It’s been exactly 25 years since ten giant crawling babies first appeared on Prague’s Žižkov Television Tower, now one of the capital’s most recognizable features.

On May 29, 2000, Czech sculptor David Černý transformed the controversial broadcast structure into an icon of modern art—and stirred both fascination and outrage.

Originally intended for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the aluminum babies made their Prague debut as part of the city’s European Capital of Culture celebrations.

Suspended across the tower’s vertical columns, the toddlers immediately polarized public opinion. But over time, they’ve become an inseparable part of Prague’s skyline—odd, surreal, and deeply local.

Identical versions of the babies, known in Czech as Miminka, are displayed on Kampa Island, standing freely on the grass. Viewed at ground level, their barcode-stamped faces reveal a more disturbing commentary—one that hints at Černý’s reputation for blending humor with subversive critique.

The artist’s intent wasn’t to charm, but to provoke questions about identity, surveillance, and dehumanization.

From Temporary Installation to Permanent Fixture

The original installation lasted only six months. In October 2000, the babies were removed, and their fate remained uncertain. But just a year later, they returned—this time indefinitely.

With the exception of a brief absence between 2017 and 2019 for restoration, the figures have become a lasting part of the tower’s structure.

In fact, the original babies were eventually replaced altogether. Due to weather damage and wear, new versions were created and reinstalled in March 2019.

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The Českomoravská metro station in Prague could soon be renamed Arena Libeň following its ongoing reconstruction.

The move has received backing from Prague 9 officials, Ropid—the city’s transport planning authority—and Prague City Hall’s topographic commission, according to Ropid spokesperson Filip Drápal.

Českomoravská, located on Metro Line B, has been closed since January 6 for extensive renovations. It is the nearest metro stop to the O2 Arena, a major concert and sports venue.

Drápal explained that the idea to rename the station came from the O2 Arena’s operator after the closure began.

The original proposal suggested the name Arena Praha, which was accepted by Prague 9’s administration. Ropid also supported the initiative, presenting it to the topographic commission on May 21, which formally recommended renaming the station to Arena Libeň.

This isn’t the first time the name change has been discussed. A similar proposal was put forward in 2018, but officials ultimately retained the Českomoravská designation.

However, the proposed renaming has drawn sharp criticism from members of the public. Opponents argue the move is unnecessary, potentially confusing, and disregards historical and geographic significance.

“We see the incorporation of corporate or promotional names into public transport as a dangerous precedent,” the petition states. “It could open the door to selling naming rights of other stations to private firms.”

The station’s reconstruction is expected to cost 926 million CZK and includes replacing escalators, installing elevators, and updating distribution systems.

The design is also getting an upgrade, with ceramic tiles being swapped out for glass panels featuring bubble motifs by renowned Czech designer Maxim Velčovský.

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Czechia’s two largest cities—Prague and Brno—have secured spots on the global list of the happiest places to live, according to the latest Happy Cities Index published by the Institute for Quality of Life.

The index evaluates 200 cities around the world, ranking them based on factors such as governance, civic participation, economy, healthcare, environmental quality, and mobility.

Although Prague and Brno appeared in the lower quarter of the ranking, their inclusion still highlights a positive quality of life in the Czech Republic.

Europe Leads the Way in Urban Happiness

Copenhagen took the top spot in the 2025 ranking, scoring 1,039 points. The Danish capital not only offers efficient governance and a strong economy, but also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and culture. Nearly 70% of transportation in Copenhagen is eco-friendly, and the city even hosts its own Museum of Happiness, underlining its commitment to resident well-being.

Zurich followed in second place with 993 points, thanks to its robust economy, world-class healthcare, and environmental initiatives. The Swiss city is frequently cited for its high standard of living and sustainable transport systems.

In third place—the highest-ranked non-European city—was Singapore, earning 979 points. The city-state received praise for its top universities, low unemployment, and strong civic engagement.

Rounding out the top ten were Aarhus (Denmark), Antwerp (Belgium), Seoul (South Korea), Stockholm (Sweden), Taipei (Taiwan), Munich (Germany), and Rotterdam (Netherlands).

Prague and Brno: Quiet Achievers

Prague ranked 153rd, earning 620 points. It performed strongest in the areas of public administration, healthcare, and environmental management.

Brno placed 176th with 582 points, performing similarly to Prague but with lower scores in economic strength and transportation infrastructure.

Both cities fall into the “bronze cities” category—those ranked from 101st to 200th. While not at the top, their presence on the list underscores a solid quality of life and urban planning that values the well-being of residents.

 

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The Craft Beer Festival, set to take place on Friday, 23 May, will offer a one-day showcase of more than 20 unique Czech breweries—many of which don’t typically distribute in the capital.

Held in the outdoor area in front of Cross Club, the event promises a mix of flavors, styles, and brewing philosophies, all designed to challenge your taste buds and expand your beer horizons.

These are beers you won’t usually find on tap in the capital—many come from smaller regional brewers, and some are produced by so-called nomadic breweries, which brew their beer wherever they can find space.

They don’t own their own facilities, but they bring their own recipes, brewing styles, and ideas to existing breweries. It’s an approach that keeps things flexible, personal, and often more experimental than what you’d get from big commercial producers.

The festival will include some non-alcoholic craft options as well.

As with any beer event, food plays a big role. There’ll be burgers, Belgian fries, Colombian street food, and the usual Cross Club menu.

DJs will be playing all evening, and ticket holders get free entry to Cross Club later that night.

For Czech speakers, there’s a bonus: Martin Rybar, an expert in particle physics, will give a short talk on the science behind beer brewing.

Admission to the festival includes a festival beer glass worth 100 CZK. Tickets are available now at a discounted presale rate.

 

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The extensive transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is progressing faster than expected, with a potential completion date next spring—months ahead of the originally planned September 2026.

The reconstruction project, valued at 478 million CZK, began in early 2023.

Today, most of the 180 newly planted trees are already in place, and two large underground reservoirs designed to collect rainwater have been completed.

Craftsmen are currently working on finishing the surfaces in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord, a landmark designed by renowned architect Josip Plečnik. Behind construction fencing, pathways are being laid and paving stones are being carefully set.

This renovation, which had been under discussion for over twenty years, has already improved several areas of the square. Notably, the northern side near the local elementary school has been completed, allowing the popular farmers’ markets to return.

“We have a contractual deadline for September 2026, but we aim to finish by April or May,” said construction manager Jaroslav Beránek from Gardenline during a Monday tour of the site. However, the square will still require final inspections and approvals before it can reopen fully to the public.

The project includes a significant boost in greenery, with an additional 100 trees planted compared to the original plan, according to Michal Vronský, Mayor of Prague 3 (TOP 09).

A specially developed grass mixture, designed to resist higher temperatures and tolerate heavy foot traffic, has also been sown. Previous lawns often dried out during the summer and suffered damage from dogs, issues the new landscaping aims to resolve.

The United Europe Fountain, a remnant from the 1980s that was once considered for demolition, will remain in place. However, its underground systems have been completely rebuilt, and a new foundation has been constructed. The fountain has been dismantled and will be reassembled once the base is ready.

A new subway ventilation shaft has already been installed, replacing the old one whose removal sparked protests from residents citing its artistic value.

There are also discussions about introducing new public art to the square. Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (STAN) said the city might wait about a year after the renovation’s completion to evaluate how the public uses the space before announcing a competition for a new artwork.

The winning proposal, designed by the MCA architectural studio, maintains the square’s character as a city park while enlarging the forecourt of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 

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Around 30 neo-Nazis performed Nazi salutes on Saturday afternoon at the statue of Saint Wenceslas in Prague’s Wenceslas Square.

Captured by a security camera, the group had already dispersed before police arrived. According to Czech television stations Prima and Nova, many of the individuals likely traveled from Germany.

Eyewitnesses reported that most members of the group climbed onto the statue’s base. One individual stood in front, raising his right hand in a Nazi salute, prompting the others to respond similarly. The act was reportedly accompanied by shouts of “Sieg heil,” according to Prima.

“There were about thirty of them, and they mostly spoke German. Before the police, who were called by someone nearby, could arrive, they had disappeared. People around did nothing—some groups even chose to leave the area,” an eyewitness wrote in an email to the television station.

Although Wenceslas Square is supposed to be patrolled by police 24 hours a day, officers failed to reach the scene in time. “I cannot say exactly how long it took us to get there. When officers arrived, no one from the group remained. Our investigation revealed that the individuals had already taken the metro,” Prague police spokeswoman Eva Brožová told Nova.

Police face considerable challenges in identifying the individuals involved. Beyond the likelihood that they were foreigners, reports suggest authorities did not thoroughly examine the security footage.

According to the 2006 Annual Report by the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), the neo-Nazi movement within the Czech Republic operates without centralized leadership. Instead, it functions through small, autonomous regional groups acting independently.

This concept of “autonomous nationalism”—organizing without a dominant figure—is also prevalent among neo-Nazi movements across Europe. Czech extremists are believed to draw inspiration from abroad, with visits from German neo-Nazi groups reportedly becoming more frequent.

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Drivers working for Bolt and Uber have launched a new strike in the Czech capital, repeating a protest held just a week ago.

On that occasion, hundreds of drivers refused to accept rides, causing longer wait times and leaving many users without available cars.

This Monday, the protest has grown in scale and coordination, with two separate driver groups participating in different ways.

The first group, organized by the Lucky Taxi Association, began their strike at 4:00 a.m., planning to end it at 12:00 noon. Their specific demands have been made available through their official channels.

Meanwhile, a second group of drivers has launched a full 24-hour strike, starting at 6:00 a.m. Monday and running until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.

This protest includes a public demonstration officially registered with Prague City Hall. Organizers expect between 500 and 1,000 vehicles to gather in the parking lot outside the Tesco hypermarket in Letňany between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.

At 12:00 p.m., the group plans to drive in a slow-moving convoy through the city center, ending in Čestlice, a suburb southeast of Prague.

Drivers Demand Fairer Conditions

“We, taxi drivers in Prague, are dissatisfied with the current working conditions and demand immediate changes,” the group wrote in a statement distributed to media outlets.

They cite a drop in fares by 25–30% over the past three years, even as the cost of fuel, insurance, car maintenance, and housing continues to rise.

Meanwhile, Uber and Bolt continue to charge drivers commissions of up to 35%, the group claims, without paying taxes in the Czech Republic. Drivers are forced to operate as independent contractors under IČO licenses, making them responsible for 21% VAT payments on top of operating expenses.

The drivers’ key demands include:

• Setting the official fare levels established by Prague City Hall:

  • Base fare: 60 CZK

  • Per kilometer: 36 CZK

  • Per minute of waiting: 7 CZK

• Reducing commissions from 25–35% down to 15–20%.

• Introducing a flexible commission system where fees decrease based on the number of completed trips.

• Mandatory registration of Uber and Bolt with Czech trade licenses and VAT obligations.

• Removing Bolt’s “Economy” tier, which drivers argue makes their work financially unsustainable.

“If our demands are not heard, we will escalate our protest with a two-day strike on April 20–21,” the organizers warned. “We remain open to dialogue and await an official response.”

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This Wednesday, March 27th, Prague commuters are in for a delightful Easter surprise!

For a few hours, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, the Hradčanská tram stop (heading away from the city center) will be transformed into the “Velikonoční (Easter) stop”.

Filip Drápal, spokesperson for Ropid, the organization responsible for public transport planning in Prague, announced the festive event. Passengers waiting at the specially decorated shelter will be greeted by a friendly Mr. Hare who will be handing out chocolate eggs.

But that’s not all! To partake in the Easter merriment, passengers can sing a classic carol, make a wish, or even paint their own special Easter eggs. Additionally, everyone will receive a commemorative spring badge and informational brochures about public transport in Prague.

This Easter-themed event follows the success of Ropid’s previous “Dreamy” and “Christmas” tram stop makeovers organized last year.

“We plan to continue hosting these enjoyable one-day events throughout the year,” Drápal revealed. “Upcoming events are expected in early May and early summer.”

“These events are part of our ‘My Time’ campaign,” he explained. “Our goal is to showcase public transport in a new light, highlighting its benefits and making daily commutes more enjoyable for our passengers.”

“These events are part of our ‘My Time’ campaign,” he said. “Our goal is to showcase public transport in a new light, highlighting its benefits and making daily commutes more enjoyable for our passengers.”

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The Czech Parliament’s upper house, the Senate followed the lower house on Wednesday to approve changes in the gun law that tighten requirements for owning a weapon following the worst mass killing in the nation’s history.

The legislation now must be signed by President Petr Pavel before becoming law, which is expected.

On Dec. 22, a lone shooter killed 14 people and wounded dozens before killing himself at a Charles University building in downtown Prague. The assailant was a 24-year-old student who had a proclivity for firearms and a license to own eight guns, including two long guns.

Authorities said he had no criminal record and therefore did not attract the attention of the authorities.

The lower house gave the green light to the new law on Jan 26.

Under the new law, gun owners would have to undergo a medical check every five years, not every 10 years, as they do now.

Businesses would be required to report suspicious purchases of guns and ammunition to the police, while doctors would gain access to databases to find out if their patients are gun owners.

Parliamentary debate on the legislation had already begun before that shooting. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said it was hard to speculate whether the new rules would have prevented it if they had been in effect before it took place.

In the 81-seat Senate, lawmakers approved the legislation in a 66-1 vote.

Once approved by the president, the law would make it possible for the authorities to seize a weapon from a private owner on a preventive basis.

In Czechia, 314,000 had a gun license at the end of 2022 and owned almost a million weapons of various types.

From the beginning of March, residents of Prague can enjoy the return of their favorite farmers’ markets in most districts.

The season kicks off on Saturday, March 2nd, at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6. This popular market offers not just regional food, herbs, and flowers but also fun events for children, including educational programs on rural traditions and making traditional Easter decorations.

Other notable markets opening in March include:

• Prague 2: Tyl Square and Rašín Embankment
• Prague 3: Jiřího z Poděbrad Square (starting February 28th)
• Prague 7: Řezáčovo Square (Heřmaňák market)

The markets at Vítězné náměstí will be held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Additionally, the popular Jiřího z Poděbrad Square market will resume operations on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays until 2:00 PM during the ongoing revitalization of the square.

Other markets in Prague 2, 4, and 7 also offer a diverse selection of fresh produce, flowers, local crafts, and prepared food, making them a delightful destination for locals and visitors alike.

“To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Prague’s first major farmers’ markets, we’re unveiling a revamped concept with a focus on showcasing Czech regional cuisine and its producers, sustainability, and educational initiatives, particularly tailored for children,” stated Miroslav Dušek, representing the market organizers.

He further noted that this year, through the Little Farmer program, children can delve into rural traditions, cultivate their own produce, participate in quizzes, and gain insights into the journey of food from farm to table.

Organizers are prioritizing expanding the dining and event spaces and scheduling seasonal activities, as per Mark Zeman, spokesperson for Prague 6.

Starting March 11th, the markets at Tyl Square in Prague 2 will feature a variety of traditional products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, seedlings, alongside new offerings like carp products, ceramics, garden ornaments, oriental spices, vegan dishes, and vegetables from South Bohemia.

The official start of the Masaryk railway station’s reconstruction in Prague took place today.

The project includes the installation of an elevated platform above the tracks, improved connections with Florenc, and an expansion from the current seven tracks to a total of nine.

Additionally, a new vestibule and rest area will be introduced. The completion date for this extensive redevelopment is 2027, with a total cost estimated at CZK 3.39 billion.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), Director General of the Railway Administration (SŽ) Jiří Svoboda, and various representatives from the capital, construction firms, and Penta, the owner of surrounding buildings, inaugurated the renovation today.

The companies STRABAG Rail and STRABAG are the appointed contractors for the project. Notably, SŽ secured nearly 84% of the funding required for the station’s reconstruction from European funds.

Masaryk railway station, the oldest in the capital, serves up to 30,000 passengers daily.

Following the completion of the Prague to Kladno and Václav Havel Airport in Ruzyně line reconstruction, the station will become the launching point for the railway to the airport.

Older than 150 years Masaryk Station, the oldest railway station in Prague, has a rich history. The first train arrived there on August 20, 1845, marking the start of railway transportation in the city. Before that, the station only served as a terminus for horse-drawn carriages in 1831.

The station was designed by Jan Perner, with building architect Antonín Jüngling, and was built by a consortium of Vojtěch Lanna and the Klein brothers between 1844 and 1845.

It initially served as the final stop for the railway from Olomouc and Vienna to Prague.

In early December, a significant milestone was reached in constructing Prague’s metro line D.

The first section of the new line, spanning from the future Olbrachtova station to tunnel behind the future Pankrác D station, was officially connected as a wall between them came down.

Simultaneously, Prague City is taking steps towards the E metro line by appointing a coordinator for its planning.

Despite being previously referred to as Line O, the E line differs significantly, intending to form a circular route around the city center, linking Prague’s districts.

Zdeněk Hřib, deputy minister for transport, emphasizes the need for a thorough feasibility study to determine the route, technology, and approximate cost of this ambitious project.

“The current transport system will not suffice for Prague residents or visitors in the coming decades,” Hřib stated on Facebook. The E line aims to serve districts anticipating substantial construction development, particularly between Smíchov and Budějovická, as well as Prosek, Vysočany, and Žižkov.

“Imagine that the whole of Ostrava or even almost the whole of Bro moves to Prague. […] If we do not start tackling the radical strengthening of underground public transport in time, Prague’s streets will be overwhelmed, and Prague will suffocate. The streets are not inflatable and more cars or, for example, buses cannot fit in them,” the representative of the City of Prague Adam Scheinherr added.

The new line would be 36 kilometres long, with 23 stations, and potentially transport over 150,000 passengers a day and around 100 million each year.

According to earlier information provided by City Hall, it would lead from Nádraží Podbaba through Dejvice, Smíchov, Dvorce, Budějovická, Vršovice, Žižkov and Vysočany to Čakovice in the north of Prague.

In the second phase of construction, the line would then re-connect with Podbaba, with five further stops being added across the north of the city.