Jiří Kruliš

What is your profession?

I studied at a university in the United Kingdom, which was an incredible experience for me that I’ve learned so much from. Then I left for China, where I taught English for three years and worked on my ability to understand the world in a broader context. While there, I learned that there are some things that we can do something about, and then there is the majority of things that we can do nothing about at all. Ultimately, I came back to the Czech Republic. Here I worked in product, marketing, and project management for 10 years, and for several years I also had the opportunity to contribute to the development of project-based learning and IT skills. I helped teachers engage witch children and let them work in teams.

How did you start working with Open House Prague?

I had been familiar with the festival for some time; I had attended as a visitor a couple of times, thinking: “It would be nice to spend more time – even a whole day – in the open buildings, what if I signed up as a volunteer?” So I applied in 2023. I was a little nervous because it was my first volunteering experience. I thought: “Are they even going to want me, does their system work well, is it going to work?” And many more questions that I had no answers to. But Renat, who was the coordinator at the time, emailed me with a confirmation that I was successfully registered, and shortly after I got an invitation from my team leader Bára Hrončok to a team meeting. That made me really happy and also relaxed, because I knew what was going to happen next and how it was all going to work. I’ve stayed ever since. 😊

How long have you been working with Open House Prague and what do you like about it?

I worked as a volunteer on two editions of the festival, and I also volunteered on the year-round walking tours. Thanks to the great tour guides, I’ve learned so much about Prague and seen and experienced hidden or even usually inaccessible nooks and crannies.

Aside from our visitors and other volunteers, what I most enjoy about the festival is that, along with my fellow team leaders, I can go on VIP tours of the buildings that are assigned to my group. That way, we get to prepare for the festival and figure out how it’s going to work. That’s always quite an experience.

Most of all, I love all the people with different experiences and life perspectives who are in the same boat. And then we all meet at the afterparty, where we share our experience from the festival weekend. The friendships that come out of that, the laughter, the joy – that’s what I like. 😊

Why did you decide to apply for the position of the volunteer coordinator?

At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go for it. I only had an idea of how demanding it is. Then I met with Klára and Renat, and it all started to make sense to me – that this was exactly my purpose, that this was exactly what I was supposed to do now. The atmosphere, their enthusiasm, the way they talked about the program – it was very infectious. I realized that everything I like about OHP – working with volunteers, organizing, helping people achieve their dreams (maybe even small dreams but important nonetheless), meeting interesting people – all of that would be a part of my work with the organizing team. So we made a deal.

Which building/part of Prague or architectural style is your favorite?

My favorite style is brutalism, which is often perceived here as a remnant of the not so distant past. But this style has been used all around the world – in London, for example, you can find amazing gems like the Barbican Centre or the Hayward Gallery. My favorite part, though, is Bubeneč in the district of Prague 6. Not only does OHP have its office there and holds year-round walking tours there, but I’m also lucky to have lived there for over 20 years now. It’s an architecturally coherent complex with beautiful tree alleys in the streets. Near the city center but close to the outskirts at the same time. I can explore the beautiful nature in the Divoká Šárka reserve or relax in the peaceful Stromovka park. And when it rains, it’s a whole other experience!

What are your hobbies?

I try to exercise regularly so that I can prevent all kinds of pain, which is more or less successful. Sometimes I play badminton or walk up Prague’s hills, which often offer unexpected views. I’m interested in the public space – what happens in it and why, and I often have my own opinion on that. 😊 What I really love is slow travel, when I can discover local culture and truly experience the place in a way that only a slow pace allows. When I’m able to, I spend several months somewhere I’ve never been, and it’s great! I like to look for new ways to learn something or experience something new. During calm winter evenings, I like to do jigsaw puzzles. And my loved ones? They’re the most important thing to me. 😊

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