A new Chocolate Art Museum has opened in the heart of Prague, offering visitors the chance to see iconic city landmarks recreated in chocolate.

Located at Husova Street, the museum showcases intricately crafted chocolate exhibits, including famous Prague landmarks, and invites visitors to create their own confections in a hands-on chocolate workshop.

Alongside these activities, a shop allows visitors to taste up to 80 types of chocolate from across the globe.

The Chocolate Art Museum Prague serves as a natural extension of their passion, combining a chocolaterie, café, and gallery under one roof.

The café serves a wide variety of pralines made from milk, white, dark, and even the rare “ruby” chocolate, which has a naturally pink hue. The chocolates come in flavors both traditional and adventurous, featuring nuts, nougat, caramel, and even more exotic ingredients like chilli, champagne, and herbs.

For those looking for healthier options, some pralines are sweetened with stevia. In addition to the chocolates, the café also offers freshly baked desserts and a selection of coffees and teas, sourced from specific origins for the highest quality.

The museum’s exhibits features everything from small sculptures to life-sized masterpieces. Some of the standout pieces include chocolate recreations of Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, the National Theatre, and Charles Bridge, complete with its iconic towers.

Other displays include the Crown Jewels, a chocolate version of the Prague Tram, and the Dancing House. Even beyond local landmarks, visitors will find international icons like the Eiffel Tower, and a fully functional revolving carousel made entirely from chocolate.

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In recent years, mid-term rentals have gained significant traction, particularly among corporate clients and international tenants.

This trend is part of the flexible living concept, which enables individuals to live temporarily in various cities and countries without long-term commitments.

The rise in demand for mid-term rentals reflects a shift in the housing market, providing a practical solution for business travelers, remote workers, freelancers, and students. In cities like Prague, however, this segment is still developing and has yet to fully match the range of options available in other European metropolises. Despite its growing popularity, mid-term rental options remain limited in Prague, where short-term rentals and long-term contracts dominate the market.

What is Mid-Term Rental and Why Is It Attractive?

Mid-term rental refers to leases that last anywhere from 30 days to 12 months. This type of rental is particularly suitable for people visiting Prague for work assignments, internships, or corporate projects. For tenants like international employees, freelancers, and students, the need for fully furnished, comfortable accommodation is crucial. Mid-term rentals provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive hotel stays while offering the convenience and quality not always available in short-term vacation rentals, which are often designed with tourists in mind.

Prague’s mid-term rental market, though in demand, is still underdeveloped. Most rental services in the city cater either to short-term tourists or long-term residents, leaving mid-term renters with fewer options. This creates a gap in the market, where quality service and reliable offerings are hard to find.

Why Airbnb and Similar Platforms Are Not Optimal for Longer Stays

While Airbnb and other similar platforms offer an alternative for short-term stays, they are not always the best option for people looking for accommodation over a more extended period. Let’s take, for instance, a business traveler arriving in Prague for a month and a half.

Hotels, though known for their high-quality service, are often too expensive for long stays and lack the space and privacy necessary for a comfortable extended stay. Living in a 20-square-meter hotel room for weeks is far from ideal. On the other hand, platforms like Airbnb often cater to short-term tourists, with properties located in noisy tourist districts. This makes them less suitable for people seeking quiet, longer-term accommodation. Additionally, there can be a mismatch between advertised and actual conditions, leaving renters dissatisfied with the quality and amenities of their rental.

While Prague has a well-developed long-term rental market, finding mid-term housing can be challenging. Most landlords prefer long-term contracts, leaving a gap in the market for those needing accommodation for a shorter duration.

Enter Blueground: A Global Leader in Mid-Term Rentals Expands to Prague

Blueground, a well-established international player in the mid-term rental market, recently made its debut in Prague. Already operating successfully in major European cities like Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, Blueground has earned its reputation as a global leader in corporate housing. The company aims to bring its high service standards to Prague, offering tenants the convenience, quality, and reliability that they expect.

Blueground stands out for its innovative approach to rental housing, offering fully furnished, thoughtfully designed apartments for stays of one month or longer. Operating in key cities worldwide, its mission is to provide a seamless and flexible living experience for business travelers, remote workers, and anyone in need of temporary housing. Blueground’s arrival in Prague is an exciting development, opening up new possibilities for the Czech rental market.

A Focus on Comfort and Convenience

Mid-term rentals bridge the gap by offering fully furnished, high-quality apartments with the convenience of a home-like environment. Tenants can enjoy professionally managed apartments equipped with everything from high-speed internet and smart TVs to dedicated workspaces. Blueground provides an enhanced living experience, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and international service standards.

Blueground’s Prague properties include fully furnished apartments with modern design and all essential amenities. These accommodations meet the highest standards, offering tenants a comfortable work-from-home setup, high-speed internet, and smart home features. For corporate clients and international tenants, multilingual support is available, ensuring that any issues or concerns are resolved quickly and efficiently.

The Blueground Guest App: Enhancing the Tenant Experience

Blueground offers more than just a rental—it offers a service. The company’s innovative Guest App allows tenants to manage their entire stay, from booking to requesting services like cleaning or additional amenities. Through the app, tenants can request repairs, get extra towels or keys, and receive real-time updates on their requests. Problems like equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs can be reported directly through the app, with a guaranteed response within 24 hours. This digital solution ensures a hassle-free living experience, unlike traditional rentals where communication with landlords can be slow and unstructured.

In addition to these services, Blueground is continually improving the app’s functionality by adding new partner services. For example, tenants can access discount codes for parking spaces, conference room bookings, or fitness club memberships at competitive rates. This enhances the convenience of mid-term living, offering added value through exclusive services that make life in a new city more enjoyable and affordable.

The Future of Mid-Term Rentals in Prague: A Vision from Blueground’s Leadership

Vladimir Serebrennikov, Managing Director of Blueground Prague, emphasized the company’s vision for the Czech market: “We recently launched Blueground in Prague and are already seeing positive feedback from clients and strong interest from corporate companies looking to partner with us. What we offer is more than just an apartment; we offer a service. Our goal is to make our guests feel at home by providing them  with a seamless living experience”

Blueground caters primarily to corporate clients visiting Prague for business, as well as digital nomads, Erasmus students, and individuals needing temporary housing while waiting for long-term options. The company offers apartments of various sizes, from compact 1-bedroom units to spacious 3-bedroom homes, located in different neighborhoods across Prague. Regardless of the budget, tenants can expect the highest standards in both the apartments and the support services provided during their stay.

Blueground is actively working on expanding its portfolio in Prague, planning to renovate and rebrand over 100 apartments by the end of the year. This will not only provide more options for renters but also allow the company to cover new areas of the city. Prospective tenants can explore the first available properties on the Blueground website, where the current offerings range from modern flats in the trendy Holešovice district to beautifully restored historical apartments in Vršovice, capturing the charm of old Prague.

With plans to add more apartments and expand its service offering, Blueground aims to become the leading provider of mid-term housing in the Czech Republic, offering tenants an unparalleled living experience with international standards of comfort and service.

Get in touch with Blueground:

 

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According to a recent study by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), the city’s population could grow to 1.97 million residents by 2050.

This growth will necessitate significant expansion of public services and infrastructure, particularly in areas such as healthcare, social services, education, and burial facilities.

A key element of the report is its forecast of Prague’s population dynamics, offering five potential scenarios based on factors such as migration, economic conditions, and residential development.

The lowest scenario predicts 1.66 million inhabitants by 2050, while the highest projection reaches 1.97 million. In addition to population predictions, the study highlights current gaps in public services and projects future demands across eight essential sectors: education, healthcare, social services, burial, commerce, recreation, culture, and sport.

Alexandra Udženija, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs and Healthcare, underscored the urgency of increasing healthcare facilities and services:

“This forecast confirms that Prague will require a dramatic increase in healthcare services and social facilities in the coming decades. More hospitals, homes for the elderly, and social service centers will be critical, and the city must start preparing now.”

The study also provides valuable insights for the education sector, with Councillor for Education, Antonín Klecanda, stressing the importance of aligning school capacity with demographic trends:

“This population data is crucial for planning our educational infrastructure. To ensure that every child has access to quality education, we need to strategically develop schools and adjust to these demographic changes over the coming decades.”

The study now also covers selected municipalities in the Central Bohemian Region, whose residents frequently utilize Prague’s services. These updates ensure that the city’s planning reflects both current realities and long-term forecasts.

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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala proposed the dismissal of Development Minister Ivan Bartos on Tuesday, a surprise move that shook the centre-right coalition and likely means the exit of the smallest party.

Fiala said Bartos, the outgoing head of the Pirate party, should leave his ministerial post after mismanaging the introduction of a digital system for issuing building permits.

Fiala’s proposal will head to President Petr Pavel, who will officially need to fire Bartos.

The Pirates have just four seats in the 200-seat lower house of deputies, and the ruling coalition would maintain a slim majority without the party, but the dismissal showed cracks in the government which faces a tough challenge from the populist opposition in an election in a year’s time.

Bartos, who said he had met Fiala on Tuesday morning but only learned hours later of the intention to dismiss him, called the firing a “dirty trick.”

Fiala praised two other ministers from the Pirate party, including Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, who has been the main voice of the government’s strong support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Fiala told a televised briefing that he was not breaking up the coalition but said: “I am asking the Pirates to propose a new candidate for the (regional development ministry) post.”

Pirate party officials, however, told a news conference that Fiala’s move effectively ended the Pirates’ involvement in government, although they did not announce the resignations of their two other ministers.

“We were kicked out of the government by (Fiala’s ruling party) ODS today and it’s out of the question that we would come back to talk to ODS about (a ministerial replacement),” Jakub Michalek, who heads the Pirates’ caucus, said.

Bartos has been weakened by an outcry from state administrators, builders, and architects about faults in implementing a system of issuing building permits in place since July.

In a regional assemblies election last weekend, his party lost nearly all seats in regional assemblies, prompting Bartos to say he was quitting as party chairman, but he had no intention to leave the cabinet.

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Designblok 2024, the largest design and fashion showcase in Central Europe, is set to return with its theme of Youth from October 2 to 6.

The event will feature over 200 exhibitors, including prominent studios, alongside new and emerging talents.

The festival will span iconic venues such as Prague Castle, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the newly renovated Prague City Museum.

The festival will spread across several iconic venues in Prague, starting with Prague Castle and its historical spaces.

Visitors can also explore the Superstudio at the historic main building of the Prague City Museum for new works by top Czech and international brands, as well as the Bastion Florenc.

This modern venue will host part of the festival program​. The Prague City Museum will open its doors and amazing neo-renaissance exhibition halls for the first time after an extensive renovation.

Additionally, the Museum of Decorative Arts will feature the High Craft exhibition, where cutting-edge and traditional craftsmanship meet in perfect harmony​.

Renowned designers Ron Arad and Patricia Moroso will introduce exclusive pieces, emphasizing sustainable design and fostering the next generation of creative talent. This year’s lineup focuses on fresh ideas, revolutionary approaches to materials, and inspiring business models.

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What began as a seemingly trivial altercation spiraled into a tragic incident.

Two groups of tourists clashed in the heart of Prague, leading to a confrontation that escalated beyond mere words and shoves.

One tourist, aged 26, wielded a bottle of vodka as a weapon, resulting in a devastating outcome; the victim later died to his injuries in the hospital.

The incident took place on Saturday, September 21, along Národní třída and was caught on a security camera.

According to police spokesman Jan Daněk, the groups initially appeared to be enjoying a friendly interaction. “At first, everything was calm, and the tourists were chatting normally. Then, an argument broke out between them,” Daněk reported.

The argument escalated quickly into a series of events that none of the participants anticipated.

“One individual struck another in the head with a vodka bottle. The impact was so severe that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically died in the hospital,” Daněk explained. Given the seriousness of the situation, police launched a search for the perpetrator.

Authorities located the suspect outside a hotel in Prague 2, where he had reserved a room.

“The 26-year-old man is now facing charges of grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 16 years in prison,” Daněk noted, adding that the foreign national might remain in custody as he faces the repercussions of his actions.

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In an interview with The New York Times (NYT) published on Monday, Czech President Petr Pavel said that Ukraine must be realistic about its war objectives and accept that some territory may remain, at least temporarily, under Russian occupation.

Pavel, described by the NYT as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters against Russian aggression, stressed that Ukrainians and their allies need to face what he called “reality.”

“The most likely outcome of the war (…) is that part of Ukrainian territory will be temporarily under Russian control,” Pavel stated during his visit to the United States. He noted that there are “many examples” of territories held by Moscow on a temporary basis.

Maximalist Goals Unattainable

Pavel argued that neither side—Ukraine nor Russia—will achieve their maximalist goals. “Talking about the defeat of Ukraine or Russia is unrealistic,” he said, adding, “the resolution will lie somewhere in between.”

His comments were echoed by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirate Party), who admitted that Ukraine is currently unable to reclaim all its lost territory.

“That’s the reality we see,” he stated. However, Lipavský clarified that this doesn’t mean Ukraine should be pressured into ceding territory to Russia, thereby legitimizing the aggressor’s claims.

Ukraine’s Future on the World Stage

Foreign Minister Lipavský emphasized the importance of key principles, including respect for the UN Charter and the protection of territorial integrity. “It must be Ukrainians who decide the fate of Ukrainian territory,” he told reporters in New York, echoing the stance of most Western leaders.

This week, Ukraine will be a central topic at the UN General Assembly in New York. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to call for increased military and political support when he addresses the Assembly on Wednesday. He will also present a “roadmap to victory” during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, which he plans to later make public.

Domestic Pressure in the Czech Republic

Despite the Czech Republic’s strong support for Ukraine—along with Poland and the Baltic states—the country is facing growing domestic pressure to scale back aid and encourage Ukraine toward a settlement with Russia.

According to a summer poll, nearly two-thirds of Czechs would support a quick end to the conflict, even if it meant some Ukrainian territory remaining under Russian control.

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For the first time ever, the iconic dancers of Paris’ famed Moulin Rouge will perform in Prague this October.

The event will take place at the Municipal House as part of the French Touch La Belle Vie gala, an initiative aimed at strengthening economic ties between France and the Czech Republic.

Attendees can expect more than just the high-energy cancan—famed French performers like the rock band Indochine, Yan Destal from the duo MODJO, as well as Czech artists Vojtěch Dyk and the band Vesna, will also take the stage.

This year marks the 135th anniversary of Moulin Rouge. “It’s a demanding but rewarding job. Moulin Rouge is a family business, and I’m proud to be part of the fourth generation running it,” says Jean-Victor Clerico, the cabaret’s executive director.

The venue will host two performances, at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

Behind the Scenes at Moulin Rouge

With more than 400 employees, Moulin Rouge is a well-oiled machine, requiring the expertise of performers, technical crews, restaurant staff, and theater managers.

“What sets us apart is that we create everything in-house. From the sets to the costumes, including headpieces and shoes, we rely on our own artisans and seamstresses,” Clerico explains.

Despite the challenges, he says the satisfaction of seeing the end result every night is what makes the effort worthwhile. “It’s rare to be able to see the fruits of your labor in real time,” he adds with a smile.

A Star-Studded Evening

In addition to the Moulin Rouge dancers, the French Touch La Belle Vie will feature the French rock band Indochine, one of the most influential groups in France’s music scene.

TikTok sensation Sarah Schwab is also set to perform, known for her ability to mimic over 200 artists, including Édith Piaf and Celine Dion.

For fans of electronic music, the gala extends beyond the Municipal House. Two nights at Sasazu Club will feature some of the biggest names in the genre.

Attendees can look forward to Yan Destal from MODJO, or Daft Funk, a tribute band to the legendary Daft Punk. The organisers have also managed to arrange a performance with DJ Kavinsky, who wowed the audience at this year’s Olympic closing ceremony.

 

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This fall again, the KRUH association in cooperation with local-based organizations and initiatives is organizing the nationwide festival known as Architecture Day, with many Czech and Moravian cities, towns, and other municipalities of all magnitudes engaging in its numerous events.

This year’s 14th edition will run between October 5 and October 8.

Architecture Day is not just about walks, but also bike rides, cruises, screenings, discussions, workshops for families, art installations, and happenings. And the associated festival Film and Architecture.

Historical highlights in Prague are the Judith Bridge Tower on the Malá Strana side of Charles Bridge, the Baroque summer residence Portheimka, and Veleslavín Chataeu.

Modern examples include the Cubist-style House of the Black Madonna, the former art nouveau Gráf Hotel in I.P. Pavlova, the industrial premises of a former Praga car factory, the functionalist building of the Edison Transformation Station by architect František A. Libra, a boiler room designed by Karel Prager, and a complex of a water tower, among several others.

The festival takes place in an average of 85 towns and villages or venues each year, with more than 350 events taking place over the course of a week.

Despite the difficult pandemic situation in 2020 and 2021, a historical record was set with a total of 399 events taking place in 105 cities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

More info here

About KRUH

A civic association KRUH (Circle) was founded in 2001 by a group of architecture students at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and it is the only NGO, which operates professionally and continually within the architecture field nowadays.

Focus of our activities lies in an ongoing cycle of lectures on architecture held by leading Czech and foreign architects and architecture critics. In addition to that, we have organized excursions to contemporary architectural realisations and film festivals.

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On Monday, Prague’s City Flood Commission confirmed that flood protection measures across the metropolitan area will be gradually lifted this week.

On Tuesday, gates at Čertovka will be opened, and the last remaining barriers at Zbraslav and Divadelní Street will be dismantled.

By Wednesday, the embankments along the river will once again be accessible to the public, including local businesses, and navigation on the Vltava River is expected to resume.

Ferries will also return to operation based on the water flow, with updates provided by Prague Integrated Transport via their website.

“There are no signs of the situation worsening, quite the opposite. I want to emphasize once again the excellent preparedness of the experts and teams involved, whose efforts have spared Prague from a disaster. Thanks to their work, the city suffered only minor damage compared to other regions,” said Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague.

Starting Wednesday at noon, the embankments in Prague’s Districts 1, 2, and 5 will reopen to the public, including the businesses that operate there.

The Vltava River is expected to fully reopen for navigation by noon on Wednesday. Previously, boating had only been allowed between Barrandov and Jirásek Bridges.

The State Navigation Administration will release an official statement on its website regarding the full reopening. Ferry services will also resume in the coming days, though each ferry has its own flood protocol.

Additionally, the city has collaborated with the Czech Red Cross to create a dedicated email address, [email protected], where municipal representatives can request help from Prague’s authorities.

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Starting Saturday morning, 28 September, tram service will resume in the Vodičková – Jindřišská section.

The area has been closed for the past three months due to the extensive reconstruction of Wenceslas Square. This update was confirmed by the Prague Transport Company.

Tram lines 3, 5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 24, 42, 91, 92, 94, 95, and 96 will be back on their original routes, ensuring better connectivity for both residents and tourists.

It’s important to note that the renovation project for Wenceslas Square includes a plan to reinstate tram services to the area.

Tracks will run from the National Museum to the Můstek metro station, where they will merge with existing lines connecting Vodičková and Jindřišská streets.

LINKA 35 NAPOSLEDY NA VÁCLAVÁK | Dnes s posledním výjezdem 🚋 linky 35 (zhruba o půlnoci) začínáme rozebírat dočasné obratiště a zastávku v Jindřišské ulici, které sloužily od 16. července tohoto roku k dočasné obsluze cestujících mezi Václavským náměstím a Vozovnou Žižkov.… pic.twitter.com/pLN9T1Ou7c

— Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy, akciová společnost (@DPPOficialni) September 23, 2024

Trams ran in the upper part of the square until 1980, but the previous city administration decided to bring them back. According to previous information, the trams will run on the sides of the square.

The city is also planning to reduce car traffic on the square.

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Czech Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš has stepped down as leader of the Pirate Party following a significant electoral defeat over the weekend.

The Pirate Party managed to secure only three regional council seats, a steep drop from its previous 99, as the opposition ANO movement, led by former prime minister Andrej Babiš, dominated the elections, winning in 10 out of 13 regions.

“Given the outcome of the regional and senate elections, the leadership of the Pirate Party is collectively resigning,” Bartoš announced in a social media statement on Sunday.

In addition to Bartoš, other high-profile resignations include vice-chair Klára Kocmanová, MEP Markéta Gregorová, and municipal representative Dominika Poživilová Michailidu.

Jana Holomčík Leitnerová, another vice-chair of the party, had already announced her resignation, set to take effect by the end of September.

The party plans to elect a new leadership team on November 9.

These resignations signal a significant shift not only for the Pirate Party but also for the Czech political scene. Despite the party’s focus on anti-corruption and digital governance, its popularity has waned, reflecting a broader trend of declining support for progressive parties across Europe.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but it’s clear the party needs fresh leadership, new ideas, and renewed energy to win back the confidence of voters,” Bartoš said in his resignation statement.

Voter turnout was notably low, hovering around 33 percent, with public interest likely dampened by recent flooding in parts of the country.

The far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, led by Tomio Okamura, also made gains, increasing its seats from 35 to 41.

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