Franz Kafka: A Man of His and Our Time – New Exhibition in Prague

A new exhibition, titled “Franz Kafka: A Man of His and Our Time,” opened on August 1, 2024, at Mariánské Square, in front of the New Town Hall.

Organized by the city of Prague in collaboration with the Czech Centres, this exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death. It will be open to the public until the end of August.

“I’m pleased that the city continues to support projects related to the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death. Visitors can learn basic information about Kafka’s life, as well as intriguing facts that are less well-known. For instance, Kafka was a vegetarian, which highlights that concerns for animal welfare are not solely modern issues but have long historical roots,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor of Prague.

Jitka Pánek Jurková, Director General of the Czech Centres, remarked, “This year is dedicated to Franz Kafka not only in Prague but globally. We aim to share his remarkable legacy worldwide through this exhibition, which has been translated into many languages and is touring various continents, including Latin America, Europe, and Asia.”

The exhibition consists of ten double-sided panels, offering insights into Kafka’s life, his environment, and the influences on his work that have resonated with future generations.

It delves into his friendships, particularly with Max Brod, his relationships, his professional life, and his early writing career.

Conceptualized by writer and translator Radek Malý, and illustrated by Renáta Fučíková, the exhibition explores Kafka’s myth and its contemporary relevance.

Renáta Fučíková, the illustrator, stated, “The exhibition presents Kafka from various perspectives for both Czech visitors and international tourists who may know little about him. The illustrations are designed to appeal to young people who are just discovering Kafka.”

Radek Malý, who authored the exhibition texts, added, “The images use metaphors while the text provides informative content, aiming to demystify Kafka and challenge stereotypes. The exhibition, based on an already published book, is set to travel worldwide.”

The exhibition will be on display at Mariánské Square until August 31, 2024, and features digital versions in English, German, French, and Spanish.

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