The Open House architecture festival is coming to Prague

Prague - The world-renowned architecture festival Open House, which takes place in 32 cities across Europe, America, and Australia, is coming to the Czech Republic this year. On the weekend of May 16 and 17, people in Prague will have the opportunity to visit over thirty architecturally significant buildings for free and explore the interiors of structures they pass by on the street every day. The festival's founder, Victoria Thornton, will also come from London to Prague. The event is under the patronage of architect Eva Jiřičná, who was involved in the beginnings of the London festival in 1992 and has been part of it for over 20 years.
     "The Open House festival opens buildings or parts of buildings that are closed to the public for most of the year. These buildings shape the face of the city and determine our routes through the urban fabric. We want to give people the chance to step inside and thus enhance public interest in their surroundings," said festival coordinator Andrea Šenkyříková from the non-profit organization Otevřená společnost, which obtained the license for the festival in the Czech Republic.
     Buildings of historical and architectural value are to be opened. The organizers are currently negotiating with more than thirty entities. "For example, Kramář Villa and Invalidovna will participate in the festival, which always attracts great public interest. However, we are also discussing the involvement of lesser-known structures, such as the gasometer in Prague 8 or the high voltage laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of ČVUT," revealed festival coordinator Michal Tošovský. The first edition will feature historical buildings - such as the buildings of the National Gallery like the Convent of St. Agnes or Kinsky Palace, modern constructions - such as the House of Trade Unions or Metro Palace, as well as contemporary buildings - for example, Main Point in Karlín, Florentinum, or the Dancing House.
     The buildings will be open for free on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 10 AM to 6 PM. A printed catalog will be published for the event, which will also be available at www.openhousepraha.cz. Here, participants will learn where entry is completely free, where visits will take place in organized groups, and where prior registration is required due to limited capacity. The information center will be located in the Fusion Hotel on Jindřišská Street; some of its design-diverse rooms will also be available for viewing during Open House.
     "The first edition of Open House in Vienna last September attracted over thirty thousand people, significantly exceeding the organizers' expectations. In Prague, half the number of buildings will be open, but we also have high ambitions," said Michal Tošovský. The festival originated in 1992 in London as an effort to strengthen the relationship of the lay public to the place and the city. Founder Victoria Thornton was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her successful initiative.