Open House Praha is an annual festival that allows people to explore dozens of usually inaccessible buildings and spaces throughout Prague. The festival’s ninth edition will occur from May 15th to May 21st, offering extraordinary experiences that include lectures, discussions, and guided tours. Over a hundred buildings throughout Prague will open their doors during the weekend of May 20th and 21st, but the accompanying program will begin on Monday, May 15th.

The festival’s center will be the New Stage of the National Theater, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of architect Karel Prager. Visitors can explore the auditorium with a stage and backstage area, as well as the projection booth and makeup room. The festival’s information center will also be located at the New Stage building from May 15th. The festival will open the unique brutalist building of the New Stage of the National Theater, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

The program includes special tours for children aged five and up in selected buildings. Thanks to a working sheet for young architects, children can familiarize themselves with basic architectural concepts and themes in a fun way. Special tours are also available for hearing or visually-impaired visitors or foreigners living in Prague for a long time.

Individuals can access some buildings freely and tour them at their own pace without prior registration. However, most tours will be organized in groups of different sizes with a guide. No prior registration is required to enter a building, but some places may have queues. The route is not predetermined, and visitors can choose which of the 109 offered landmarks to visit and when.

The program includes both historical palaces and modern office buildings, as well as technical landmarks, such as the Bořislavka Center, Branický Brewery, Komerční Banka Building in Smíchov, Na Zábradlí Theater, House of Fashion on Wenceslas Square, or the Evangelical Cemetery in Strašnice. Open House Praha offers an excellent opportunity for people to visit and explore remarkable buildings and spaces that are usually inaccessible to the public. The festival’s program includes various events suitable for people of all ages and interests, making it a must-see event for locals and tourists alike.

Article by Prague Forum