What is your profession?
After studying at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, I began working as an auditor in a prestigious international consulting company. After 15 years, I decided to fully focus on my hobby – art. I studied the history of art, and I’m still in my doctoral studies. I work as a freelance art historian specializing in 20th century art and modern architecture.
How did you become a tour guide?
I started working as an educator and tour guide during my studies of art history. I currently work in the National Gallery Prague, especially on permanent exhibitions in the Trade Fair Palace and the Schwarzenberg Palace, or on short-term exhibitions of mostly modern art. I have worked with other institutions, too, such as the Museum of Decorative Art in Prague, and I work as a tour guide in the Müller Villa and the Rothmayer Villa. I believe my purpose is to mediate art to the public.
Which building/part of Prague or architectural style is your favorite?
For many years I had admired functionalism, modernism, and cubism in architecture, but in recent years I have found my new favorite styles in brutalism and postmodernism. However, there are so many different architecture styles from different eras in Prague, and I find fascinating buildings in every one of them.
How long have you been working with Open House Prague and what do you like about it?
I’ve been working with OHP since 2018, and since the summer of 2021, I’ve been a regular collaborator. Being involved in the festival is not only a very positive but also an intense and exhausting experience. I really like the community of volunteers and their enthusiasm, and it is my great pleasure to guide them on special walking tours arranged for them by the OHP organization during the year.
What are your hobbies?
I don’t distinguish much between my free time and work because art and architecture follow me every day in real life as well as in literature. I’m a passionate reader of both fiction and non-fiction, I often go to the cinema, theater, or to a classical concert with my family or friends. We also like to travel around the Czech Republic as well as abroad. I’m learning French, I like biking, and I also have a dog now (a Welsh Corgi).