Prague Blog

Kofola a.s. organized sampling of their tasty non-alcoholic beverage Kofola in the streets in Prague in summer 2006. This company produces non-alcoholic beverages in the Czech Republic. The most famous drink Kofola is considered as well-known and favorite beverage among Czech customers.

Kofola used for their promotion a tram with logo of Kofola. This tram took people around Prague for free while hostesses were offering these people a refreshing beverage Kofola in the tram or at tram stops for free as well. There were also other people participating in Kofola promotion. These people were having in-line skates, and they were offering their beverage to the consumers in the streets of Prague. The aim of the promotion was to provide people with great refreshment during hot summer days, and it also worked as a reminder of this brand. They wanted to remind the customers of their great brand name Kofola, and they also wanted to remind of great taste of popular traditional Czech beverage. This promotion campaign succeeded because people started talking about Kofola tram and about company’s hostesses. Consumers started purchasing more Kofola as a refreshment during hot days. This campaign was also mentioned in newspapers.

The target group in this case were people who live in Prague. The aim of Kofola company was to provide refreshment during hot summer days to all age groups. The highest impact should Kofola have had on young generation – teenagers. Teenagers often prefer to drink beverages like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Kofola was trying to appeal as a cool beverage; therefore the company used the guys on in-line skates, so that this beverage would be perceived as a popular among teenagers.

Still no settlement in sight in the case of the amorphous creature- like library that should observe the city center from the Letná hill. Generally known as “the Blob”, Kaplický’s project provokes an ongoing row between the magistrates, the architects and considerable segments of the public.

There were two major setbacks. Some Czech architects decided not to accept the choice made by the international jury. And, more importantly, the Prague magistrates lost their enthusiasm into a pioneer project, unclear whether they do want to build any new library building in the end.

There would be little to complain about weren’t for the jury’s decision. The project itself is bizarre and its setting is controversial. But it was the magistrates who held the competition, they chose the form and they should respect the result. If you set an international jury to decide over a project and it chooses a winner, not to say that well, you don’t like the chosen project so let’s do it some other way. If the location is the problem, and there are probably more convenient locations in Prague, why did the magistrates chose it in the first place? The projects were all meant for the Letná plain, taking it into account. A decent architectonic project cannot be moved into a different environment.

The question is not whether you like the green- yellow- indigo slimy-looking octopus or not, this is a political match played on a very wrong field. It draws international attention; our republic is no longer separated from the Western trends and standards. If we ignore the jury’s decision it will be a serious breach of the international standards and it will be remembered. Other world architects will have second thoughts about competing in the CR, we will stay off the A list we wanted to go for.

The critics of the project, led by the Prague mayor Pavel Bém, are still using legal methods to hold it, there is a hope that they don’t just cancel the project in the end. The other major question is if the author, known for impulsive and rather sensitive behavior, will have the patience to stay till the end. His withdrawal of the project would be an enormous embarrassment for the city.

Mikolas Ales is one of the most important and well-known Czech artists. Now you have a change to see his works at the big retrospective exhibition called Mikolas Ales 1852 – 2007, which is being held in the Prague Castle Riding School until 20th of April 2008.

Mikolas Ales was born, as the title of the exhibition implies, in 1852 and died in 1913. He was an excellent painter and illustrator (during his lifetime he made his living mostly as an illustrator). His paintings are decorating the famous foyer of the National Theatre in Prague. But there were also some famous controversies connected with Ales – he had conflicts with the Committee for the Completion of the National Theatre as well as with his friend and co-worker Frantisek Zenisek, another famous Czech painter.

In the exhibition you can see representative overview of Ales´ work, mostly he was inspired by the Czech history and traditions. There are drawings and paintings on the theme of the life of Old Slavonic people, who lived in Bohemia in ancient times, scenes of the important moments of the Czech history, pictures depicting the idyllic life of Czech lands inhabitants or illustrating national stories, proverbs and legends. Plus there are some drawings of Indians, which was another of Ales´ favorite topics. There are also to be seen few drawings by his older brother Jan, who died prematurely and whose works often inspired Mikolas. Plus there are exhibited some items of Mikolas Ales´ personal belongings, as pieces of furniture.

But why is the exhibition called Mikolas Ales 1852-2007, when he died in 1913? Because his legacy, as “the artist of his people”, was extremely strong until now. Many Czech Art Noveau artists – the modernists from the Group of Artists or group Maj 57 (all of them are very important artistic formations) – they claimed to follow his legacy. But Ales´ legacy was also praised during the Protectorate, when Czechs were in troubles under the Nazi rule and they needed some heroes from the past, to highlight national culture, which was suppressed by Nazis. Later, after the communists took over the rule, Ales was hugely praised again, not only for topics of his painting but also for his realistic style. In 1951 was made a movie about him, in 1952 was opened a big retrospective of his work, celebrating this way the 100th anniversary of his birth. In 1979, almost thirty years ago, there was also a big retrospective in the Prague Castle Riding School and according to curators, now the time for another one came. It should bring up questions, how the artist´s both life and work reception changed during the times. On the first floor, there is a special extension of the exhibition, there are displayed books on topic of Mikolas Ales, and it is interesting to see how many they are. So if you would like to explore one of the most popular Czech artists, you definitely should visit the exhibition.

The exhibition is opened daily (including Mondays), from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 140 Czk full price, 70 Czk reduced or there is a possibility to buy a family ticket for 210 Czk.

I believe most people would agree that Wenceslas Square has been waiting for a change of shape for quite some time. It is, in its current form, very car- friendly, overcrowded, noisy, unpleasant and, especially at night, not terribly safe. The flow of people on the relatively narrow pavements make it impossible to walk slowly, you rather have to run across as quickly as you can- which is a shame for the place is carefully planned and quite imposing in its way. Weren’t there the tiny nuisance, the highway cutting through its core, between its two dominants- the St Wenceslas Statue and the National Museum.

Putting aside the question who is to blame for this idiotic move of dragging the highway through the city centre (and so ruining several other spots such as Florenc), there is a reason for optimism. The renewal project was agreed upon several years ago.

Its key point is to re- create some of the visage it had during the 1920’s and 30’s. That includes mainly meeting the pedestrian needs rather than the motorists’. The pavements are to be widened, trees planted and the tram line brought back, the cars parking there moved into an underground parking lot. And, mainly, the stupid highway is to be moved behind the Museum. Not only that, it is to be lowered underground, into a tunnel, meaning that the square would no longer be bothered by the effects of its presence. And if our current mayor, Mr Bém, is serious, he will have it cut in half in the whole of Prague next two years. It’s possible it will be gradually abandoned in the future. The problem is that there is a condition: first the highway around Prague, the alternative to the current one that cuts through the city, must be finished. Not to say that nothing will be done, only the decision- makers will be very careful until this problem is solved.

There’s an impressive visualization of the project here. If it is done this way, we may look forward to a much more convenient place for straws, gathering etc. The question is the time frame, the main works are yet to start and the tunnel building in particular will make some noise.

I have one friend, who is, while she is traveling, always the most interested in visiting the local Zoo in the city she is exploring. Well, she studies biology at university, but visiting the Zoo can be fun for anyone. Did you already hear about the Prague Zoo? According to the article, which appeared in the Forbes Magizine in the beginning of November last year, the Prague Zoo is on the 7th place of the World´s best Zoos! Is not that an amazing position? So if you are still hesitating whether visit this place or not, that might be an argument for you why yes. Well, they had reasons for putting the Prague zoological garden so high in this list.

There are of course really many different kinds of animals to be seen, among them the most popular are probably gorillas (they even had their own “reality show” called Revealed which appeared online), then there are elephants, polar bears, penguins, giraffes etc. The garden is quite well-cultivated, visitors friendly, there are some refreshment areas and so on, therefore it is an ideal place to spend a nice part of the day.

They are also organizing many interesting programs, such lectures, night tours and so on. In March, opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, in April and May is opened from 9 AM to 6 PM, from June to August even until 7 PM. The entrance fee is 150 Czk for an adult, 100 Czk reduced (children, students, seniors), but if you are to stay in Prague for longer and you really are into animals, it is much better bargain to buy a permanent ticket for 500 Czk which is valid for one year. So when the first spring sun beams shine, you can enjoy them in the Zoo, which is among the top 10 of the whole world.

Starbucks opened its first café in the Czech Republic in January 2008. The café is situated in Mala Strana at Malostranske square. Everyone can taste the richness of freshly brewed roasted coffee. The taste of the coffee is exactly the same like in 15000 Starbucks cafes that are situated all around the world. Starbucks is offering a great choice of various coffees and coffee flavors.

This is good news for everyone who enjoys getting his Starbucks for a breakfast. People come to Starbucks with friends just to chat while sipping their frappuccinos, cappuccinos or café latte. Starbucks environment is very cozy and pleasant. The strategic choice of location in Gromlingovsky palace at Mala Strana is highly appreciated by local people as well as tourists. Starbucks provides its customers with free wi-fi connection.

Starbucks is planning to open more cafes in the Czech Republic. We can look forward to the opening of new stylish cafes. While strolling around Prague’s historical sights, you can stop at Starbucks and have a rest with your favorite cup of coffee.

Supermarkets are already seen as small and uncomfortable, hypermarkets are spreading around the capital and the whole Republic, but their focus on certain goods makes them a limited source. What Prague center lacked was a large shopping center with different kinds of shops, cafés- at least in this big a form. It’s a question whether the gap was needed to be filled or not (I personally don’t think so), but the fact remains it was.

The façade doesn’t look bad, it’s quite modest, the only attention- drawing element being the rich red color. Otherwise its pseudo- historical stylization may not be too sensitive, but it is more competent than the Kotva mall on the same square. It doesn’t look pompous, so to say, which is not necessarily saying it’s good, mostly resembling a Lego castle, it just could have been much worse.

There are tens of restaurants and cafes, many fashion shops, game shops, toys. Below these, there is a large market where you find mainly groceries. It would take long to make a list.

It is by no means insufficient, the problem is that it may be too much. I think the inside feels better than the older Prague malls, where each floor is separated from the rest, here you feel like the space is mostly open and playfully, asymmetrically constructed. The drawback is that your senses are constantly facing so many impulses that the experience may turn exhausting. No doubt you find what you need and you find it quite fast, but you find it in a sea of loud, aggressive market strategies, lights, colors and people, crowds of them, forced into relatively narrow corridors.

My intention is neither to promote the mall nor to condemn it. I think it is exactly what you may expect it to be: in the good sense and the bad. If you like peace you better avoid it, if you enjoy similar facilities you’re not likely to be disappointed.

By the way, there was a minor fire in Palladium in February, forcing it to be closed down for three weeks. Luckily nobody was hurt. I don’t wish to be cruel, but I think the case pretty much shows the disadvantages of the strategy of aggregating dozens of businesses in one place- for if the place must be closed down, they all lose a lot of money.

Have you ever thought about it? Just have a look at the important dates in the Czech history and you will see it immediately! It will hit you in the eye right away. It is so evident that it is scary. Go back in time with me – 1618, 1848, 1918, 1938, 1948, and 1968.

All those dates are the key dates in the Czech history!! Do you see it? Do you know what I am talking here about? Hello there, all dates are ending with an eight!!! There must be something behind this, don’t you think? Or do you really believe this was only a coincidence?

To tell you the truth, I was not the first to discover this. Gosh no. Serious historians as well as lunatic astrologers have been trying to come up with meaningful explanations for some time. So far, none has been accepted. Hence it is believed that all this truly was only a random accident. But I don’t know…
Let’s have a brief overview at what happened.

The year 1618 is known as the Second Defenestration in Prague and the beginning of the Thirty Years´ War in Europe. It brought inquisition into the Czech lands. No surprise that the following era is called “The Time of Gloom”.

The year 1848 is a year of revolutions in all Europe. However, the revolution in the Czech lands was not successful. The ruling Hapsburgs monarchy remained strong in their governance. Czechs had to wait for their political freedom.

The year 1918 is finally a happy year for the Czech history, and not only for Czechs. It was the end of the First World War and the year when Czechs together with Slovaks declared their independence. The optimistic time period of democracy is called the First Republic, with T.G. Masaryk as the first Czechoslovak president.

However, the year 1938 was a sad one again. It was the time of appeasement policy, unfortunately for the Czechs. Hitler wanted to gain the Czechoslovakia under his control and was successful. The representatives of Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France agreed in Munich that the Czechoslovakia must give a part of its land, the so called Sudetenland, to Nazi Germany. It is known as the Munich dictate, since the Czechoslovakia was not allowed to participate in the meeting and was forced to give up its territory. This was the end of the First Republic. The Second World War was about to start soon.

In 1948, the Communist coup took place. Czechoslovakia thus became a communist country for long 41 years. Civil rights were violated, many people were put into jails or working camps, many were killed and thousands fled the country.

In 1968 there was a slight hope that life could be better. Czech reformed Communists started to initiate some reforms. This time period is known as Prague Spring since the first reforms were introduced in spring. People immediately wanted more. This, however, troubled the Soviets and so they crashed the reforms by armed invasion. Another sad moment in the Czech history.

All those dates are the most important for Czechs. All Czech students must know them by heart. Just one more date is missing and that is 1989, of course. But again, there is the eight, although not at the end. That was the time of Velvet Revolution when democracy returned to Czech lands again.

So the question is what will happen in 2008???

There is an urgent need for a new building of the Czech National Library as the old building of Klementinum is not sufficient any more. So there was organized a public competition for a new building design. Any architect interested could have participated. The jury was international, its chairman was a prominent architect Eva Jiricna, very important personas of contemporary architecture world were among its members, such as Zaha Hadid, Irene Wiese-von Ofen, John Eisler and others.

In the beginning of March 2007 Vlastimil Jezek, the director of the National Library, announced the winner: Futura System Studio of the famous Czech architect Jan Kaplicky, who currently lives in London. He won the competition with his extravagant project of the building of amorphous shapes in green and purple color. The design became known as “Blob” or “Chobotnice” (The Octopus). And it was supposed to be built at Letna, which is an important Prague location with nice view of Prague Castle.

After a few months, a number of questions was aroused. Some people did not like the design, the others did not want it to be placed at Letna, such close to the old Prague. And Czech architects came up with the claims, that the competition was manipulated, Kaplicky put the deposit rooms under the ground, which was not originally allowed, the chef of the jury – Czech architect Eva Jiricna, who also lives in the London, is a former partner of Jan Kaplicky and so on. The Czech president Vaclav Klaus said he was very strongly against the building, the director of the National Gallery said that it should not have been in Letna, but in another locality. Some others also came up later with ideas like the library should not be so close to the historic town reservation, among them Prague mayor Pavel Bem. And the prime minister Mirek Topolanek even added, that he was not sure, it the Czech Republic will have the money for the building at all.

By the time more and more people came into the discussion, architects, politicians as well as the public and the building of the National Library became one of the most discussed topics of the last year in the Czech Republic.

The architect Jan Kaplicky admitted that the library maybe does not need to be in Prague. And the towns of Brno and Edinburgh showed great interest in the building.

The question about the library should have been solved by the end of last year, but it is still opened now. The problem is to be solved in the cooperation of the architects, politicians, lawyers as well as conservationists. Jan Kaplicky even said that he might consider to put a charge to the international court if his design would not be accepted. And there is also not answered the question if there are money for this building at all. The cause looks now quite as a too long played tragicomedy with no end in a short time.

In 2008, the world will focus the attention towards the Olympic events in Beijing. In 2012, everyone will be watching the Olympic Games in London. In 2016, could it be Prague? Is this city the right candidate for the Olympics? Is the Czech Republic ready for Olympics preparation?

I think Prague is the right candidate. This is a great opportunity for our country. If we win the candidature, we will be hosting this enormously important world event Olympic Games in 2016. In case of we were the winner of this bid, we would need to build three new sports areas. One would be the ceremony stadium in Prague Letnany, another one would be the aquapark and the last one would be the cycling hall.

The decision about the candidature for the Olympics will take place in Copenhagen in 2009. The committee will decide about the next location for the Olympic Games. There are six other cities that applied for the Summer Olympic Games in 2016. These cities are Baku – Azerbaijan, Chicago – the USA, Doha – Qatar, Madrid – Spain, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil and Tokyo – Japan. If you want to wish Prague good luck, now is the time.