By Jessica Foshee The Prague Botanical Garden is currently hosting the Queens of Honey Up Close exhibition, allowing visitors to learn more about honeybees by viewing photos of them from an extraordinary perspective with the help of close-up photography technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a photographic technique that can magnify photos up to 300,000 times their original sizes. “SEM is a tool at which invisible worlds of microspace and nanospace can be seen,” according to 2018 Hervex Conference proceedings by Azad Mohammed and Avin Abdullah from the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Sulaimani in Iraq. This display of Viktor Sýkora’s photos at the Queens of Honey Up Close exhibition includes a close-up of hair on the honeybee’s leg (middle) and close-up of pollen collected on the honeybee’s leg hair (right). The microscopic photography technique allows viewers to observe honeybees in a way that most people likely have never experienced. Thanks to the work of Viktor Sýkora, researcher and head of the Center for Experimental Biomodels at Charles University in Prague, visitors of the exhibition have the opportunity to view honeybees on a microscopic level. Visitors of the exhibition will appreciate the beauty of being surrounded by the...
The upcoming Signal Festival, now in its eleventh edition, promises a range of exciting attractions. It will feature two distinct video mapping routes and feature works by esteemed artists Jiří Příhoda, Zdeněk Sýkora, and Federico Díaz. The video mappings will illuminate two iconic Prague landmarks: the Municipal Library building on Mariánské náměstí and the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius on Karlínské náměstí. A highlight of this year’s festival is the unique artwork “Echo,” specially crafted for Signal. This video mapping offers a breath of fresh air to the genre, drawing inspiration from nature, the environment, and the intricate yet imperceptible natural processes that bind us. The video projections adorning the Municipal Library building on Mariánské náměstí harmoniously merge history and contemporary technology. Utilizing artificial intelligence and programmed robotic lights, this display extends the animated façade into the surrounding space. Titled “Luminary Glyphs,” is the brainchild of Hungarian artist András László Nagy. Combining his background in fine art and classical music, Nagy masterfully marries both disciplines to create an enthralling visual experience. This thought-provoking piece will grace Karlínské náměstí and is the creation of the acclaimed audiovisual studio Flightgraf, established in Tokyo in 2013. Renowned for projects like the monumental...
It’s time modern culture got its place under the sun thanks to modern(ish) technology. Did you know that these days you can purchase artworks from a vending machine? At least in certain European cities, such as Prague, Brno, Plzen, Paris and Tbilisi, you can. The creative initiative, called Artmat, began in 2019 in Prague, and since then it has grown to include three art dispensers in different parts of the city. The machines used for this purpose are older cigarette machines, which have been repurposed, but not too much. The purchased product still comes out in small boxes, reminiscent of cigarette packs or a playing cards deck. Culture on the go The project is the brainchild of art curators Josefina Frýbová and Petra Widžová. Their aim was to make art production, consumption and ownership more mainstream and commonplace. It also aims to introduce young artists to a wider audience and help them sell their works in a different kind of market. In that sense, the vending machines are democratizing and accessible, the way galleries and art auctions weren’t meant to be. The artworks as such are small and pocket-sized – convenient to not only have at home but also to...
Do you like cider? Taste more than 100 varieties at the Cider Festival on the weekend of September 16 and 17. If you have only tasted “supermarket ciders” and remebrer them as alcoholic “soft drinks” full of chemicals, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The sixth edition of the festival will take place at the Radlická kulturní sportovna near Anděl metro station, where, in addition to craft ciders, cidras and lemonades by small and local manufacturers from all over the country and abroad, you can also look forward to good food and a fun accompanying program for the whole family. The idea behind organizing this event is to bring together and support dedicated cider producers who often don’t make it beyond their own region and present their beverages to the broader public. As you walk around the festival, you can chat with cider makers who love to share how they make their cider. You’ll learn about the steps behind each batch and even join in workshops to see the process up close. Pre-sale tickets here A few words about cider’s history… The first recorded reference to cider dates back to the Roman Empire. The story goes that the first Romans arriving in...
For the first time ever, Prague will be the venue for the historical reconstruction festival “Napoleon’s Day.” Organized by the Czech public association Projekt Austerlitz, this event commemorates the legendary commander’s birthday. The festival will take place on 12 August at the Vysehrad fortress, where around a hundred soldiers from the French and Austrian armies of 1813 will participate. Entrance to the event is free. Attendees can explore the camp, see historical equipment, weapons, uniforms, banners, and taste military cuisine at the themed market. The festival will feature demonstrations of infantry maneuvers, artillery work, falconry, changing of the guard, and formation marching. Emperor Napoleon I himself will make a grand entrance on horseback to kick off the festival. Date: 12 August 2023 (Saturday), from 09:30 to 18:00. Location: Vyšehrad, V Pevnosti 159/5b, Prague 2. Admission: Free. Festival Program: 9:30 – Public Camp Opening 10:00-11:00 – Fortress Parade and Camp Showcase The French army will greet Emperor Napoleon at the Tabor Gate and escort him to the camp for a joint Franco-Austrian parade. We are at the time of a fragile summer truce, the Austrian Empire is still formally neutral in the conflict. 11:00-12:00 – French and Austrian infantry and artillery...
Prague has announced plans to take down 119 billboards from its streets, aiming to improve the pedestrian environment and minimize visual pollution. These advertisements, currently displaying temporary posters in shades of black, white, and gray, are expected to disappear by the end of August and early September, according to statements by city councillor Adam Zábranský (Pirates). The city will acquire the advertising space from JCDecaux (JCD), the previous operator and owner of these signs. Zábranský has shared a list detailing the specific locations where the billboards will be removed on his Facebook page. As part of its transition away from JCD, the city is gradually replacing its bus shelters with custom-designed ones to establish a unique cityscape. Zábranský emphasized, “Our future plans do not include standalone billboards. Such structures often create unnecessary obstacles for pedestrians and cyclists, contributing to what we call visual pollution.” By acquiring ownership of these installations, the city aims to expedite their removal process, contrasting with the slower process if they remained under the advertising company’s jurisdiction. “I am confident that advertising spaces in the central areas, where they seem out of place, will gradually disappear. However, certain areas for city communication may be retained, as...
Looking for weekend plans in Prague? Here are some exciting suggestions: Lesser Town Market – Saturday 5 August, 11:00-19:00, Prague 1 Don’t miss the monthly market at Malostranské náměstí! Explore a wide range of local produce, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats. Enjoy a cup of coffee, wine, or beer while tasting delicious food from various gastro stalls. The market also offers workshops for children and live musical performances by talented local artists. River Surf Camp – Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, 8:00-18:00, Prague 7 Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure at Waves of Štvanice, where you can surf with a stunning view of the Castle. The Prague Surf Club is hosting a weekend camp suitable for both experienced riders and complete beginners. You’ll receive guidance on proper surfing techniques from two coaches, and all necessary equipment can be rented. Don’t forget to pre-register for this event HERE. Summer Cinemas in Prague Take advantage of the summer weather and watch movies under the open sky at various outdoor locations. From parks and rooftops to the grounds of a former monastery, there are plenty of options to choose from. The screenings feature a mix of classic and brand new films, catering to...
Ever wonder how your city stacks up when it comes to cannabis consumption? Well, Big Apple residents are a head above the competition. New York City has the highest yearly cannabis consumption of any major city in the world, according to new data from the Center for Advancing Health (CFAH). The city consumes about 62.3 metric tons of weed in a calendar year, far ahead of No. 2 Sydney, Australia, with 45.8 metric tons. U.S. cities take four of the top 10, with Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston also landing on the list. Rome, Prague, and Vienna represent Europe in the top 10, despite weed being illegal in all three cities. Meanwhile, Toronto represents for Canada and Tokyo is the lone representative for Asia. Tokyo has the world’s most expensive cannabis prices, at $33.8 per gram. Meanwhile, Montreal has the world’s cheapest prices, coming in at $5.9. Portland, OR has the cheapest prices in the U.S., hovering around $7 per gram. The study also found that cannabis legalization leads to lower prices, with costs falling about 11.13 percent on average. Check out the full list below, and read more about the study on CFAH. New York (62.3 metric tons/year) Sydney (45.8 metric tons/year) Los Angeles...
The city is pushing hard to rebrand its image as a high-culture destination, and this includes caring for animal rights Starting today, the tourism authorities in Prague are starting to place posters on the city streets, which will warn residents and tourists to abstain from taking photos with show animals in the city centre or face the possibility of fines. The reason for the new ordinance stems from a desire to curb the unsavoury practice of exhibiting wild animals, such as owls, parrots and snakes, by immoral touts in the historic centre of the city. Turning these animals into show props stresses them unnecessarily and exposes them to long hours of heat or cold, depending on the season. The problem is that tourists also have a role to play in this, as they are the ones creating the demand for such services, which is why the city authorities have decided to raise awareness about an issue that may seem innocent at first glance but is actually quite problematic. “Enjoy Respect Prague” According to the Animal Protection and Cruelty Act, anyone can turn to the environmental department of the relevant city district with a complaint. Help with solutions is also provided...
The Miners, the largest specialty coffee chain in the Czech Republic, launched their first-of-its-kind Miners Bakery in Karlin in late June 2023. Intrigued by this unique concept, we couldn’t wait to explore it. Entering the coffee shop, you can see the most significant difference between the spot — the open kitchen. Egor Kolpakov, Miners CEO, says that transparency is the main point of such interior decisions. Although, you can spot the similar format of the Miners roastery, found on the DOCK facility. Transparency is the key element of the Miners, Egor says. [”This story is about the transparency overall… I have never seen a business in Czechia where you can find, for instance, an owner-made Telegram channel, where all the insights can be found…”] Raising the trust among the customers helps to maintain sustainable and long-running business, Egor adds. As before, you can find Miners-made production on-site, such as nitro coffee and compostable coffee capsules. Besides, at Miners Karlin, you can find branded reusable coffee bamboo cups, which became an expansion of their merch. Another important aspect Miners Karlin will be dealing with is fresh baked goods delivery across all our facilities, Egor says. While other cafés will be closed,...
Zoo Prague is celebrating one of its greatest achievements in history! The local keepers have managed to raise a female Chinese pangolin. On August 2, 2023, Prague Zoo proudly celebrates Šiška’s half-year birthday. The female pangolin now weighs over 1.7 kilograms, which is 12 times more than at birth. Soon, her mother won’t be able to carry her on her back, and Šiška (Pinecone) will climb among the branches of the Indonesian jungle exhibit. Currently, the pangolin cub is no longer nursing from her mother but is being fed a special mash made primarily from bee larvae. The raising of Šiška is thus considered completed. Her upbringing, however, was far from simple. The cub that is the first pangolin born in Europe faced challenges right after birth. Her mother, Run Hou Tang, did not have enough maternal milk, so keepers had to provide the baby pangolin with substitute food for kittens. In the end, everything turned out well, and the mother was able to feed Šiška herself. The successful raising of Šiška is crucial for Prague Zoo not only because it was accompanied by numerous obstacles but also because she is the first pangolin cub raised in Europe. Moreover, pangolins...
The fate of Mucha’s Slav Epic hangs in the balance as a draft agreement with the painter’s descendants is now being considered. The agreement aims to secure a location for the Slavic Epic within the Savarin Palace near Wenceslas Square. Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), Deputy Mayor of Prague, led the negotiations with the heirs of Alfons Mucha and the Crestyl company, but he refrained from disclosing the specifics until the agreement is officially approved. The proposal is currently undergoing a comment procedure within the municipality before Pospíšil plans to present it to the city council in early September. The Slavic Epic is a significant series of 20 large canvases that Alfons Mucha devoted 18 years to creating, starting in 1910. His generous donation of the artwork to Prague was made on the condition that an appropriate exhibition space would be provided, although no specific timeframe was stipulated. This condition has become the subject of contention in court, where John Mucha – the grandson of the famous Czech Art Nouveau painter – claims that Prague has failed to meet the requirement. In the meantime, the city council has authorized the loan of the canvases to the chateau in Moravské Krumlov, where...
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