The accompanying program on the weekdays included nearly thirty events, for example a discussion of professionals titled Otevřeně o Praze: Město přístupné všem (“Openly About Prague: A City Accessible for All”), held in collaboration with our media partner Estav.cz a interpreted into Czech Sign Language. As always, the festival commemorated several important architects whose birth anniversaries fell on 2024. Among them were Josef Fuchs (*130 years) and Oldřich Tyl (*140 years), co-authors of the Trade Fair Palace. On the first day of the festival, there was a lecture given by Matěj Sladký on the palace’s transformations through the years, including the devastating fire 50 years ago. Fuchs’ and Tyl’s work was also the subject of architect Zdeněk Lukeš’s lecture in the authentic space of the former Štvanice Winter Stadium restaurant, now a club named Fuchs2.
A popular event was the Wednesday lecture commemorating the 50th anniversary of the operation of Prague metro; held in the hall at the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, the lecture was given by Jan Ungrman from Prague Public Transit Company. Moreover, there was a bike ride titled Koukej kolem sebe (“Look Around You”) with transportation urbanist Tomáš Cach, which led from Stromovka Park through Bubny to Štvanice Island. The ride primarily focused on the transformations of these parts of Prague as well as safe bike riding around the city. The ride was held in collaboration with our partner Rekola. Prague councilor Adam Scheinherr took visitors from the site of the torn down Transgas and around the building of the former Federal Assembly to Prague main train station, focusing on current developments regarding the future reconstruction of the new check-in hall and the planned appearance of Vrchlického sady park.
On Friday, there was an exhibition vernissage at the Garden of Arts in Nusle on the occasion of the garden’s 100th foundation anniversary and an exhibition of artists from Hurá collective in the representation floor of Koulka Homestead, a former vineyard homestead in Smíchov which was also open during the festival weekend. Registered attendees could attend a seminar held as part of the series Jak na přístupnou kulturu (“How to Make Culture Accessible”) in collaboration with the human rights festival Jeden svět. The seminar aimed to introduce the attendees to ways of ensuring a physical accessibility of cultural events for all groups of people, including people with disabilities. The seminar was led by Ema Rónová, who guided the attendees not only through theory, focused on legislation and wheelchair-accessibility examples, but also through practice. At the recently reconstructed Eliška Pešková Creative House, the guide showed the attendees how to approach the accessibility of buildings and what barriers people using wheelchairs or people with visual disabilities face.
Architect Filip Ditrich gave a lecture on funeral trends, introducing the most interesting works in this field – from crematoriums to tombs and columbariums. During the week, visitors could embark on several guided tours and walking tours – to Nusle with a visit to Folimanka sports hall, to Vyšehrad, to the premises of Prague Exhibition Grounds with a tour of the recently renovated Križík Pavilions, to Malostranské Square with a chance to climb up to the tower of Malostranská beseda, explore Malá Strana’s hidden courtyards, or see the underground and technical background of Quadrio. Several events were also prepared directly by our partners. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic and the 90th anniversary of the automobile race 1000 mil československých (“1,000 Czechoslovak miles”), there was a lecture given by Petr Kožíšek from the National Library of Technology, followed by a concert of Rainbow Gospel choir.
Architecture and art historian Dalibor Prix guided visitors around the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences in the Old Town. Marie Pětová, former dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University, guided visitors on a tour of the faculty’s building that originated from a canteen designed by Karel Prager. The accompanying program also featured a poetic performance from the theater ensemble JEDL in the Chapel of St. Wenceslas in Suchdol and an audiovisual listening seance focused on the work of artists Christina Kubich, held at Kunsthalle Praha and prepared by music publicist Pavel Klusák. Kunsthalle Praha also held an architecture-focused tour of the building for children and a tour with the building’s technical manager.
Tours with Architects and Professionals
During the festival weekend, visitors had a unique opportunity to attend tours of selected buildings led by their architects (or architects of reconstructions) and other professionals. Visitors could learn details about the construction of new buildings, such as PORT7 designed by Jiří Havrda from DAM.architects studio. Aside from a tour with the architect, there was also a tour of the surroundings focused on fine art with sculptor Pavel Karous. Fans of industrial architecture could visit the former Troja Brewery and learn about one of its building’s transformation into Kolovna from Industry Punk architects. The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences held guided tours with architect Kateřina Mašková and the National Archives and State Regional Archives in Prague held a tour with architect Iva Knappová.
At the Museum of Literature in Bubeneč, visitors were guided by the building’s reconstruction architect Zdeněk Žilka. Those who are interested in funerary architecture could also attend events focused on this topic. There was a guided tour with architect Filip Ditrich, Kateřina Konečná, and gravedigger Adam Vokáč who specializes in ecological burials at the Ďáblice Cemetery. Filip Ditrich also guided tours at the Evangelical Cemetery in Strašnice. Iva Steinová and Hana Krchovová, professionals from the Jewish Community of Prague, led tours of the New Jewish Cemetery. Tours at the award-winning Cemetery Gardens and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague-Suchdol were led by author of the project Václav Šuba and Jakub Červenka.
Other Weekend Programs
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s passing, Goethe-Institut held an exhibition featuring unique photos of the Kafka family, many of which had never been published before. During the entire weekend, there were several events for children and adults alike. At the historical building of the National Archives, visitors could see a facsimile of the Golden Bull of Sicily, and at the premises of the National Archives in the district of Chodovec, there was an exhibition dedicated to Jindřich Waldes, businessman and founder of the KOH-I-NOOR Factory. On Sunday, there was a fair near the Letná Water Tower, which also featured programs for families with children. Troja Château held an acoustic workshop for all generations. At Hybernská Campus, visitors could see an exhibition titled My Shoes, Your Shoes.
Hlávka Dormitory CTU offered an exhibition on the building’s history as well as a tea sit-down with live music. Brandejs Homestead in Suchdol was marked by a community atmosphere; here visitors could see an exhibition as well as attend an evening program with dance and refreshments. At U Slavíčků House, now the main office of the Committee of Goodwill – Olga Havlová Foundation, the tour included an exhibition of outfits from the late first lady’s wardrobe. Students of Johannes Kepler Grammar School prepared detailed documentation on the building’s history, including drawings, materials from the archives, chronicles, and 3D models. Other open buildings also offered accompanying exhibitions and presentations on architecture and history aside from tours.
Overview of Accompanying Events in the Open Buildings on the Weekend
Bílá Elementary School and Nursery School
exhibition of the school’s history
Brandejs Homestead – carriage house
exhibition of documents and photographs, workshops (embroidery and dance), restaurant day, country dance on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
Braník Brewery – Dance Art Center
display of scenic machinery and costumes, rehearsals on Sunday
Bulgarian Elementary School & Petar Beron Grammar School
exhibition made by children from the school
Cemetery Gardens and Chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague-Suchdol
Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m. – guided tour with authors of the project Václav Šuba and Jakub Červenka, loop with photos from reconstruction at the Chapel of St. Wenceslas
Church of the Hus Congregation in Vršovice
performance, lecture, community event, exhibition
Church of the Hus Congregation of Jan Žižka – Žižkostel Community Center
projection of photographs
Clubhouse of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic
exhibition on the history of the club and the clubhouse; screening of historical videos about motorsports; exhibition of publications, rod maps, magazines, and other documents
Congress Center Prague
exhibition on the occasion of the Congress Center’s 40th anniversary (entry no. 5)
Deym Palace and Václav Havel Library
audiovisual program, exhibition of photos of Václav Havel and Oldřich Škácha in the atrium, books and items from the production of the library for sale
DISK Theater (part of the Academy of Performing Arts – DAMU)
evening performances at DISK Theater: “Maloměšťákova svatba” (Bertolt Brecht) on Saturday, May 18; “Sestra” (Jáchym Topol) on Sunday, May 19
Ďáblice Cemetery
Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. – guided tour with architect Filip Ditrich, Kateřina Konečná, and Adam Vokáč (gravedigger specializing in ecological burial); no registration necessary, more details TBA
Ďáblice Observatory
presentation on the history of the observatory
Ekolo.cz showroom
electric bikes available for a free ride within the building’s surroundings
Electrical Enterprises Prague – Bubenská 1
exhibition of historical photographs
Eliška Pešková Creative House
screening of materials documenting the reconstruction
Evangelical Cemetery in Strašnice and Funeral Atelier
guided tour with architect Filip Ditrich on Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. (no registration); mass in the chapel on Sunday, May 19 at 9.30 a.m.
Faculty Elementary School in Ďáblice
plans, photos documenting reconstruction and activities of the facility
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague
historical videos and photos from the faculty life – important figures, cultural life, buildings
First Czech General Reinsurance Bank – Goethe-Institut
exhibition on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death: Photo album of the Kafka family; quiz competition about Germany; screening of short films with queer themes; musical performance by the children’s chamber ensemble Cenerentola at the German library – Saturday, May 18th at 11 a.m.; live broadcast from the Berlin Philharmonic featuring Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 – Saturday, May 18th at 7 p.m. (free entry); Pimp My Bike workshop – Saturday, May 18th, 2–5 p.m. & Sunday, May 19th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (in front of the building); open hour of the Mini Film Club (for children aged 3 to 6); music program by DJ Nicole – Sunday, May 19th, 3–6 p.m. in the courtyard
Floating Boathouse of TJ Tatran Praha
exhibition of photos and available documentation concerning the floating boathouse
Garden of Arts
exhibition
Gráf Hotel – I. P. Pavlova 5
origami workshop for families with children (Saturday, 2 p.m.)
Historical Building of the National Archives
panel exhibition
Hlávka Dormitory CTU
drawings, photographs, children playroom
House of the Firemen’s Association of Bohemia – Firemen’s House
observation with telescope (in case of good weather)
Hrzán Palace
information brochure available
Hybernská Campus
LEGO® and DUPLO site by CzechRepubrick; exhibition “My Shoes, Your Shoes” in the gallery
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR – historical and new building
guided tour with architects Ivan Šrom and Kateřina Mašková, plans and visualizations, 3D model of the building, architecture designs
Institute of Philosophy, Institute of Sociology, Institute of Art History of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic
panel exhibition, historical photographs of the building
Johannes Kepler Grammar School
café for the foundation Cesta domů; drawings and materials from the archives; video from furniture designer and architects of the new hall; chronicles from the early 20th century; future plans of the building; 3D model of the building
Karlín Palace – main office of CZECH PROMOTION
loop with photos from the reconstruction and photos introducing the agency, guided tour with architects
Klar Institute of the Blind – seat of the Czech Geological Survey
historical photos of the building and its construction, posters with the activities of CGS
Koulka Homestead
exhibition of artworks inspired by the gardens of the villa and its surroundings
Laichter House
exhibition of documents, plans, drawings, and photos
Letná Water Tower
exhibition in the gallery Happy Špaček II, Sunday market
Liechtenstein Palace
information brochure
Marianne Gellert-Petschek Villa – Museum of Literature
guided tour with architect Zdeněk Žilka on Saturday at 4.30 p.m.; limited capacity, prior registration necessary at pr@pamatnik-np.cz
Masaryk Railway Station
historical photos of the station, promotional materials from Czech Railways
Metro Palace – Image Theater
video documenting the reconstruction, historical photos of the original cinema provided by the owners of Metro Palace
Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
plans, documentary materials, photos from the preparation stages of construction and reconstruction
Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic
panels with historical photos, construction plans on the walls, transportation-themed playground for children in front of the building
Municipal House in Ďáblice
exhibition of drawings and photographs from construction
National Archives and State Regional Archives in Prague
guided tour with architect Iva Knappová (Saturday, Sunday at 1 p.m.), panel exhibitions with original archived materials: an exhibition on businessman Jindřich Waldes, an exhibition on the history of the building, an exhibition on Czechoslovak-German economic relations in 1918–1992
New Jewish Cemetery
guided tours with experts from the Jewish Community of Prague, Iva Steinová and Hana Krchovová – Sunday at 10.30 a.m., 1.00 p.m. & 2.30 p.m.
New Stage of the National Theater
drawings and materials from the archives; video from the glass factory that produced the New Stage’s screens; information and interesting facts about the furnishings, the building itself, and more; future reconstruction plans; LEGO model of the New Stage
New Waltrovka
ground plans, office fit-out in 3D, visualizations of the entire project including the next stages
Petzold Restaurant – Bohemia Pavilion
exhibition with photos from the reconstruction process
Podkovářská Premises
visitors can play basketball on the roof; tour of the printing office and the graphic studio, tours of showrooms
PORT7
guided walks with architect Jiří Havrda (DAM.architekti) – Sunday, May 19th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (no registration required, meeting at entrance E1), guided tour of art objects around Port7 with sculptor Pavel Karous – Sunday, May 19th, at 2 p.m. (no registration required, meeting in front of the southern entrance to the vestibule of Nádraží Holešovice metro station (next to McDonald’s)
Prague Castle – Lobkowicz Palace
short audiovisual presentation on TV
Prague Main Railway Station – Fanta Building
exhibition with historical photographs, promotional materials from the Czech Railways
Project Studios Association – CAMP
Planeta Praha exhibition, inclusive tours of the area, on Sat from 2 to 6 p.m. presentation of accessibility measurements in CAMP
Sokol Gymnasium in Karlín
exhibitions of photos and materials from archives
Sokol Gymnasium in Vinohrady
lecture, open archive with medals from the Olympics, introduction of sports activities of each unit
Strahov Monastery
photographs
Town House – Czech National Agency for International Education and Research
children’s corner, information on international education and volunteering
Trmal Villa
current exhibition, permanent exposition of furniture designed by Jan Kotěra
Troja Brewery – Kolovna ZOOna
Saturday, Sunday at 11 a.m. – guided tours with architects from Industry Punk; photo loop, presentation
Troja Château – Prague City Gallery
exhibition “Uncertain Situations”, creative workshop “Visual and Acoustic Experiments Art” – Saturday, May 18th at 1 p.m. (Eco-Studio in the orangery, no registration required)
Třebešín Velodrome
free bike and helmet rental and a ride on the velodrome, track cycling demonstration by the junior members of TJ Kovo team as part of their training session
U Slavíčků House – office of Committee of Goodwill – Olga Havlová Foundation
video projection, history of the foundation, building plans, exhibition of Olga Havlová’s unique fashion outfits
Program for Long-term Foreign Residents in Prague
Because the Open House Prague festival is primarily intended for Prague citizens, we also get English-speaking Prague residents involved in our volunteer program, and we also offer them tours with English commentary. For the 2024 program, we chose buildings that represented Prague’s diverse architecture and that were among the festival’s highlights. English-speaking visitors could enter several gems of functionalist architecture, important buildings related to sports and education, or unique examples of different architecture styles. Our selection took them to the center of Prague as well as other districts, such as Holešovice, Břevnov, and Ruzyně. In total, there were 11 buildings with organized tours in English that took place at previously announced times, but there were many other buildings that also offered English tours thanks to the language skills of the tour guides. The printed Festival Guide with an English insert offered visitors tips for buildings to visit and practical information, and in some buildings, factsheets in English were also available. The festival was attended by 1,720 foreigners.
Photo Contest “Open Prague”
As part of the festival, we held a photo contest titled Otevřená Praha (“Open Prague”) for the third consecutive year together with ESTAV.cz. 119 photographers entered the contest, submitting 283 photos. There were three categories – Architecture: Space and Environment, selected by the staff of ESTAV.cz; Details: Art and Craft, selected by professional photographer Miroslav Němeček of Škola kreativní fotografie; and People: City and Accessibility, selected by members of the Open House Prague team. The selection was narrowed down to 15 finalists, and winners were decided in a public vote at ESTAV.cz, with votes from 1,237 people.