Prague has approved nearly CZK 46.5 million in funding for the preservation of historical landmarks and cultural assets, as part of a broader effort to protect the city’s heritage and support the arts.

The city council reviewed 141 applications and approved 84 projects for funding.

These include 51 immovable heritage sites, 21 church-owned properties, and 12 movable monuments. The remaining 57 applications were declined.

Among the supported projects is the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul at Vyšehrad, which will receive CZK 2.5 million towards a roof reconstruction. The overall cost of the work is estimated at CZK 9 million.

Another grant will go to the Hlahol singing association, which has been awarded more than CZK 1 million for renovations, including window replacements at its historic headquarters on Masaryk Embankment.

Looking ahead to 2026, Prague plans to invest CZK 420 million in cultural initiatives.

Part of that funding will go toward events marking the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth, with dedicated support for projects honouring the former president and playwright.

The city will also fund Prague’s participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest international events in the literary calendar.

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On the evening of May 8, 2025, the Czech Republic will mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a striking visual tribute.

President Petr Pavel will officially launch a powerful laser beam from Prague’s Žižkov Tower, sending a signal of peace into the night sky.

The laser will be activated shortly after 10 p.m. and will be visible across much of the city and its outskirts. Organizers say the beam is intended as a reminder of the devastating consequences of global conflict and as a symbol of the continued commitment to peace in Europe.

The display also serves as a tribute to those who suffered and died during the war and as a warning against the repetition of history’s darkest chapters.

The best way to see the laser is from places that offer a clear, wide view of the Žižkov Tower. Ideal spots include Petřín Park, Letná, Hradčany, and Vítkov Hill, along with other high points across the city where the entire tower is visible from top to base.

In addition to the laser tribute, a week-long commemorative program will take place at the Žižkov Tower from May 8 to May 18. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in guided tours that explore the tower’s history and significance. Tours will be conducted daily in Czech at 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 16:00, and in English at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00.

To mark the occasion, the tower’s Oblaca bar and Miminoo restaurant will offer a special anniversary menu, including themed cocktails crafted for the event.

The aim is to blend remembrance with a sense of shared experience, using the city’s most recognizable landmark as a focal point for both reflection and community gathering.

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For one weekend only, the Czech Republic will open the gates to nearly 300 gardens and parks, many of which are normally closed to the public.

The popular Open Gardens Weekend 2025 returns on Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8, offering a rare opportunity to explore hidden green spaces across the country.

Visitors can access a wide range of sites—from historical gardens and botanical collections to orchards, monasteries, and even old cemeteries. Each participating location offers something unique, whether it’s architectural value, ecological innovation, or a fascinating backstory.

Not all gardens offer free entry, and some require advance booking or have limited access. Visitors are strongly encouraged to check details in advance for each location on the official website: www.vikendotevrenychzahrad.cz

The event originated in the United Kingdom in 1998, under the name Open Garden & Squares Weekend, and has since inspired similar events across Europe. The Czech edition aims to raise public awareness about landscape design, gardening, and the cultural role of public green spaces.

“We want to broaden the public’s understanding of gardens, parks, and public spaces, and present them with the stories and secrets behind each place,” the organizers said. “Every garden that participates brings something exceptional—whether it’s a dendrological collection, unusual design, or deep-rooted local history.”

From urban oases in Prague to historic arboretums in South Moravia, the event offers a once-a-year chance to experience the rich variety of Czech landscape architecture. It’s not only about aesthetics—it’s a cultural invitation to reconnect with nature, heritage, and the unseen layers of our cities.

Participating sites include public parks, private estates, school gardens, and even historical cemeteries. Many will also offer guided tours, lectures, or accompanying programs, making the weekend both educational and engaging for all ages.

 

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A new exhibition space, Kodl Contemporary, is set to open in Prague by the end of 2025.

The three-story glass gallery will be located on Dvořákovo nábřeží, near the newly renovated Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel—formerly the InterContinental Hotel.

The concept behind the gallery comes from Jakub Kodl, the youngest member of the well-known Czech art collector family behind the Galerie Kodl auction house.

Kodl selected a glass cube design to maximize the impact of natural light on the exhibited works, enhancing the visual experience for visitors.

While an exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, final construction and interior works are currently underway.

The mission of Kodl Contemporary is clear: to showcase contemporary Czech art to an international audience, boost its prestige, and increase the market value of individual artists’ works.

“To realize this vision, we are establishing partnerships with renowned international galleries, leading curators, and top artists, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange,” said Tereza Kaslová, head of communications, on the gallery’s official website.

 

 

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A new mural featuring Václav Havel now brightens the underpass of Prague’s Budějovická metro station, transforming the space into a tribute to the late president’s ideals of truth and love.

The graffiti artwork was created by local artists Original Seok and Phoe, in collaboration with the Dream Colours collective.

Commissioned by the Prague 4 district, the project aims to elevate urban space through public art and inspire younger generations to reflect on the values Havel championed — freedom, democracy, and mutual respect.“We were the first in Prague to launch a legal graffiti wall back in 2012,” said Lucie Michková, a representative of Prague 4 who spearheaded the initiative. “We’ve designated areas where artists can create without fear of fines. The idea eventually grew into something larger — a mural right here at Budějovická.”

The location previously featured an aging mural with the Prague astronomical clock and other city landmarks, but over time, it faded and lost its appeal. Michková felt it was time for something new.

“I spent nearly nine months browsing Instagram, searching for the right concept,” she said. “But nothing clicked — until Original Seok reached out with his proposal. I immediately knew this was it and gave him full creative freedom.”

The result is a powerful portrait of Václav Havel, portrayed with a youthful expression, emerging from a wash of color and texture. It’s more than a mural — it’s a statement.

Michková emphasized that street art has long played a role in the cultural identity of Prague 4. “I want to expand the number of legal graffiti zones throughout the district,” she said, highlighting her ongoing commitment to accessible and lawful artistic expression.

She also hopes to collaborate with Dream Colours on future projects — not just in beautifying public spaces but in outreach aimed at youth who might otherwise tag illegally. “We’d like to engage young people who spray for the wrong reasons and show them how their skills can be used to enrich the city instead.”

 

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All Souls’ Day – the day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away – has great significance in the Czech Republic.

Dušičky – or “Little Souls” – as it is called in Czech is an annual pilgrimage that has taken place since pagan times.

The official Czech name is Památka zesnulých (“a remembrance of those who have passed”), but everyone calls the day dušičky (“little souls”) or všech svatých (“of all saints”).

Activities of the day include attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead and those we remember. Czechs will lay wreaths and flowers at the grave and spend time honoring those who have passed with remembering.

If you visit a cemetery in the Czech Republic during this time, you will immediately note the flickering glow of hundreds of freshly lit candles making the entire area aglow in a very holy way.

You can visit the biggest graveyard in Prague – Olšany Cemetery (Olšanské hřbitovy in Czech).  Here are some images of what a Czech All Soul’s Day looks like.

 

The November 2^nd tradition

The tradition of visiting cemeteries on November 2 hails from the 10^th century, when, during 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny, France, made that specific day the official time to pay respects to those who need to be purged of their minor sins. In the beginning, feasts were held in local Benedictine monasteries.

Then Carthusians joined in. By the end of the 10^th century, though, the tradition had spread throughout the Catholic Church. Thanks to Pope Benedict XV, from 1915 priests have been allowed to celebrate three Masses on this holy day – one focusing on the deceased, another concerning the priest’s intentions and the third dealing with the intentions of the Holy Father.

Before Abbot Odilo’s decision

But praying for the purification of souls was not always held in November. Before Abbot Odilo’s decision, it was celebrated during the Easter period. In the 10^th century, the day of remembrance was moved to October.

Eastern Orthodox Churches

Eastern Orthodox Churches still honor their dead around Pentecost Sunday and have several such holy days throughout the year. For Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, most All Souls’ Day celebrations take place on Saturdays because that was the day Jesus lay in the Tomb.

 

On the first Saturday of August, Kramář Villa in Hradčany will be open to the public.

Built between 1911 and 1914 by Karel Kramář, a politician and the future first Czechoslovak prime minister, it is considered to be one of the most imposing examples of Prague villa architecture.

Since 1998, the villa, with its unique interiors and surrounding French-style gardens, has been the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.

The villa covers over 700 square meters and offers a unique view of the Vltava River and the Prague bridges, as well as the Prime Minister’s study.

Guided tours will start from the villa gate, with the first group at 9 am and the last at 4 pm.

Another notable neo-Baroque building, the Straka Academy, will open its garden every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Since the summer holiday season began, the garden has featured an outdoor photo exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union.

The exhibition chronicles the Czech Republic’s journey to the EU from the early 1990s to the present day, highlighting the evolution of both the EU and the Czech Republic.

Next week, visitors can also explore the Benešov Villa, located just an hour’s drive from the city center. In addition to its architecture, the villa offers a glimpse into the personal lives of its former owners.

For example, Hana Benešová’s silk dressing gown, which was likely seen only by her maid and her husband during her lifetime, will be displayed. Hana Benešová, wife of Edvard Beneš, the second Czechoslovak president, was known for her impeccable style, even at home.

Enjoy a weekend of exploring these historic gems and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Czech Republic.

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Musician Bruce Springsteen was supposed to perform in Prague on Tuesday, May 28, but due to vocal cord issues, he had to postpone the concert.

Fortunately, he will not disappoint his fans and will come to the capital with his show on Sunday, June 15, next year.

Organizers have confirmed that the original tickets are valid for the new date, with no need for exchanges. Ticket refunds are available for the next three months, until September 3, 2024.

Springsteen is one of the world’s best-selling artists, with over 140 million records sold worldwide, including more than 70 million in the United States.

His tour last year was a massive success, selling more than 1.6 million tickets for the European leg and earning universal acclaim as one of the band’s best performances.

The tour, which kicked off this past May, saw Springsteen hit the road with The E Street Band. The American music icon visited the UK first, then Ireland and France, and was due to continue to the Czech Republic, which was unfortunately delayed due to his vocal cord issues.

Springsteen has won numerous awards in his career, including 20 Grammys, an Oscar, two Golden Globes, and a special Tony Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, followed by The E Street Band in 2014. They were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In 2013, he received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. President Joe Biden also honored Springsteen with the 2021 National Medal of Arts at the White House in 2023.

According to Pollstar magazine, Springsteen is one of only four artists to have sold more than 20 million tickets since 1980.

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After a four-year break, Prague will host the annual “Night of Museums” event (Pražská muzejní noc 2024).

As part of the event, more than 30 museums and galleries will open for free visits during the evening and night.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 15, from 19:00 to 24:00.

Its main goal is to popularize culture and attract young people to museums. Many of them will offer guests not only free entrance but also an informative and entertaining program.

The list of participating sites can be found at this link. It is not final and continues to be expanded. For example, you can find two observatories, the Prague Museum, and the Klam-Gallas Palace.

The last “Night of Museums” was held in Prague in the summer of 2019. The tradition was interrupted due to the coronavirus epidemic and subsequent organizational difficulties.

Once again Prague Museum Night will deliver its main mission to offer visitors a chance to visit cultural sites at night and provide free admission and transport.

Prague Museum Night is organized by the National Museum, the Prague Public Transport Company, and the Czech Association of Museums and Galleries, in cooperation with other institutions.

Last Prague Museum Night attracted 160,000 visitors! It should be one of those unforgettable evenings under the stars…

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The historic Máj department store, undergoing reconstruction since July 2022, is set to unveil its new look to the public on Thursday, June 20th.

The revamped Máj won’t just be a shopping destination. It will offer a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, cafes with scenic views, and an entertainment space.

The building’s facade will be adorned with an artwork by Czech sculptor David Černý, adding a touch of artistic flair to the modern design. Construction is nearing completion, with work currently focused on fitting out individual shops and creating a spectacular “crystal sky” arcade alongside a sleek white escalator hall.

The first basement level will host a brand-new Tesco store. The ground and first floors will cater to restaurants, cafes, florists, accessories, drugstores, and more.

Food lovers can find a food hall boasting around 750 seats and a variety of fast-food and classic eateries, including Popeyes, Burger King, and Banh Mi, alongside Prima Bastion, Misushi, and Amerikanos.

The previously underutilized upper floors are being transformed into spaces for entertainment, culture, and education, offering something for everyone.

Máj was built in 1973 as the second department store in the Czech Republic and has been a traditional shopping destination since then.

It was designed by Miroslav Masák, John Eisler and Martin Rajniš from the Liberec studio SIAL. In 2006, the Ministry of Culture declared it a cultural monument.

 

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Prague is re-evaluating the future of the bronze wall sculpture “Moscow-Prague” located in the Anděl metro station.

As irozhlas.cz reports, Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) has proposed modifying the artwork due to Russia’s historical and ongoing aggression towards Ukraine.

Hřib believes the city should adjust the form of the sculpture or place it in a new context through an art competition. Until then, an explanatory sign will be installed near the piece to provide historical context.

Previously, the Prague municipality considered the sculpture a historical element of the station’s architecture and art. However, the recent discussions have led the Prague Transport Company (DPP) to reconsider its stance.

“We agree to hold an art competition to determine a new form for the area with the relief instead of simply removing the inscription,” said DPP spokeswoman Aneta Řehková. “Removing it could be seen as erasing history.”

Tahle plastika na Andělu je lživá, proto jí dáme novou podobu!

Přátelství mezi Moskvou a Prahou, které tenhle nápis naznačuje, bylo totiž jen vymyšlenou propagandou. V roce 1985, kdy došlo ke zprovoznění stanice Anděl (dříve Moskevská), bylo Československo okupováno Sovětským… pic.twitter.com/0xoCWYGgT3

— Zdeněk Hřib (@ZdenekHrib) May 5, 2024

“The friendship between Moscow and Prague, which this inscription indicates, was just propaganda. In 1985, when the Anděl (formerly Moskevská) station was commissioned, Czechoslovakia was occupied by the Soviet Union. And we will probably agree that the occupier is not a friend,” stated Hřib on X.

Anděl station was built between 1977 and 1985, designed by Soviet architects and dedicated to the Czechoslovak–Soviet friendship. It was opened on 2 November 1985, as part of the inaugural section of Line B between Sokolovská and Smíchovské nádraží.

The station was renamed in 1990 to Anděl. Its original name was Moskevská, after the city of Moscow.

In the same year, the Czechoslovak Metrostav designed the station Prazhskaya, named after Prague, it was opened on the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya Line of the Moscow Metro, which resembles the ceramic-tiled stations on the C line’s Jižní Město segment.

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Having a free Wednesday in the middle of the week sounds great, but what happens if you need to grab some groceries or do some shopping on a public holiday in the Czech Republic?

The big question, though is whether large stores will be open, as there is little logic to the law that passed in 2016. The answer is mixed, with stores open on May 1 (Labor Day) but closed on May 8 (Victory Day). See below for more details.

This guide will help you navigate store closures on May 1st and May 8th, which both fall on Wednesdays in 2024, as well as other public holidays throughout the year.

Good News for Shoppers on May 1st!

While some public holidays mean closed shops, there’s good news for May 1st. Stores are permitted to stay open on this national holiday. Here are other public holidays where shops can operate normally:

• December 24th (Christmas Eve) – with limited hours (until noon)
• Good Friday (falling between April 20th and 23rd in 2024)
• July 5th (Day of the Slavic Saints Cyril and Methodius)
• July 6th (Jan Hus Day)

Plan Ahead for These Closed Shop Holidays

May 8th (Victory Day) falls under a different category. This, along with other public holidays, requires shops larger than 200 square meters to close their doors. This includes all major retail chains. Here’s a list of these holidays:

• December 25th (Christmas Day)
• December 26th (St. Stephen’s Day)
• January 1st (New Year’s Day)
• Easter Monday
• May 8th (Victory Day)
• September 28th (Czech Statehood Day)
• October 28th (Day of the Establishment of the Independent Czechoslovak State)

Exceptions to the Rule

There are exceptions. Pharmacies, gas stations, and shops at airports, railway stations (including Prague’s Hlavní nádraží), and hospitals are exempt. Delivery services are not covered by the law and should operate as normal. However, personal-shopper services that rely on sourcing items from supermarkets will be faced with limited suppliers.

The Czech Trade Inspection Authority enforces these regulations, and shops that break the rules face fines.

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