cies such as gelato, soft­serve, frozen yoghurt, ice rolls, sorbets, and vegan and organic ice creams…

Classical Music

g 6 Sep q Racecourse Prague – Velká Chuchle, Radotínská 69, Prague 5 – Velká Chuchle w velka-chuchle.cz The absolute pinnacle of the racing calendar as well as the richest flat race in the Central European region. A total of eight races will be run, five of which are included in the highest perfor­ mance category.

g 26 Aug q Wallenstein Garden, Letenská, Prague 1 – Lesser Town w fok.cz The concerts in the Wallenstein Garden are kind of a step­ ping stone between the old and new seasons of the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK, and this time it will be no different. The program includes, among others, the "Fateful" 5th Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven as well as choice pieces of popular film music. And finally, the cherry on top from the present day: music from the popular series Game of Thrones. Free entry.

Birthday Gala Concert and 3x More g 31 Aug q Municipal House – Smetana Hall, náměstí Republiky Square 5, Prague 1 – Old Town w nachtigallartists.cz To celebrate its 20 th birthday, Nachtigall Artists has organized a star­studded gala concert featuring local artists. Sopranos Zuzana Marková and Simona Šaturová, tenors Pavel Černoch and Petr Nekoranec, and bass-baritone Boris Prýgl will perform their art in the Municipal House accompanied by the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK.

Burgerfest g 4–6 Sep q Křižík’s Fountain at the Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w burgerfest.cz In today's hectic times, the burger has become the symbol of fast – and often not very good – food. The mission of Burger­ fest is to prove that even traditional American food, such as the burger, has its place in quality cuisine. The secret? Use high quality, fresh ingredients and prepare them right on­site in front of visitors.

Prague Dragon Boat Festival g 12 Sep q Žluté lázně, Podolské nábřeží embankment 3, Prague 4 – Podolí w dragonboat.cz The oldest dragon boat race in the Czech Republic. Open canoes, over 12 meters long, decorated at the top with a drag­ on's head are rowed to victory in a unique sporting event in which the team's harmony and cooperation exceed the individu­ al's performance.

Beer at Náplavka

Culinary Events

Prague Symphony Orchestra in the Wallenstein Garden

Exhibitions

g 29 Aug q Podviní Park, Prague 9 – Vysočany w barevnadevitka.cz A multicultural festival full of aromas, flavors, colors and rhythms. Podviní in Vysočany will once again teem with exotic cultures, music, folklore and world specialities.

100th Czech Derby

The Jawa Phenomenon

g to 10 Jan, 2021 q National Museum – Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, Betlémské náměstí 1, Prague 1 – Old Town w nm.cz Visit the historical and natural worlds of ancient Egypt and Nubia. You can see unique objects such as canopic jars, statuettes and decorated vessels as well as reproductions of two-dimensional images from Egyptian temples and tombs, his­

Colorful Nine (Barevná devítka)

Sportisimo Half-Marathon Prague 2020 g 6 Sep q Jan Palach Square and the city centre w runczech.com The Prague Half Marathon has long since established itself as one of the top traditional sporting events in the metropolis. Twenty-one kilometers through the heart of historical Prague continues to be an annual challenge for runners of all catego­ ries. The race has been moved to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, from its original date of Mar. 28.

Photo: National Technical Museum

Antonín Kratochvíl, Vittorio Storaro, 1990

NO DEMOLITIONS! Forms of Brutalism in Prague

Michaël Borremans: The Duck

g to 30 Sep q Prague – various venues w sculptureline.cz The open­air sculpture festival will once again present sculp­ tures and art objects by leading Czech and international artists. The intention of the project is to specialize and enrich the public space, to offer a new view of urban agglomerations and the works of art themselves. Embark on an avant-garde journey through the "sculptural line" and enjoy this unique summer exhi­ bition.

g 14–19 July q Kampa, Prague 1 – Lesser Town w francouzskytrh.cz Kampa Island will be once again transformed into a vibrant French Quarter offering food lovers an extraordinary gourmet and cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of French cuisine (e.g. cheeses, sausages, pâtés, olives and olive oil, ice cream, crèpes) and fine wines. The atmosphere of the market will be enhanced by special decorations inspired by the French “tricolore” as well as live music.

Čajomír fest g 15 & 16 Aug q Vyšehrad, V Pevnosti, Prague 2 – Vyšehrad w cajomirfest.cz A Europe-wide meeting of professionals, laypeople and tea enthusiasts. The Old Burgrave’s House is transformed into one large tea village with dozens of teahouses and a market.

Dvořák Prague 2020 g 4–20 Sep q Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 79/12, Prague 1 – Old Town w dvorakovapraha.cz From the very beginning the main goal of the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival has been to promote the good name of Czech culture via the legacy of the works of Antonín Dvořák, his contemporaries, and his pupils. And because the sole measure of the festival's success is quality, only topflight soloists and conductors and the most internationally­acclaimed orchestras and chamber ensembles come together on the Dvořák Prague concert stages, presenting music by Dvořák and other composers of the world to an audience.

International Organ Festival g 6 Aug–24 Sep q Basilica of St James (Bazilika sv. Jakuba), Malá Štupartská 635/6, Prague 1 – Old Town w auditeorganum.cz Solo organ recitals by leading European and Czech artists. Musicians from France, Russia, Poland and Austria, among others, will play the famous St James' organ.

Design Summer Dyzajn Market g 27 & 28 June q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w dyzajnmarket.com Art, jewellery, fashion, accessories, affordable design, culture, music, good food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly environment... Open­air sales exhibition of works by Czech and international designers. The event is free and barrier­free.

Bořek Šípek: Retrospective g to 27 Sep q Dancing House Gallery, Jiráskovo náměstí 6, Prague 2 – New Town w galerietancicidum.cz The largest retrospective exhibition of the leading Czech artist, designer and architect is also the last comprehensive exhibition of originals from the artist's depository. On display there are over 250 vases and about 40 items of designer furniture hand­ made personally by the artists.

Pleiad of Glass

g 11 & 12 Sep q Náplavka – Rašínovo nábřeží embankment, Prague 2 – New Town w pivonanaplavce.cz The tasting festival of mini and micro Czech breweries on the embankment will take place on an alternative September date this year. Brewers will present their best specials and original brands. And of course, visitors can also look forward to a variety of culinary delights.

g to 31 Dec q Museum of Decorative Arts, 17. listopadu 2, Prague 1 – Old Town w upm.cz The exhibition presents modern art glass objects from the extremely valuable collection of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. It is a collection of the best and most famous studio glass sculptures which illustrate the diverse development of artistic glassmaking in the second half of the 20 th century.

Prosecco & Food Festival

Blanka Matragi: Timeless

g 12 & 13 Sep q Žluté lázně, Podolské nábřeží embankment 3, Prague 4 – Podolí w prosecco-food-fest.cz Dozens of types of prosecco, sparkling wines, street food culi­ nary specialties and many other surprising gourmet ideas and new gastronomic trends await you in the Žluté lázně complex.

French Market on Kampa

Bořek Šípek: Retrospective © Dancing House Gallery

g to 1 Nov q Prague City Gallery – Troja Château, U Trojského zámku 1, Prague 7 – Troja w ghmp.cz Sculptural exhibition of an artist of the younger middle genera­ tion who makes colorful sculptures with biological pedigrees. He speaks of them as a "mycelium", a growing cell mass. The author uses all kinds of modern acrylates and their derivatives to expand his objects into the outdoor space as smoothly as possible.

g permanent exhibition q National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ngprague.cz More than 450 works represent the scope and composition of the extraordinary exhibition by 150 Czech and international artists in three main chapters: Man, The World, and Ideas. Therefore, artists of different art opinions and very different generations can be seen at the exhibition side by side. The exhi­ bition’s thematic division made it possible to subdivide it into many small subgroups of artworks representing independent sections ranging from self-portraits, family and official portraits to paintings of cafés, lively city boulevards, spring landscapes, mountain lakes or artworks with religious or mythological themes.

g 31 Aug–11 Sep q Vyšehrad, V Pevnosti, Prague 2 – Vyšehrad w vysehratky.cz The festival for children and adults alike offers plenty of activ­ ities during the weekend program, from theatre performances to an interactive theatrical battle to an outdoor cinema. VyšeHrátky tries to connect play and art with all-round educa­ tion – to cultivate the public, not just superficially entertain.

The Kingdom of Puppets – 100 Years

Jan Kovářík: Colorbond

g to 18 Oct q Prague City Gallery – House at the Stone Bell, Old Town Square 13, Prague 1 – Old Town w ghmp.cz This retrospective exhibition of the Czech renowned photographer Antonín Kratochvíl (b.1947) presents a cross-section of a highly expres­ sive, suggestive photographic oeuvre by one of the world’s most prominent and significant producers of social documentary photography and photojournalism. His photographs reflect contemporary human society, often depicting images of deprivation, despair, alienation, pain, sadness and misery, as well as the arrogance of power and its consequences in various parts of the world. They present historical evidence of modern social and civilization problems of the world and military conflicts, capturing the tragedy of humanitarian and natural disasters. Kratochvíl also imprints his own personal style onto portraits of show-business celebrities.

VyšeHrátky

Sculpture Line 2020

g to 10 Jan, 2021 q National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ngprague.cz This retrospective exhibition is the most comprehensive to date, offering insight into sixty years of the work of Kurt Gebauer (b. 1941), a prominent sculptor, university teacher, and leading cultural personality with an unmistakable influence on the design of public space. He has shown a lifelong interest in liv­ ing, moving figurations as well as often trenchant criticism of pre-Velvet Revolution’s and transformation era’s values.

g to 30 Sep q National Museum – Historical Building, Wenceslas Square 68, Prague 1 – New Town w nm.cz This year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, of which the Czech National Uprising was an important part. The exhibition focuses on the events of May 5–9, 1945, when the Prague Uprising took place, depicting the tense situation in the metropolis and showing the heroism of the inhabitants of Prague. In addition to period photographs, you can see interesting items from the collection related to the events of May.

g 23–26 July q Racecourse Prague – Velká Chuchle, Radotínská 69, Prague 5 – Velká Chuchle w velka-chuchle.cz This year's showjumping season at Chuchle Arena Prague will culminate with the prestigious Grand Prix of Prague, included in the Czech Jumping Cup. Come and cheer on talented riders and their amazing animal partners.

Pleiad of Glass © The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

Kurt Gebauer

Prague Grand Prix

Photo: Chuchle Arena Prague

g to 27 Sep q Prague City Gallery – House of Photography, Revoluční 5, Prague 1 – New Town w ghmp.cz Josef Sudek (1896–1976) devoted a significant part of his pro­ fessional career to photographing artworks – paintings, sculp­ tures, prints, architecture, applied arts, but also exhibitions and artists' studios. The rediscovery of this extensive, yet almost unknown, part of his work is the result of a five-year research project of the Institute of Art History CAS. The exhibition focuses mainly on sculptures – Sudek’s favourite subject.

g July–August q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w musicbar.cz Lucerna Music Bar is swapping its traditional club environment for sunshine and the breeze in their hair. The open­air concert complex was built in the natural part of the Exhibition Grounds. It includes a chill­out zone and a wide selection of food and drinks so, in addition to great concerts, you can enjoy a relaxed summer atmosphere in the fresh air. Upcoming shows include Tomáš Klus, MIG 21, Monkey Business, and Skyline.

Photo: Čajomír Fest

Lovelies from the Files. Sudek and Sculpture

Czech National Uprising

Antonín Kratochvíl: Photo Essays

Sport

Lucerna Music Bar Open Air Models of boats carrying the deceased, Egypt, Middle Kingdom; Photo: National Museum

We’ve put together a selection of the most interesting events that will take place in Prague from the beginning of July to mid-September 2020. Hundreds of others are listed on our website w prague.eu, where you will also find more detailed information about programs, tickets, etc. The calendar of cultural events may undergo small changes throughout the summer due to generally known circumstances. Be sure to check the websites of individual events for the most up-to-date information.

the festival week full of cultural and social events is to promote a tolerant civil society and point out discrimination against sex­ ual minorities.

torical and contemporary photographs and, last but not least, preserved documents on papyrus. The animal mummies are undoubtedly a great attraction.

g to 30 Aug q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w cosmosdiscovery.cz The project was created in collaboration with NASA and rep­ resents significant milestones in man's journey into space. Visitors can see, for example, the original Saturn V and Apollo 11 rocket jets, parts of space shuttles, space stations and other spacecraft. The installation also includes the latest research, in which national space agencies are collaborating with the most advanced private companies to achieve a common goal – the colonization of the Moon and the subsequent manned flight to Mars.

Jaroslav Róna, Rhinoceros, bronze © Sculpture Line

Calendar of Events

Cosmos Discovery

g to 31 Dec q Municipal House, náměstí Republiky Square 5, Prague 1 – Old Town w obecnidum.cz Discover the symbiosis of the Art Nouveau Municipal House and exclusive haute couture models by world­famous fashion designer Blanka Matragi, which is particularly popular in the countries of the Persian Gulf.