Hundreds flocked to the grand opening of the Rataj Factory Gallery and Josef Rataj‘s inaugural exhibition in Prague’s Old Town last Friday. Nestled in the heart of Prague’s Michalská Street, the Rataj Factory Gallery houses a collection of over 150 paintings alongside diverse pop-art artifacts, including designer handbags, sculptures, musical instruments, and mirrors. Even Art Nouveau sofas receive a pop-art makeover, breathing new life into classic designs. Months of renovation transformed the historic building, with hundreds of hours dedicated to crafting the gallery’s interior and arranging the exhibits. “An official opening isn’t planned until mid-April, so I didn’t send invitations,” Rataj explained. “Just a small social media announcement. I expected an intimate gathering, but the crowd was incredible! Seeing their excitement is truly special, especially the diversity in age. I wish every artist could experience this.” Prague now boasts the largest pop art gallery in Central Europe, serving as Rataj’s permanent exhibition space. “This dream I held for years has finally materialized. Here, I have everything under one roof – over 200 unique artifacts, from paintings and sculptures to neon signs and mirrors. But this is just the beginning. On April 16th, the grand opening will unveil the full gallery,...
The company R2G, currently renovating Prague’s Intercontinental Hotel, unveiled plans to transform the adjacent Miloš Forman Square, sparking concerns about a proposed commercial building. Previously, R2G proposed a 17-meter glass building with the working name “Brand Store,” triggering local opposition and an online petition signed by over 2,000 people. While construction was approved in 2020, it faced opposition from the Institute of Planning and Development and Prague 1 district management. The InterContinental Hotel and the plaza are currently owned by the group WIC Prague, a part of investment fund R2G. The group is currently renovating the hotel and is also changing its name to Golden Prague Hotel managed by Fairmont. R2G is run by Czech billionaires Oldřich Šlemr, Pavel Baudiš, and Eduard Kučera. The modification of the area around the hotel, including the square, is called Staroměstská brána (Old Town Gate). Obyvatelé Josefova v Praze 1 se budou divit. Včera bylo do neveřejného systému pražské Rady nahráno memorandum, které chce koalice hlasy radních za Piráty, ODS, TOP 09 a STAN schválit už toto pondělí. Memorandum je trojstranné mezi magistrátem, Prahou 1 a InterContinentalem 1/x pic.twitter.com/JnrQNBu5Zu — Jan Čižinský (@jancizinsky) February 15, 2024 Opponents of Brand Store say it destroys the character...
The foundation stone for the complete transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square was ceremoniously laid yesterday, February 16th, marking a momentous occasion for the beloved Prague landmark. “Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is one of Prague’s crown jewels. I’m thrilled that after years of piecemeal changes, it’s finally getting the quality public space it deserves,” said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček. “The new design reflects the input of local residents who participated in public meetings,” he added. “The square will become greener and more pleasant, with 100 new trees – including sycamores, maples, hornbeams, elms, oaks, lindens – and water-retaining paving to combat climate change.” Work began in January with fencing and preparations. The revitalization plans include landscaping the church area, enhancing pedestrian walkways, and adding greenery. The 33-month project will preserve cultural events and the traditional farmers’ market, which will relocate within the square depending on construction phases. The foundation stone, laid on February 16th, 2024, was sourced from the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle. This gesture honors architect and urban planner Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), appointed by the first president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk for the modification of the castle complex. Plečnik was a devout believer. One of his most remarkable works...
Prague could face traffic chaos next week as hundreds of tractors and farm equipment are expected to take part in a farmers’ protest on Monday. The “ride” organized by a faction of farmers threatens to gridlock the city, prompting the city council to urge residents to work from home and avoid major roads. Despite ongoing communication with organizers, police remain prepared to enforce the law and public safety. This includes preventing unauthorized vehicles on motorways. City officials predict tractor arrivals around 6:00 AM, with potential traffic disruptions lasting deep into the night. Residents are advised to avoid the city center on Monday and, if possible, work remotely. “Our goal is not to stifle protest,” police state, “but to ensure compliance with road laws. Reckless driving poses serious risks.” While major agricultural associations haven’t endorsed the protest, its scale could significantly impact Prague’s mobility. Like elsewhere in Europe, Czech farmers are protesting against falling sale prices, rising costs and heavy regulation. According to the organizer of the protest, Zdeněk Jandejsek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the agricultural holding Rabbit and former president of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, “their main demand is that the government withdraw from...
Calling all girls under 15 and 18! Join the Prague Raptors Football Academy for FREE until the end of 2024! The Prague Raptors Football Academy, part of the Prague Raptors Football Club, is seeking new members for its girls’ football teams. Girls under 15 and under 18 are welcome to join and play for free until the end of the year. Founded in 2017, the Raptors Football Club launched its highly successful kids’ football academy in spring 2022. The academy, a standalone unit, offers twice-weekly sessions for boys and girls, separated by age and divided into three categories: under 9, under 11, under 15, and under 18. Girls teams only into U11, U15, and U18. Additionally, international schools like PBIS, ISP, and Park Lane have incorporated Raptor-led football sessions into their after-school activities. And if that’s not enough, join the exciting Raptors Summer Camp in July and August! Academy head Jan Veselý, a lifelong football enthusiast since his 4th birthday, began his playing career in Liberec before moving to football powerhouse England at 15. While he didn’t follow the traditional professional path, he successfully carved his own niche in the sport. “Amateur and semi-professional football are the heart of the...
One year into their term, the Prague coalition remains tight-lipped on publicly addressing potential public transport fare increases. However, a proposal to double the annual pass price from CZK 3,650 to CZK 7,300 has sparked debate. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) confirmed receiving several proposals from coalition partners, including the doubling option. He declared it “too high, an extreme jump in price” and unacceptable. According to Deník N, Prague 9 mayor Tomáš Portlík (ODS) proposed the CZK 7,300 fee, facing criticism on social media. The Green Party, who advocated for a CZK 10 daily fare in 2015, warned that doubling fares would render public transport unaffordable. While the coalition hasn’t confirmed specific amounts, they acknowledge the current pricing as “unusually low.” Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS) mentioned the inevitability of a fare increase but not this year. With over CZK 100 billion flowing annually into city coffers, most allocated to current spending, Prague politicians unanimously see public transport’s financial viability as a challenge. Hřib stressed the need to address parking fees alongside, or even before, fare adjustments. He stated that the current subsidized price of CZK 1,200 per year for a blue zone parking permit in one district significantly surpasses public...
Come and enjoy your weekend with our selection of the best Prague events and things to do! Food festivals, parties, family-friendly activities and much more…Enjoy! 17.02: Vegan Burger Days at Cross Club Come enjoy vegan food on 17 February 2024 at Cross. In addition to great food, there will be music and a sense of charity from donating to a good cause. No animal products, no eggs, no milk, no meat. The base of each burger is a vegan bun, veggies and a vegan “ground meat” burger + your choice of flavor. Where: Cross Club, Prague 7 More info here 18.02: Valentine’s Day Run Bring your loved one, friends or family members and enjoy an active Sunday 18 Februray morning this weekend in Prague. The Valentine’s Day Run is really for everyone. Your first steps will lead you to Running Mall near Stromovka. There you can start with a morning coffee. You can also pick up your bib and use the storage room or take a photo at the photo booth. Then follow us to the start and finish area in front of the Industrial Palace near Stromovka. More info here 11-17.02: Cirkopolis Prague This is the...
Approximately 100 people congregated outside the Israeli embassy in Prague yesterday evening (February 14th), voicing their opposition to the Israeli offensive against Palestinians. The demonstration, organized by the “Not in Our Name!” initiative, saw protesters carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Hands off Rafah.” During the rally, a concerning incident unfolded as a participant doused himself with flammable liquid and attempted self-immolation. Fortunately, swift intervention by vigilant police officers prevented him from succeeding. “Police officers supervising the announced rally in Prague 6 swiftly intervened when a participant poured flammable liquid on himself and attempted to set himself alight,” authorities stated on the X network. “The Department of Extremism and Terrorism’s criminal investigators will handle the incident, and the individual was transferred to medical professionals for treatment.” Several speakers addressed the gathering, emphasizing the plight of Gaza civilians caught in the crossfire of the Israeli response to Hamas attacks in October 2023. Particular attention was drawn to the dire situation in Rafah, the primary refuge for those fleeing war-torn areas. The speakers condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as “genocide.” Across the street, a smaller group of pro-Israel supporters gathered peacefully. No altercations between the opposing groups were...
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of Franz Kafka’s enduring legacy at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague. The KAFKAESQUE exhibition, showcasing the captivating influence of Kafka’s work on contemporary visual art, runs until September 22nd, marking the 100th anniversary of his death. Journey through both time and theme. The exhibition delves into the historical significance of Kafka’s writing for 20th-century art, while simultaneously drawing parallels to today’s complexities and ambiguities. Over thirty renowned artists contribute their creative expressions, presenting their artworks in dialogue with Kafka’s literature. This juxtaposition powerfully underscores the timeless relevance of his explorations of existential anxieties and personal struggles, as highlighted by German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno’s observation that parts of Kafka’s work read like descriptions of Expressionist paintings begging to be brought to life. The KAFKAESQUE exhibition fulfills this artistic prophecy. For decades, Kafka’s life and work have presented a captivating puzzle for both scholars and readers alike. Popular masterpieces like Metamorphosis and The Trial have sparked countless interpretations and been translated into dozens of languages. His influence continues to resonate in the works of contemporary authors, visual artists, and musicians. Move beyond mere commemoration. As the DOX representatives aptly state, “The goal of...
In a planned protest blocking the Prague D1 highway on Monday, February 19th, Czech farmers aim to draw attention to their struggles and demand the Czech government’s withdrawal from the European Union’s Green Deal. Up to 1,000 tractors and other agricultural equipment are expected to participate, adding their voice to similar actions across Europe amid rising costs and regulations. While large industry organizations like the Agrarian Chamber and Agricultural Union are holding off on protests until negotiations with the government, organizers Bohumír Dufek and Zdeněk Jandejsek are calling for a strong show of force. They predict 600 to 1,000 tractors arriving in Prague on Monday, converging from various points like Panenský Týnec, Lovosice, and the D1 on-ramp near Benešov. The planned action promises significant traffic disruptions. At 6:00 AM, the machinery is expected to block the motorway in both directions for several kilometers, impacting not only the immediate area but also the broader Prague surroundings and potentially access routes from Central Bohemia Region. Public transport may also be affected. Farmers’ grievances boil down to two main points: Discontent with the Green Deal: Jandejsek calls the agreement a “harmful policy for people” and argues it disproportionately burdens Czech farmers, already facing...
The reconstruction of Prague’s Smíchov railway station has commenced, marking a CZK 5.1 billion investment in the city’s infrastructure. The project includes track and platform repairs, subway reconstruction and expansion, and elevator installation. The renovation will be carried out without interrupting full station operation, as highlighted by Railway Administration (SŽ) spokeswoman Nela Eberl Friebová. The construction inauguration ceremony saw the participation of Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), SŽ Director General Jiří Svoboda, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS), and representatives of the construction consortium – Metrostav TBR, OHLA ŽS, Hochtief CZ, and Elektrizace železnic Praha. Over 83% of the funding comes from European funds, with the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure providing national financing. Serving as a crucial link between Prague and Western Bohemia, Smíchov station’s current building dates back to the 1950s. Following its revamp, plans are underway to build a dedicated public transport terminal by 2030. Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib (Piráti) emphasized the city’s commitment: “Prague will invest an additional seven billion in developing public transport here.” “This railway junction awaits a complete transformation,” declared Minister Kupka today. “We anticipate a transformed station that evolves into a modern terminal facilitating seamless multimodal connections.” According to SŽ, the...
Residents of Prague 5 have raised concerns about the presence of drug users in certain areas. In response, the district plans to deploy trained outreach workers starting in April to address potential issues and offer support. Prague 5 Mayor Radka Šimková (Praha Sobě) announced the initiative, highlighting the need for “professionals with the necessary training to communicate with drug users, de-escalate tense situations, and assess the need for further intervention, such as medical attention or social services.” The district will issue a tender seeking organizations with relevant experience to provide at least two workers, with the possibility for more depending on proposals. The program will initially focus on Na Skalce Park in Smíchov and Husovy Sady in Košíře, areas identified as experiencing an increased presence of drug users. However, the initiative remains flexible, with Šimková stating, “We have conditions that allow us to change locations as needed to address emerging concerns.” Residents of Barrandov have also recently voiced concerns, and the program may expand to include their community. Beyond engaging with drug users and offering support, the outreach workers will also monitor public order and address cleanliness concerns. Depending on their training, they may alert authorities to discarded needles and...
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