Open House Praha is a highly anticipated festival of architecture that takes place annually in the picturesque capital city of the Czech Republic. Celebrating the rich architectural heritage of Prague, this festival offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into a diverse range of structures, encompassing modern buildings, historical villas, churches, and palaces. By combining entertainment and education, Open House Praha enables attendees to explore buildings and gardens that span different periods, styles, and materials.

Commencing on May 15, 2023, the festival kicked off with an enticing program featuring guided walks, building tours, lectures, and thought-provoking debates. Some of these events require prior registration or the purchase of tickets to ensure a smooth and immersive experience. To provide visitors with essential information and assistance, an information center has been set up at the iconic Nová scéna Národního divadla, one of the highly anticipated highlights of this year’s festival.

The focal point of Open House Praha lies within the weekend of May 20-21, during which a remarkable 109 buildings and other typically inaccessible spaces will open their doors to the public, free of charge. From 10 am to 6 pm on both days, visitors will have the privilege of exploring these captivating structures, uncovering their hidden stories and architectural marvels.

A significant theme of this year’s festival revolves around commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned architect Karel Prager, whose profound influence greatly shaped the appearance of Prague in the latter half of the 20th century. In honor of Prager’s legacy, several of his notable buildings will be made accessible to the public over the weekend, allowing visitors to admire his architectural prowess and gain insights into his creative vision.

Another architectural luminary to be honored during the festival is Antonín Viktor Barvitius, as it marks the 200th anniversary of his birth. Barvitius was a prominent representative of the neo-Renaissance style in Prague, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that includes iconic villas, churches, and the now-demolished Těšnov train station.

Open House Praha not only caters to architecture enthusiasts but also welcomes the general public, inviting them to embark on a fascinating journey through Prague’s architectural tapestry. By offering a rare opportunity to explore some of the city’s most significant buildings, the festival imparts valuable knowledge about Prague’s architectural history and showcases the captivating evolution of its urban landscape. Open House Praha stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of architectural brilliance that continues to define the beauty and cultural richness of Prague.

Article by Prague Forum