Culture

135th Anniversary of Karel Čapek’s Birth: Pioneering Playwright and Literary Innovator

On January 9th, 1890, Karel Čapek was born in the Czech city of Malé Svatoňovice. Today, as we mark the anniversary of his birth, we reflect not only on his literary brilliance but on his profound cultural significance to the Czech people and the wider world. Čapek, renowned for his novels, plays, essays, and visionary thinking, was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century European literature. His works, ranging from science fiction to political commentary, have left an indelible mark on Czech cultural identity and continue to resonate globally. Čapek’s writing stands out for its exploration of ideas and the human condition. Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he lived through tumultuous political shifts, including World War I, the rise of fascism, and the onset of World War II. These experiences shaped much of his work, which developed into issues of morality, technology, war, and human rights. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who focused on narrative alone, Čapek’s writing was often deeply philosophical, addressing the social and political challenges of his time. His work remains a window into the Czech psyche, reflecting both the nation’s struggle for independence and its broader quest for dignity in an often hostile world. Čapek’s...

 by Prague Morning Jan 09, 2025

Gregor Mendel: The Monk Whose Legacy Shaped Modern Genetics

Gregor Mendel, born on July 20th, 1822, in the small village of Heinzendorf (now Hynčice, Czech Republic) is perhaps one of the most influential yet initially unrecognized figures in the history of science. Though today he is celebrated as the father of modern genetics, his cultural impact on Czech identity is profound and multifaceted. Mendel’s life story, while dominated by his groundbreaking scientific achievements, also intertwines with the cultural fabric of 19th-century Czech society, a period marked by political, social, and cultural transformation.  Mendel’s birthplace, situated in what was then part of the Austrian Empire, was deeply embedded in the broader fabric of Czech lands. His German-speaking family, however, was part of a complex ethnic landscape in the Czech-speaking region. This multilingual and multicultural backdrop shaped Mendel’s worldview, which was grounded in the local traditions, language, and folklore of the region. While his work in genetics would earn him international recognition in later decades, his Czech heritage remained an important part of his identity throughout his life.  As a young man, Mendel was keenly aware of the political climate in the Czech lands, which were under Austrian rule. This context of national awakening—where Czechs sought greater recognition and autonomy—was pivotal,...

 by Prague Morning Jan 06, 2025

Josef Menčík – The Czech Knight Who Resisted Nazi Aggression

Chivalry wasn’t dead in 1938 when Nazi tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia. It lived on in at least one man: Josef Menčík, also known as the “Knight of Strakonice.” Once described as “the definition of living history,” Menčík owned and refurbished a castle in his native country and took the time to teach medieval history to anyone who would listen. More importantly, when the world decided to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a large chunk of his country, Menčík rode out to meet Adolf Hitler’s tanks, alone and in full medieval armor. It might have been a foolish gesture of resistance, or even a symbolic one, but it was certainly one of the few acts of defiance against the Nazi regime until that point. Josef Menčík, the Last Knight Despite his love for history, there isn’t a lot history knows about Menčík. He grew up in the Böhmerwald area of what was then Czechoslovakia, a mountainous region that today straddles Germany and the modern Czech Republic. Indeed, it appears that Menčík suddenly emerged from the Bohemian Forests in the early 20th century to do things that few others would, which includes (but isn’t limited to) standing up to the Nazis....

 by Prague Morning Jan 06, 2025

From Iron Maiden to Dua Lipa: Top Events Not to Miss in Prague in 2025

Prague is preparing for an exciting 2025, featuring concerts by globally renowned artists and a calendar filled with major sporting events. A Year Full of Music The year kicks off with a series of unmissable performances. On February 23, the O2 Arena will host Cyndi Lauper, celebrating her farewell tour, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. In March, Lenny Kravitz will perform at the O2 Arena, followed by Anastacia at the O2 Universum, marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album. Pop superstar Dua Lipa, a three-time Grammy winner, will perform two shows at the O2 Arena on May 27 and 28. Her performances are expected to draw massive crowds. Rock enthusiasts can look forward to Iron Maiden on May 31 at Letňany Airport, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary. Their manager, Rod Smallwood, promises an unforgettable show featuring classics and fan favorites, many of which have not been performed live in years. The summer will bring even more excitement. The Imagine Dragons will play two concerts at Letňany Airport on June 9 and 11, followed by Bruce Springsteen on June 15. Lionel Richie, with his European tour Say Hello to the Hits, will perform on July 6. The year concludes with...

 by Prague Morning Jan 05, 2025

Visit Prague’s National Gallery for FREE: Celebrate Its 229th Anniversary

Four branches of Prague’s National Gallery will offer free entry for two consecutive days, February 8 and 9, 2025, as part of its birthday celebrations marking 229 years since its founding. On both days, visitors can enjoy free access to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The offer applies to all visitors, regardless of age or nationality, welcoming locals and tourists. The announcement was made on the National Gallery’s official website. Exhibitions Open to the Public The free entry promotion includes several exhibitions across four locations: Old Masters I (Staří Mistři I) – Schwarzenberg Palace Old Masters II (Staří Mistři II) – Sternberg Palace Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe (1200–1550) – Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century – Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác) 1918–1938: The First Republic – Trade Fair Palace 1956–1989: Architecture for All – Trade Fair Palace 1939–2021: The End of the Black-and-White Era – Trade Fair Palace Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Jan 03, 2025

Czech Christmas Traditions Explained: Jezisek vs. Santa Claus

Joyful Christmas is celebrated in almost all countries around the world! The period and process depend on cultural and religious customs. Who gives presents on Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic? One of the traditional symbols of Czech Christmas is Ježíšek, in English “Christ Child”, who brings Christmas presents and places them for children under the Christmas tree. Ježíšek in the Czech Republic Certain clues about Ježíšek with Christmas presents come from the 17th century. There was a short mention from the calendar of Šimon Partlic, where it was written that children receive presents from their parents on Christmas Eve. However, this tradition was not fully accepted until the 19th century. At that time, people imagined Ježíška either as a kind of angelic figure or an invisible Baby Jesus. Traditionally today, Ježíšek brings presents on Christmas Eve after the first star appears in the sky. He places Christmas presents under a decorated tree without anyone actually seeing him. Like Santa Claus, Baby Jesus has a residence where children can post letters to. But unlike the Western Santa, Baby Jesus does not live at the North Pole. Instead, he lives in the mountains, in the town of Boží Dar. The Czech Republic has placed its own spin on Santa Claus which can be enjoyed by children and...

 by Prague Morning Dec 23, 2024

Happening Tomorrow: Prague Metro Hosts Festive Christmas Concerts

This Thursday, December 19, the Prague metro will transform into an unexpected holiday concert venue, with live performances bringing festive cheer to commuters and visitors alike. Music enthusiasts can enjoy a lineup at two metro stations: Náměstí Republiky (Line B) from 10:00 to 16:00 and Vltavská (Line C) from 17:00 to 19:30. These performances are part of the “Get in the Metro for Christmas 2024” (Nalaďte se v metru také o Vánocích 2024) campaign, organized by the Prague Public Transport Company. Talented musicians, including choirs and instrumental ensembles, will perform a mix of classic Christmas carols and holiday tunes. The event is completely free. Program: Náměstí Republiky (Palladium) Big Band KJJ – 10.00 Just A Minute Band – 11.00 Botondi – 12.00 Býk stále mlád – 13.00 Syntetická dáseň – 14.00 Big Band VOŠ KJJ – 15.00 Vltavska Maranatha gospel – 17.00 Pěvecký sbor Dopravního podniku hlavního města Prahy – 19.00   Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Dec 18, 2024

Renowned Italian Pianist Ludovico Einaudi to Perform in Prague with New Album

Renowned Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi, celebrated for his emotive and cinematic compositions, will perform at Prague’s O2 Universum on May 29, 2025. The performance marks the live debut of his forthcoming album, The Summer Portraits, a collection inspired by the warmth of summer, family holidays, and cherished memories. Einaudi, known for scoring acclaimed films such as The Intouchables, Samba, and Nomadland, describes his new album as a tribute to “all our summers and beautiful moments.” The 13-track album, set for release on January 31, 2025, through Universal Records, blends personal nostalgia with universal themes. The sound revisits the expansive textures of his 2013 release In a Time Lapse and is enriched by a full ensemble of musicians. The concert features a lineup of talented performers, including two percussionists, a cellist, violinist, accordionist, keyboardist, and bassist. Accompanying the album are music videos for tracks like Rose Bay, Punta Bianca, and Pathos, offering glimpses into the album’s emotional depth. Einaudi’s last Prague performance in 2022 sold out in just two weeks. Tickets for the May concert will go on sale on December 19 at 10:00 AM via Ticketmaster and Ticketportal. The event is organized by the Charmenko agency. The Summer...

 by Prague Morning Dec 18, 2024

Fascinating Discovery Near Prague: Archaeologists Uncover 7,000-Year-Old Settlement

Archaeological rescue research along the planned route of the Prague Ring Road has revealed significant finds spanning from the Neolithic era to the High Middle Ages. Among the most remarkable discoveries are eight long columnar structures dating to the late Neolithic and early Eneolithic periods. Experts from the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic estimate their age at approximately 7,000 years. Additionally, archaeologists uncovered remains of settlement storage pits and a prehistoric stone-processing workshop at the site. This area has yielded further treasures beyond the prehistoric era. Archaeologists have identified part of a village from the late Hallstatt period (5th century BC), uncovering ten semi-subterranean pits, settlement pits, gutters, and remains of above-ground structures. The artifacts found include both coarse kitchen ceramics and more refined items, such as ceramic vessels with stamp decoration and glass beads. A particularly intriguing find is the handle of a kylix—a popular wine-drinking vessel from the Adriatic region. Along with the glass beads, this discovery points to contact between the local population and the Mediterranean. In another section of the site, archaeologists uncovered deep pits ranging from 2 to 5 meters in diameter. Due to their depth, some had...

 by Prague Morning Dec 17, 2024

Children’s Artwork from Ukraine on Display at Prague’s Národní Třída

On December 13, a powerful art exhibit titled “Underground Garden” was inaugurated at the Národní Třída metro station in Prague. Created by young Ukrainian artists from Kharkiv, the collection reflects the harsh realities faced by families forced to shelter in metro stations across Ukraine during the Russian aggression of 2022. The exhibit will remain open to the public until December 2025. Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Culture, Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), who sponsors the event, emphasized the symbolic nature of the exhibition. “Displaying the works of Kharkiv’s children in the Prague metro is not only an artistic gesture but also a deeply symbolic one. Art has the power to transcend borders and unite people, and this exhibit embodies that spirit. It’s a reminder that hope and joy can arise even in the darkest times.” Art from a Time of War The collection was created by young artists from the Aza Nizi Maza art studio in Kharkiv. The works invite viewers to reflect on the significance of gardens during war, as well as how joy and hope can persist under dire circumstances. The choice of location—Prague’s metro—serves as a poignant reference to the spring of 2022 when many Kharkiv residents sought refuge...

 by Prague Morning Dec 15, 2024

Bethlehem Light Arrives in Prague on Saturday Evening

The Czech Scouts are getting ready to distribute the Peace Light of Bethlehem, one of the symbols of the Christmas season, around Prague after transporting the light from Vienna last weekend. The Czech Scouts, part of the international scouting organization that includes the U.S. Boy Scouts, have already delivered the Bethlehem light to Brno in the Czech Republic. The flame was first lit in Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine, and will arrive into Brno by train. In the afternoon, the Scouts distributed the light to several places in the capital, using a historic tram for the purpose. On Sunday afternoon, an ecumenical welcoming of the Bethlehem light will take place in Brno’s Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The Scouts have been bringing the Bethlehem light to the Czech Republic for 30 years. For the first time, they brought the light under the statue of St. Wenceslas in Prague during the Velvet Revolution in December 1989. After the fall of the communist regime, the arrival of the Bethlehem Light was one of the first major events that allowed Scouts to meet freely. In 1986, the Bethlehem light made its first journey to Linz, Austria, becoming part of the Christmas charity event...

 by Prague Morning Dec 14, 2024

Mozart Meets Innovation: The New Interactive Museum in Prague

A new interactive museum in the heart of Prague invites visitors to explore the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the lens of modern technology. Located in Lesser Town, this innovative exhibition combines interactive experiences with cutting-edge visuals, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of one of the greatest composers in history. Engaging Experiences with a Modern Twist Guests are invited to take on the role of a conductor, reenact the iconic Prague premiere of Don Giovanni, or even try their hand at entertaining Empress Maria Theresa. Visitors can also play the harpsichord under the guidance of Mozart’s father, Leopold. These immersive activities highlight Mozart’s deep connection to Prague, where he enjoyed a strong bond with the city’s music-loving audiences. Renowned actor Karel Dobrý lends his voice to guide visitors through the museum as Mozart’s inner voice. Live-action portraits, created in collaboration with the Pokrok Studio, bring key historical figures to life. Mozart’s father, Leopold, is portrayed by Martin Zbrožek, while Antonio Salieri and Empress Maria Theresa are played by Karel Dobrý and Barbora Vaculíková, respectively. Blending Education and Entertainment Visitors will engage with hands-on exhibits across three floors, each representing a different stage of Mozart’s life....

 by Prague Morning Dec 13, 2024

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