Events on the Weekdays May 12–16, 2025
We reflected the two main themes, railways and schools under the motto Past Heritage, Future Challenges, in our offer of open buildings and the accompanying program for the entire week, which included more than 70 events – from lectures, exhibitions, and film screenings to guided walks through the city; the richest selection of accompanying programs in the history of the festival. This time, the festival’s visual identity revived the memory of an important Prague monument that no longer exists. Jan Šrámek’s illustration depicts one of the most beautiful railway stations in Central Europe, the Prague-Těšnov station. This year marks not only 150 years since the opening of this Neo-Renaissance building but also 40 years since its demolition. There are many examples of abandoned railway station buildings in Prague, some of which are currently being repurposed, and we commemorated them in the form of walks and lectures.
The railway theme was introduced on the first day of the festival with the opening of the exhibition Forgotten Stations, Future Journeys at the Masaryk Station motive power depot, the future Railway Museum administered by the National Technical Museum (hereinafter referred to as NTM). The exhibition was opened by NTM Director General Karel Ksandr, OHP Creative Director Andrea Šenkyříková, and Karlin Port Real Estate founder Milorad Mišković. The exhibition featured panels presenting the vision for the future Railway and Electrical Engineering Museum (NTM), a reminder of the history of the defunct Prague-Těšnov railway station (OHP), and panels presenting the vision for the future and reconstruction of Vyšehrad railway station (KPRE). In the following days, visitors attended a lecture by railway expert Tomáš Bezouška titled 180 Years Since the Arrival of the First Train in Prague, tours of station buildings with architects and other experts who participated in their transformation, and walks through several railway complexes.
Guided walks From Těšnov to Masaryk Station with Tomáš Bezouška, From Vyšehrad Station to Vyšehrad Bridge with former Deputy Mayor of Prague Adam Scheinherr, Žižkov Freight Station – yesterday, today, and tomorrow with architects Lada Kolaříková, Filip Ditrich, and Deputy Mayor of Prague 3 Pavel Dobeš, a presentation of the emerging Center for Memory and Dialogue in Bubny by architect Michal Krejčík and director Pavlína Šulcová, a guided bike tour to the Vršovice Railway Promenade with architect and transport urbanist Tomáš Cach, tours of the former Bubeneč railway station, now the Stanice 6 community center, with Prague 6 City Councilor Jan Lacina and architect Ondřej Tuček, and many other events.
The second theme, titled Schools for Future Generations, was focused on a series of debates prepared by the festival’s guest curator and architect Osamu Okamura. The first debate, titled School as a Power Plant, asked whether schools could become not only places of education but also models of sustainability, whether outdated school buildings could be transformed into energy-efficient and environmentally friendly spaces, and presented inspiring examples of new buildings in an era of climate challenges. The debate featured: Antonín Klecanda – Prague City Councilor for Education, Sport, and Leisure; Jiří Tencar – engineer at the University Center for Energy Efficient Buildings at the Czech Technical University and owner of ECOTEN; Petr Lešek – architect and member of the Working Group for Sustainability at the Czech Chamber of Architects; the debate was presented by Karolina Jirkalová, historian, architecture critic, and editor of Art antiques magazine.
The second debate, School Through Play 5.0?, considered how schools for the 21st century should look and what influence educational spaces have on students and teachers. The debate began with a short video projection about the Spanish school Reggio by visionary architect André Jaque. The debate featured: Hana Šišková – Prague 7 City Councilor for Education, Schools, and Investment; Ondřej Tuček – architect and lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague; Daniel Pražák – lecturer and promoter of teaching; the debate was presented by Barbora Špičáková, historian, art curator, and gallery owner at VI PER. Together, the guests discussed how the school environment shapes our upbringing and education, how to design a school that meets current needs, and why it is important, for example, to incorporate natural elements into the school space, to try to reuse elements from other demolished buildings, or to involve the users themselves in their design.
The last evening debate, titled Prague Schools of Tomorrow, presented some of the winning projects for new Prague schools selected from recent architectural competitions: schools as inspirational buildings, community centers, and public parks – what the new generation of school buildings looks like and what distinguishes them from those we have been accustomed to until now. The debate featured Vojtěch Beran representing the architectural team behind the Jeseniova Kindergarten project; Josef Choc, Natálie Kristýnková, Filip Rašek, and Jonáš Mikšovský from the Aos architekti studio for the Vodňanského Elementary School project; and last but not least, Lukáš Ehl from the Ehl & Koumar Architekti studio for the project of the Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University. The debate was presented by Adéla Vaculíková, editor and deputy editor-in-chief of EARCH.cz.
The theme of schools was also addressed in the weekend accompanying program, which was full of creative tasks aimed at families with children and prepared for the festival by students from the Department of Arts Management at the University of Economics. In Dejvice and Suchdol, visitors could follow an entertaining interactive trail that connected personal stories with the history of the places. Thanks to the intergenerational game Open Generations, children could walk through the buildings of educational institutions with their parents or grandparents, share memories, and complete tasks. The project by students of the University of Economics in Prague brought architecture to life, connected generations, and encouraged reflection on the transformation of the world around us.
Every day of the week from May 12, the Atlas cinema screened films on architectural themes – Czechoslovak Architecture 58-89, Olympic Halftime, Aalto: Architect of Emotions, Housing Against Everyone, The Impossibility, The Brutalist, memOry. The accompanying program also included lectures, guided tours, and walks with architects and other experts. A lecture on postmodern architecture with architectural historian Jana Pavlová at the Chodov Retirement Home, a tour of the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University with architect and former dean of the Faculty of Humanities Marie Pětová, a tour of the Nová Spirála theater after its renovation with the chairman of the board of Výstaviště Praha association Tomáš Hübl, a tour of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences with architecture and art historian Dalibor Prix, a tour of E Factory after the first phase of renovation with architect Marek Tichý, tours of the technical facilities and art of the Quadrio building with Martina Dvořáková and a representative of the building, a tour of the newest rental building in Smíchov – MyMozart – with architect Filip Tittelbach, and tours of Kotěra’s Faculty of Law at Charles University.
Several walks were also organized, such as a walking tour around Prague Castle focused on Jože Plečnik’s work with art historian Markéta Čejková, walks through the Bohnice Cemetery with Jiří Vítek, deputy mayor of Prague 8, a walk through wartime and post-war Libeň with Prague 8 City Council representative Michal Švarc, a walk into the depths of the New Town combined with a descent into the usually inaccessible Gothic cellars beneath the Quadrio building, and a walk through the Prague Exhibition Grounds and the interiors of selected buildings with Výstaviště Praha association chairman Tomáš Hübl. Together with architect Krištof Hanzlík and Tereza Jarošová, people were able to learn about the key moments that shaped the modern and functional office space of Pricefx. Elsewhere, the award-winning Fragment residential project in Karlín and the Kunsthalle Praha gallery were also open for viewing.
A lecture and discussion titled Královské Vinohrady – History and Architecture was held at the House of Agricultural Education with the authors of the online Encyclopedia of Prague 2 and publications on the subject. A theatrical performance of Kohoutovy aktovky (“Kohout’s Briefcases”) was prepared at the Hus Congregation in Vršovice, combined with a tour of the building from the tower to the cellar with pastor David Frýdl. The opening of an exhibition of documentary photographs by Michael Dus took place in the carriage house of the Brandejs Homestead in Suchdol, and in cooperation with the Temporary Collective platform, a sound performance titled SILENT was prepared for viewers in the public space of the National Theater’s piazzetta. The Venuše ve Švehlovce Theater prepared a new performance especially for Open House Prague, Movement/Architecture: When the Body Meets the Building, which explored the close connection between the body and architecture.
The performance SOMA # 89: REUNION by choreographer Martin Talaga was completed as part of a workshop titled The Creative Process in Practice Draws Inspiration from Space, its History, Focus, or Presence – also in collaboration with the Venuše ve Švehlovce Theater. Theater artists who found a home in the Švehla Hall ten years ago invited guests to celebrate this milestone anniversary, which also marked the 100th birthday of this architecturally significant building and its rondocubist hall in Prague – a party featuring Hihihahaholky + DJ Lil Autotune – 10th anniversary of Venuše ve Švehlovce connected the historical and current function of the important hall in a slightly decadent cabaret show, where participants could dance or get carried away by the performances of drag queens from the PiNKBUS cabaret. Palace of (Free) Time was the name of an exhibition with a garden party, including a guided tour of the exhibition, hosted by the curators of the Prague City Gallery at Troja Castle.
Events on the Weekend May 17–18, 2025
Prohlídky s architekty, odborníky a osobnostmi
During the festival weekend, visitors had a unique opportunity to take guided tours of selected buildings, led by the architects who designed them (or their renovations) and other experts. At the Podkovářská Premises, visitors were given tours by architects Martina Buřičováand Štěpán Kubíček, had the opportunity to play on the rooftop basketball court, and toured the printing and graphic design studio facilities, including the companies’ showrooms. At the Czernin Palace – seat of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visitors were welcomed and given a tour by Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, while Václav Mlynář, art director of BOMMA, gave a tour of the Diamant building. At the House at the Two Golden Bears, art historian Jana Bělová gave a tour, while at the Milíčův dům Nursery School – outdoor classroom Větvíci, architects Zuzana Štemberová and Jana Šaňáková gave guided tours. At the Prague-Bubny railway station – Center for Memory and Dialogue Bubny, architects Jiří Krejčík and Michal Krejčík gave tours. Veronika Vicherková guided visitors through the technical building of the National Theater, while expert Hana Krchovová led special guided tours at the New Jewish Cemetery.
Jakub Škoda, Jurij Suchačov, Jan Miletín, and the PM and CM team from Penta Real Estate led tours of the Nusle Brewery – Lofts; a guided tour with architect Jiří Havrda from DAM.architekti took place at PORT7; guided tours with architect Radek Pohorský from Black n’ Arch studio took place at the Lihovar Smíchov residential project; and at Jan Lauda’s sculpture studio – the main office of Olgoj Chorchoj studio – the tour was led by designer Jan Němeček and studio colleagues. At the Secondary Vocational School – Vocational Training Center (COP) and Gymnasium, the tour was led by expert and author of the building’s reconstruction Jiří Tencar; a guided tour with architect Marek Řehoř took place at THE FIZZ Prague building; at Trmalova vila, the tour was led by Jan Stěnička, Anna Oplatková, Eva Henkrichová; at the Garden of Arts, architect Petr Mašek, Kevin V. Ton, and Petra Haluza, director of the garden’s foundation; Marek Novotný – an expert in building thermal technology and building insulation – conducted a tour at the Bílá Elementary School and Nursery School; and Pavel Charvát guided visitors through the Veleslavín Chateau.
Overview of Accompanying Events at the Open Buildings on the Weekend
Archbishop Grammar School in Prague
exhibition regarding the past, present, and future of the building and the life of the school
Atlas Palace
exhibition at the Karel Vachek Gallery, short documentary, current exhibition at the café: Veronika Holcová Company
Brandejs Homestead – carriage house
exhibition of documents and photos; Restaurant Day: presentations, workshops, band concerts, dance party – Sat, May 17
Braník Brewery – Dance Art Center
exhibition of scenic technology and costumes
Bílá Elementary School and Nursery School
exhibition on the school’s history
Bulgarian Elementary School & Petar Beron Grammar School
exhibition made by children from the school
Cemetery Gardens and Chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague-Suchdol
photo loop documenting the reconstruction of the chapel, concert in a chapel – Sun, May 18th at 7 p.m.
Chodov Retirement Home
exhibition “35 Years of Chodov Retirement Home”;
documentary projection about the architects Jan Línek and Vlado Milunić and their vision for senior homes
Church of the Hus Congregation in Vršovice
performance, lecture, community event, exhibition
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, road maps, magazines, and other documents
DISK Theater (part of the Academy of Performing Arts – DAMU)
Oretriom: music and movement performance – Sunday, May 18 at 7.30 p.m. (reservation required, discount for festival participants)
Ďáblice Observatory
presentation on the history of the observatory
EGAP Palace
photos
Electrical Enterprises Prague – Bubenská 1
exhibition of historical photographs
Faculty Elementary School in Ďáblice
plans, photos documenting reconstruction and activities of the facility
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague
exhibition of student works
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague
historical videos and photos from the faculty life – important figures, cultural life, buildings
Faust House
current exhibition of paintings or photos
First Czech General Reinsurance Bank – Goethe-Institut
exhibitions on the 1st and 2nd floor
Floating Boathouse of TJ Tatran Praha
exhibition of photos and available documentation concerning the floating boathouse
Garden of Arts
permanent exhibition of plastic art from the first half of the 20th century from Karel Novák’s workshop, exhibition of works of Hořice art school students
Gráf Hotel – I. P. Pavlova 5
workshop of painting on ceramics for families with children (Saturday, 2 p.m.), exhibition
Historical Boathouse of the Czech Yacht Club
exhibition of photos
Historical Building of the National Archives
archived materials, exhibition of a set of translocation plans of the Jewish settlement from the 18th century (listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World)
Hlávka Dormitory, Czech Technical University in Prague
board with information on the building’s history, original designs and photos; screening of the documentary “Zvláštní akce Studenti”; May 17 at 5 p.m. – performance of the choir Silentium
House of Agricultural Education
photo loop
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 Albi
educational games, children’s crafts, a special guided tour for kids, and magical storytelling
Karlín Palace – main office of Czech Promotion
loop with photos from the reconstruction and photos introducing the agency, guided tour with architects, children corner
Karolinum – seat of Charles University
Charles University Day – presentation of each faculty’s activities
Klar Institute of the Blind – seat of the Czech Geological Survey
historical photos of the building and its construction, new paleontology exhibition on the ground floor
Letná Water Tower
exhibition HAPPY SPACE III., Letná Fair – Sunday, May 18
Masaryk Railway Station
historical photos of the station, promotional materials from Czech Railways
Metro Palace
photos from pre-construction stage
Metro Palace – Image Theater
video documenting the reconstruction, historical photos of the original cinema provided by the owners of Metro Palace
Michna Palace – Tyrš House
exhibition 100 years of the Tyrš House at the Sokol Gallery
Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Gaming Day + AI: presentation of new game titles for children and adults, expert talks, a behind-the-scenes look at game journalism and the world of artificial intelligence, interactive installations
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
Motive Power Depot at Masaryk Railway Station – Museum of Railway and Electrical Engineering, NTM
exhibition about Těšnov and Vyšehrad railway stations and future of the Museum of the Railway NTM; accompanying educational program for families with children
National Theater – operational building
SILENT: A 35-minute sound performance with headphones in public space – Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. (pre-sale of tickets at the theatre)
New Synagogue in Libeň
short lecture on the history of the synagogue and activities of associations Serpens and Krajina přílivu; photography exhibition
Nusle Brewery – Lofts
sample ground plans, project visualisation and presentation, photos from the construction process
Old Wastewater Treatment Plant Bubeneč
video projection, guided tours, educational posters, photos…
Palata Home
exhibition of photos, designs, and plans; short video loop on the history of Palata
Podkovářská Premises
visitors can play basketball on the roof; tour of the printing office and the graphic studio, tours of showrooms
Prague Congress Centre
permanent exhibition related to the Congress Center’s 40th anniversary (entry no. 5)
Secondary Vocational School – Vocational Training Center & Grammar School
time-lapse video from reconstruction
Strahov Monastery
photos, videos, banners, presentations
Štvanice Power Station
exhibition of plans, pictures and photographs
The Drama Club
historical photos, plans, and designs
T. J. Sokol Libeň Gymnasium
historical photos
T. J. Sokol Praha Královské Vinohrady Gymnasium
lecture, open archive with medals from the Olympics, introduction of sports activities of each unit
T. J. Sokol Pražský Gymnasium
photo loop
Town House – Czech National Agency for International Education and Research
exhibition of archived documents with written commentary, information on international education and volunteering
Trmal Villa
current exhibition, permanent exposition of furniture designed by Kotěra
Troja Chateau – Prague City Gallery
exhibition Palace of (Leisure) Time inside the chateau; art workshop at the orangery whole day
U Slavíčků House – office of Committee of Goodwill – Olga Havlová Foundation
photos related to Olga Havlová and Olga Havlová Award, personal objects of Olga Havlová, history of the foundation, building plans
Program for Long-term Foreign Residents in Prague
The program included buildings that represent Prague’s architectural diversity as well as the 2025 edition’s must-see places. English-speaking visitors could visit several gems of early 20th century architecture, modern schools, or European embassies and even Prague Castle. Organized tours in English took place in 11 buildings. In total, around 2,000 foreign residents passed through all the open buildings. The printed Festival Guide with an English insert offered visitors tips for buildings to visit and practical information. New activities such as film projections and movement performances helped diversify the program for our international audience. English-speaking visitors could pick up laminated factsheets in the open buildings, and visitors could also read about the buildings in the Ukrainian language.
Photo Contest “Open Prague”
As part of the festival, we held a photo contest titled Otevřená Praha (“Open Prague”) for the fourth consecutive year together with ESTAV.cz. 82 visitors entered the contest, submitting 189 photos. Five finalists were selected in each of the three categories by expert juries. The category Architecture: Space & Environment was selected by the staff of ESTAV.cz; the category Details: Art & Craft was selected by professional photographer Miroslav Němeček of Škola kreativní fotografie; and the category People: Atmosphere & Emotions was selected by the members of the Open House Prague team. The selection was narrowed down to 15 finalists, and winners were decided in an online public vote at ESTAV.cz.
