While Prague is quintessential “old world” charm, it’s also a 21st century city awash in contemporary art and design. Dena Rochwerger-Braun investigates how the juxtaposition of old and new creates a different feel for repeat visitors each time they visit Prague.
Every visitor to Prague must wander the streets and drink in her beauty, visit the iconic castle, stroll along the St. Charles Bridge and marvel at the astronomical clock. But after your first visit to the city, what do you do for an encore?
Travelers can tackle the eclectic art scene solo or enlist the help of Local Guiding to provide a customized art and design tour.
Local Art – With a Twist
In recent years, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art is the place for contemporary art in Prague. Located in the Holesovice district in a former warehouse that is undergoing dramatic revitalization, the DOX’s mission is to present contemporary art in new and interesting ways, not usually seen in Prague. If it’s controversial, it’ll be at DOX.
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
DOX, which in Greek means a way to perceive things, showcases two or three large exhibitions and five to eight short shows each year. Bringing in outside exhibitions, the DOX always adds a local twist. For example, the centre is currently showcasing a Rudolf Steiner show, but also includes a piece on how Czech artists were influenced by Steiner.
“People here are not so used to going to galleries and art centers just for the fun of it,” said DOX spokeswoman Michaela Silpochova. “They feel intimidated, but at DOX we show people you can have fun and you don’t have to be an art specialist.”
Located just down the street from DOX is an unassuming building holding several intimate galleries with more contemporary art. The Prinz Prager offers four exhibitions per year and another project centered on young Czech artists producing modern art. The Krehky Gallery offers contemporary design objects with historical pieces woven in by both Czech and international artists.
“In Prague, there are many good artists and designers, and they’re very active, but it’s private. It’s not found in a national museum,” said Gallery owner Jiri Macek.
That private cultivation of talent is evident at the eclectic Meet Factory, a large industrial building turned artist studio conceived by David Cernz, a controversial Czech sculptor. Meet Factory offers artists a place to live and create. It also gives visitors a chance to interact with art in action. The large space includes a gallery, concert hall, recording studio, cafe and bookshop.
Also located in the Smichov district is the Futura Centre of Contemporary Art. Since 2003 this three-story gallery has been delivering on its mission to build a space for presentations of various creative projects by Czech and international artists.
To get a real sense of the old and new in Prague visit Galerie Rudulfinum in the heart of Old Town. This gallery, part of The Museum of Decorative Arts, is located in the Prague Rudolfinum building built in1884. It shares its space with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 1994 it has hosted temporary exhibits of contemporary art (with forays into the past) in a fabulous neo-renaissance space.
Czech Designs – Crystal, Porcelain, and Glassware
The Czech Republic has always been known for its exquisitely handcrafted crystal, which continues to be a popular souvenir for tourists. For those looking for a modern twist on this classic visit Artel, one of the best independent design shops in the city. Created by Karen Feldman, an artist with no experience in the glass industry, and only $2500 to launch her business, Artel now boasts clients that include Rolls Royce, Bergdorf Goodman and Gucci.
Travelers seeking to bring home a representation of Czech contemporary art should also check out the Qubus Studio at the DOX, featuring porcelain, glassware and interior design objects.
From Traditional to Contemporary Eating
The cuisine of Prague has also undergone a transition from traditional to contemporary fare. While there are plenty of restaurants still featuring traditional favorites, a new crop of eateries has sprung up catering to a lighter, more sophisticated palate. SaSaZu, a large restaurant featuring the flavors of South East Asia is a local hipster favorite, while Allegro, the only Michelin Star restaurant in the country, serves up a truly innovative Italian menu in the Four Seasons hotel. Como, located in the heart of Wenceslas Square offers diners a menu that blends Czech specialties with other Mediterranean delicacies.
Contemporary Room and Board
Contemporary Hotel in Prague
The new emphasis on contemporary design is also evident in several new boutique hotels, including the Design Hotel Elephant. This stylish 100-room hotel, located in the center of town in a former Baroque residence, is designed to feel like you’re living at home (that is, if your home could be featured in Modern Living). For visitors preferring a hotel that attracts more of a local crowd, try the traditional Hotel Adria on Wenceslas Square. Right in the middle of all the action, this location can’t be beat.
Prague will always be on the tourist path because of its beauty and stunning Baroque architecture, but repeat visitors will delight in learning that there is more to Prague than meets the eye. It’s a city that can bask in its old charms while moving decidedly into a contemporary new world.
Dena Rochwerger-Braun, aka, The Fit Globetrotter, covers luxury, wellness and spa travel worldwide. Her work has appeared in Spa Magazine, Robb Report, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons and Bridal Guide. Follow her travels and travel tips on Twitter @fitglobetrotter
By Alyssa Caverley for PeterGreenberg.com
Image credit:
DOX Center for Contemporary Art – Anders Sandberg via Flickr Creative Commons
Prague Hotel – J.A. Alcaida via Flickr Creative Commons
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