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Autumn in Prague2020There are only a few buildings in Prague whose

majestic architecture has been preserved in its original, almost intact form. If you find the Baroque as an artistic style difficult to comprehend and are unable to penetrate the secrets of Christian symbolism, the beauty of chiaroscuro paintings, and the aesthetics of dynamic sculptures, try visiting Břevnov Monastery. You’ll find all this under one roof.The monastery in Břevnov is truly one of the purest examples of Czech High Baroque architecture. Its history, however, dates back many centuries earlier – specifically to 993 AD. At that time, the second bishop of Prague, Vojtěch Slavníkovec, and Prince Boleslav II founded the first, originally a wooden, church with several simple monastic buildings at the source of the Brusnice stream. Roughly carved wooden beams – “břevna” in Czech – from which the original monastery was built, gave rise to the name of the ancient enclosure. Vojtěch then brought a handful of Benedictine monks from Italy to Břevnov who were to become executors of Christian "agitation" in hitherto pre-dominantly pagan Bohemia. However, after the assassination of the Slavníkovec family (from which Vojtěch came) in 995 AD, the monastery more or less disappeared, but was restored in the first half of the 11th century. The derelict wooden buildings were replaced by the Romanesque Basilica of St Margaret with a convent.

From the crypt to the vaultsIn the 1960s, archaeologists discovered a unique crypt under the current choir dating back to this period. It is one of the old-est at least partially preserved stone buildings in the country. During the 13th and 14th centuries, most of the buildings here were rebuilt in Gothic style. At that time, the convent was a leading ecclesiastical and cultural institution – it had a large library, through which cults of saints were spread; its members included prominent personalities; and the economic position of the monastery was not insignificant. During the Hussite rampage, the monastery buildings were destroyed, and the

subsequent events of the Thirty Years' War completed the work of destruction. It was not until 1708–1745, at a time when the Catholic Church was intensively consolidating its position, that the local order was revived, and a new convent and a magnif-icent basilica were built, and a partial reconstruction of older parts in the High Baroque style took place. The new monastery complex was designed by Kryštof Dientzenhofer and his son Kilián Ignác. The most beautiful part is without a doubt St Mar­garet’s church, where all of the significant attributes of the Baroque style are laid out like an architecture textbook: mon-umentality (to amaze the common man), emotionality, even exaltation, inner tension, pathos, a frescoed vault embodying the image of Heaven transferred to Earth, large canvases with religious themes, sculptures in dynamic poses, and more.

A plethora of Baroque mastersThe best artists of their time worked on the interior decoration. The main altar was designed by Kryštof Dientzenhofer and carved by Josef Dobner; the sculptures for the altar as well as the sculptures of Benedictine saints on the sides of the nave were created by Matouš Václav Jäckel. The altarpieces are largely originals by one of the most important Baroque painters, Petr Brandl. The vaults are covered by frescoes by Jan Jakub Steinfels, which are astonishing simply because the artist painted them when he was in his seventies. The inlaid choir benches by Jan Sichmüller are decorated with statues by Richard Prachner; the church organ dates from 1725 and is the work of organist Tobias Meisner. As you can see, it’s just one Baroque delicacy after another.

But it doesn’t end with the churchIn addition to St Margaret’s church, the extensive monastery complex includes two-storey convent buildings centered around three courtyards, outbuildings (the renovated granary houses the information center), the prelature (abbot's resi-dence), the Josefka Gloriet, and the Vojtěška Garden Pavilion with a chapel above the well (the source of the Brusnice stream), near which, according to legend the monastery was founded. The icing on this Baroque “cake” is the recently

renovated orangery, also the work of Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. At the time it was constructed, it served as a greenhouse for growing flowers, fruits, vegetables, and subtropical plants. Today, this impressive building is used as an exhibition space. Directly adjacent to the mon-astery buildings are a ter­raced garden, an orchard, and a forest park with a cemetery, where many important Czech personalities have been laid to rest (such as singer Karel Kryl, philosopher Jan Patočka, and Jan Anastáz Opasek, archbishop of the monastery). These large green areas are becoming a

frequent destination for Praguers and tourists longing for rest and relaxation.

Blessed golden dewYou may be surprised that “in the house of God” there is time for worldly pleasures – the complex also includes the eco-friendly Hotel Adalbert and the Old Bohemian restaurant Klášterní šenk, featuring beer specialties on tap, such as products from the monastery microbrewery. Some of the monastery’s ceremonial halls are used commercially for various social and cultural events (concerts, weddings, lec-tures, presentations, banquets, etc.). The monastery’s program includes several popular events throughout the year, including a spring market, a medieval festival, and Christmas Masses and worship services. One of the most popular events is the annual Autumn Fair, which has taken place for over 250 years. The tradition started after Prussian soldiers abandoned the church in 1757, where they had set up a stable and infirmary during the conquest of Prague. The desecrated house of worship then had to be reconsecrated.

The monastery in Břevnov, the oldest men’s monastery in the Czech Republic, with its genius loci, is one of the most impor-tant monuments to our oldest history and remains a reminder of the difficult beginnings of Christianity in the Czech lands. Its current Baroque appearance still captivates with its elegance and stylistic purity.

p Benedictine Archabbey of St Adalbert and St Margaret q Markétská 1/28, Prague 6 – Břevnov Monastery gatehouse / information center z +420 220 406 111 f klaster@brevnov.cz w brevnov.cz r Mon–Fri 8.30 a.m.–5.30 p.m., Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Tours: Sat 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. (April–October) and Sat 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m., 2 p.m. (November–March); monastery garden open daily from 6.45 a.m. to 8 p.m. On weekdays, tours of the mon-astery are held only for pre-booked groups between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Don’t miss:Park Ladronkaw prague.euA unique combination of park and sports and leisure area. The location got its name from a famous Prague homestead and today it is particularly popular with fans of in-line skating and cycling. Here you’ll find the longest illuminated in-line skating track in Prague (4.2 km). The Ladronka building was renovated into a cultural and social center with a bowling alley and a res-taurant. You’ll find a modern children’s playground, as well as

beach volleyball and pétanque courts in the immediate vicinity. Every year, the park becomes the venue for one of the largest leisure festivals in our country – Ladronkafest.

Kaštan – Unijazz Club | Popmuseum | Studio | Caféw kastan.unijazz.czCultural and community center in Prague 6. The core of the center is a hall with a capacity of about 100 visitors, where con-certs, theater performances for children and adults, lectures, film screenings, festivals and exhibitions take place. The build-ing also includes the exhibition Popmuseum, which relates the history of Czechoslovak rock music from 1959–1972. It features a collection of gramophone record covers, artists’ manuscripts, photographs, written documents, audiovisual recordings, period radio receivers, and musical instruments. The Kaštan Studio on the second floor organizes art courses for children, students, adults, seniors, and mothers with children. In the basement you can have a snack in the Únik café.

Hvězda Game Reservew prague.euA large forest park with three long “avenues” that converge in front of a Renaissance summer house shaped like a six-pointed star. Originally used for entertainment and hunting by Prague’s elite in the 16th century, today it is a large recreational zone, where Praguers enjoy relaxing, walking, jogging, cycling, dog walking, and in winter even cross-country skiing. There is an interesting educational trail leading through the park that describes local natural and historical facts and events, includ-ing the circumstances of the famous Battle of White Mountain (1620), which took place here. The park has several play-grounds, two picnic places with firepits; in the summer house there is a café with refreshments during the summer season, and occasionally exhibitions and concerts are held here.

How to Get There:Tram k 22, 25, 97 – Břevnovský klášter stop

Břevnov Monastery, or How to Read

Baroque

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Old Town Hall in full beauty even in autumn!Discover the beauty of Prague's most famous town hall again during its standard opening hours and operations. The historical halls and chapels are accessible via a free self-guided tour, and fully guided tours of the halls, chapels and the Romanesque-Gothic underground are available without prior booking. Unusual for a historical building, the top of the historical tower is com-pletely barrier-free and accessible via a modern lift, and a video guide in sign language is available for the deaf.

r  The tower is open daily from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. (Monday from 11 a.m.) The historical halls are open daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Monday from 11 a.m.)

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The Tourist Information Center and Guides&Tours contact point are located on the ground floor of the town hall. Our guides are at your disposal, now with a 20% discount.

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Prague City Tourism is here to help you!information about Prague • maps and information brochures for free • tickets for cultural and sport events • city tours • accommodation • public transportation tickets • souvenirs from Prague • guide services

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Get to know Prague in a whole new wayWhether you’re looking forward to a stroll through the historical centre, getting to know one of Prague's districts in more detail, or exploring mysterious or picturesque corners, you can always turn to Prague City Tourism for a licensed professional guide. For the youngest tour participants, we’ve put together interac-tive routes to learn more about the legends and ghosts of old Prague, explore house signs, or discover the animal inhabitants of the Lesser Town.

Take a look at the private guided walks that we offer at w prague.eu/guides or contact us at f guides@prague.eu, and we will plan a fully customized walk for you.

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St Margaret’s church

Renovated orangery

Charles Bridge Museumw muzeumkarlovamostu.czOccupying several halls of the original hospital of the Holy Spirit is a museum dedicated to the second oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic. Learn more about the history of this unique place and one-of-a-kind construction. The stone link across the Vltava River takes us not only from the Old Town to the Lesser Town, but also back to the time of the coronation of the Czech kings, who crossed the Charles Bridge as part of the coronation procession. Your visit to the museum can be combined with a boat trip on the Vltava River from a unique underground dock directly under an arch of the Charles Bridge.

Funicular to Petřínw dpp.cz w muzeumprahy.czThe trip by funicular up Petřín Hill is a special experience, if for nothing else than the beautiful views of Prague. The Újezd tram stop is located right at the foot of the funicular, which then stops at Nebozízek and Petřín. At the very top, it intersects the Hunger Wall. The 510 m long track rises 130 m in altitude. The funicular, originally powered by water, began operating in 1891, and in 1932 it was electrified.

Museum of Public Transport – Střešovice Depotw dpp.czThe Museum of Public Transport is located in the historic prem-ises of the tram depot in Střešovice, which is itself a technical monument. Visitors can view more than forty historic vehicles and other exhibits, such as period photographs, models of old trains, historical documents, tickets and posters. One of the more unusual exhibits is a dark tram, which people used during the Second World War.

Railway Kingdomw kralovstvi-zeleznic.czThe Railway Kingdom is an amazing scaled down, yet perfectly functioning world. See dozens of model trains run on hundreds of meters of tracks and models of important buildings and places in the Czech Republic, and even experience alternating day and night. The exhibition includes a 1:1000 interactive scale model of Prague.

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Planetariumw planetum.czIn the Prague Planetarium you can observe the stars on the largest projection screen in the country, whether it is dark or light outside, rain or shine. In addition, you can watch movies projected across the entire sky (a dome with a diameter of 23.5 m), literally surrounding you. The planetarium features an 8K resolution system and one of the best digital skies in the Czech Republic. You can also see interactive exhibitions.

To the towers!w muzeumprahy.czIt would be a sin not to visit at least one tower in a place called the City of a Hundred Towers. Climbing a tower can be challeng-ing, but the reward will be a unique view of the city from a bird's eye perspective. If you don't want to climb stairs, there are also barrier-free options. The most popular Prague towers include the Petřín Lookout Tower and the Old Town Hall tower. Both of these towers have lifts. The Lesser Town Bridge Towers and the Old Town Bridge Tower are a bit more challenging to climb, but they offer beautiful views of the Charles Bridge. A visit to the St Nicholas bell tower is interesting not only because of the views of the Lesser Town and Hradčany, but you can also see the tow-erkeeper's apartment with a black kitchen and the former StB observatory.

Monastery of St Agnesw ngprague.czToday, the Gothic monastery houses the National Gallery’s col-lections of rare medieval art. In addition to tours of historical and gallery spaces, you can also relax in the renovated monas-tery gardens. Home to a variety of installations by leading Czech artists, it also serves as a playground. The gallery also offers programs for families with children, including a children's studio where your little ones can linger a little longer and show off their creative talents.

House at the Golden Ringw muzeumprahy.czVisit the best interactive exhibition in Prague, focusing on the city's development during the reign of Charles IV. Another per-manent exhibition, this time focused on the Rudolfinian period, will captivate with a nine-meter long multimedia view of Prague, which introduces visitors to the lives of Prague's inhabitants at that time.

National Technical Museumw ntm.czThe museum has extensive collections documenting the development of many technical disciplines, natural and exact sciences, and industries in 14 permanent exhibitions and short-term expositions, including those intended for children.

Karel Zeman Museumw muzeumkarlazemana.czNear the Charles Bridge there is a truly unique museum. The interactive exhibition presents the life's work of the genius cre-ator Karel Zeman and his film tricks which propelled Czech cin-ema to fame. The museum's playful, hands-on concept is unique – it offers the opportunity to try out the trick techniques used by Zeman in his films using your own cameras and camcorders.

Children in the starring roleTraveling with children can sometimes be a bit more difficult. But Prague is an ideal place for families with children, with a wide variety of attractions designed just for them. In addition to many playgrounds in beautiful places in the center of Prague and beyond, children can also be entertained by feeding swans on the Lesser Town embankment, a boat trip on the Vltava, or visiting interesting monuments or exhibitions at local museums and galleries.

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We’ve put together a selection of the most interesting events that will take place in Prague from early September to mid-November 2020. Hundreds of others are listed on our website w prague.eu, where you will also find more detailed information about programs, tickets, etc. The calendar of cultural events may undergo small changes throughout the autumn due to generally known circumstances. Be sure to check the websites of individual events for the most up-to-date information.

Ultrasupernaturalg to 12 Oct q DOX Center for Contemporary Art, Poupětova 1, Prague 7 – Holešovice w dox.czThe exhibition is the culmination of a project spanning more than twenty years undertaken by artists Barbora Šlapetová and Lukáš Rittstein, who have devoted their lives to studying the Yali Mek, the last Papuan indigenous tribe. The artists have trans-formed their study of the once cannibalistic tribes in their nat-ural, swiftly disappearing habitat into a vast array of drawings, videos, objects, photographs and monumental sculptures which form an integral whole.

Antonín Kratochvíl: Photo Essaysg to 18 Oct q Prague City Gallery – House at the Stone Bell, Old Town Square 13, Prague 1 – Old Town w ghmp.czThis retrospective exhibition of the famous Czech photographer presents a cross-section of a highly expressive, suggestive photographic oeuvre by one of the world’s most prominent and significant producers of social documentary photography and photojournalism. His photographs reflect contemporary human society, often depicting images of deprivation, despair, aliena-tion, pain, sadness and misery. Kratochvíl also imprints his own personal style onto portraits of show-business celebrities.

No Demolitions! Forms of Brutalism in Pragueg to 22 Nov q National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ngprague.czThe architecture built in Czechoslovakia throughout the 1960s–1980s, both glorified and deplored, remains a heatedly discussed and highly controversial subject today. The exhibition presents buildings in Prague (including projects in preparation but never realized) influenced to a lesser or greater extent by Brutalism and progressive influences from the West that were forbidden, yet highly inspiring for designers.

The Work and Times of Josef Mánes in Picturesg 1 Oct–30 Dec q Kooperativa Gallery, Pobřežní 21, Prague 8 – Karlín w koop.cz/galerieMay 20 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of great Czech artist Josef Mánes. The exhibition presents Mánes in the con-text of his time, his famous and lesser-known contemporaries, and his family, but above all, its goal is to demonstrate through his work his exceptional mastery, which was appreciated by subsequent generations. The organizers have brought together 50 oil paintings and an equal number of drawings.

iMucha | Original Posters in Motiong to 30 Dec q Municipal House, náměstí Republiky Square 5, Prague 1 – Old Town w obecnidum.czThanks to 21st century technologies, this remarkable exhibition offers a completely new view of the world‘s most comprehen-sive collection of the Czech Art Nouveau master, gathered by the former tennis champion Ivan Lendl. Thanks to the highly professional digitalization of Mucha's posters, visitors will find themselves face to face with animated models, surrounded by scenes from the Slavic Epic, and even hear Alfons Mucha him-self speaking to them.

Mikuláš Medek: Naked in the Thornsg 11 Sep, 2020–10 Jan, 2021 q National Gallery Prague – Wallenstein Riding School, Valdštejnská 3, Prague 1 – Lesser Town w ngprague.czThe exhibition, parts of which are located in the St Agnes Monastery and the Trade Fair Palace, aims to introduce Miku-láš Medek (1926–1974) as one of the leading representatives of Czech post-war art. It will be one of the most comprehen-sive exhibitions due to the breadth of Medek's work, and at the same time will present works normally not accessible to the public.

Kings of the Sung to 7 Feb, 2021 q Museum Complex of the National Museum – Historical Building, Wenceslas Square 68, Prague 1 – New Town w nm.czThe exhibition traces the history of the royal burial ground Abu-sir, a necropolis of kings and important dignitaries founded near the then capital Mennofer in the time of the builders of the pyramids. It is part of a pyramid field, bordered by Giza in the north and Sakkara in the south. The largest part of the exhibi-tion presents the most important discoveries of leading Czech Egyptologists, who have been conducting research at this site for 60 years.

Classical Music

Rolando Villazón & Xavier de Maistreg 11 Oct q Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 79/12, Prague 1 – Old Town w nachtigallartists.czThe world-famous tenor Rolando Villazón is a phenomenon, an unfettered element, "the most magical star of the contempo-rary opera scene" (The Times). Rolando fell in love with Prague and has been returning over and over since 2012, always with an original program. This time he brings the project "Serenata Latina" together with the phenomenal harpist Xavier de Maistre.

Rachmaninov's Secondg 12 Oct q Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 79/12, Prague 1 – Old Town w socr.rozhlas.czSergei Rachmaninov's Second Symphony proves that the Rus-sian classic was not only the author of popular piano composi-tions, but also an excellent symphonist. Before the "highlight" of the evening, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra will play Shostakovich's Festival Overture, and Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Czech composer Radim Drejsl.

Verdi – Requiemg 4 & 5 Nov q Municipal House – Smetana Hall, náměstí Republiky Square 5, Prague 1 – Old Town w fok.czThe double performances of Verdi's Requiem take place just after All Soul’s Day (Dušičky in Czech). It is an appropriate pro-gram tor the time of prayer for the dead, when we remember

our loved ones and ask ourselves what testimony they left us. Performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK, under the baton of Tomáš Brauner and with a top singing cast.

PKF – Prague Philharmonia: Grieg. Brahms. Beethoven.g 14 Nov q Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 79/12, Prague 1 – Old Town w pkf.czLudwig van Beethoven wrote only one opera, Fidelia, with a libretto about political imprisonment, the power of love, and the desire for freedom. Although Fidelio is an opera, “symphonic Beethoven” can be detected here as well. He wrote four orches-tral overtures for his only opera. At this concert, you will hear the one that is actually presented as an overture in theaters. The musical evening will be complemented by Brahms' Symphony No. 2 in D major and Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor by the greatest Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.

Sport

Riverside Crossg 15 Sep q Náplavka, Rašínovo nábřeží embankment, Prague 2 – New Town w kayakbeachbar.czExhibition kayak slalom race on the Vltava. A special challenge has been prepared for the boating stars, one that will test their versatility: the start, from an elevated ramp, is followed by a 50-meter sprint around slalom gates, and at the end of the course, participants must shoot a ball into a polo goal.

AXA Primátorkyg 19 & 20 Sep q Vltava River w axaprimatorky.czThis popular rowing competition is one of the longest-running sporting events in the Czech Republic, with more than a century of tradition. The route is unique in that crews must negotiate a small curve around the Vyšehrad promontory rising from the Vltava. The races can be watched from both banks of the river.

European Water Slalom Championshipsg 18–20 Sep q White Water Sport Centre Prague, Vodácká 789/8, Prague 7 – Troja w slalomtroja.czIn Prague in September, the European Championship will take place instead of the Water Slalom World Cup. The champi-onship was originally scheduled to take place in London in May. It returns to the Czech capital after two years. All the top European slalomers will make an appearance.

European Judo Championships 2020g 8–10 Nov q O2 arena, Českomoravská 17, Prague 9 – Libeň w czechjudo.orgThis year, Prague will host the European Judo Championship for the second time in its history. For many competitors, this will be the last chance to collect points for the Olympic qualification. The home team will make a strong appearance in front of their local fans. Lukáš Krpálek will attempt to capture his fourth European championship, and Pavel Petřikov announced his final appearance at the continental championships.

100th President Stakesg 14 Nov q Chuchle Arena Prague, Radotínská 69, Prague 5 – Velká Chuchle w velka-chuchle.czThe program of the penultimate racing day of the metropolitan season is dominated by the longest flat race of the year, the 100th President Stakes for three-year-old and older horses. Eight races will take place throughout the day.

Music Festivals

Dvořák Prague Festival 2020g 4–20 Sep q Prague – various venues w dvorakovapraha.czThe constant of this year’s program remains the music of Antonín Dvořák, perhaps to the widest extent in the history of the festival. Despite the current circumstances, the organ-izers successfully pulled together the absolute creme de la creme of Czech performers, soloists, conductors, and musical ensembles. A partial listing of the performers at this year’s festival includes conductors Jakub Hrůša, Tomáš Netopil, Petr Altrichter, Jiří Rožeň; in the dual roles of soloists and artistic

directors Radek Baborák and Josef Špaček; a constellation of leading Czech pianists including Lukáš Vondráček, Ivo Kahánek, Martin Kasík, Du Ardašev, and rising star Marek Kozák; and other soloists including Jana Boušková, Tomáš Jamník, Jan Mráček, Kateřina Kněžíková, Simona Šaturová, and Jan Martiník.

Lunchmeat Festival 2020g 28 Sep–3 Oct q Prague – various venues w facebook.com/LunchmeatFestivalThe annual exhibition of current independent electronic music and digital and audiovisual art will take place this year as in the previous year – over six nights and on various Prague stages.

The Strings of Autumng 11 Sep–21 Nov q Prague – various venues w strunypodzimu.czThe Strings of Autumn Festival has earned a reputation as one of the most important musical events in the Czech Republic. Its program casts its light on the relationships between classical and contemporary classical music, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic. The program takes its impulses from across the musical spec-trum, offering its audiences impressive experiences at various venues in Prague. This year's performers include British violinist Daniel Hope, Israeli double bass player Avishai Cohen, and the musical duo of Andreas Scholl and Tamar Halperin.

Rudolf Firkušný Piano Festivalg 1 Nov–12 Dec q Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží embankment 79/12, Prague 1 – Old Town w firkusny.czThis leading domestic music festival will present five prominent piano personalities. The highlights of the Beethoven celebra-tions will undoubtedly include the very first Czech performance by one of the most interesting contemporary pianists, Igor Levit, featuring the last three of the composer's sonatas, and a recital by legendary Daniel Barenboim, whose concert will conclude a monumental variation cycle on Diabelli's Waltz. International musical stars include Francesco Piemontesi and Richard Goode. Slávka Vernerová will represent the domestic pianists.

Design

Prague Design Week 2020g 2–6 Sep q náměstí Republiky Square, Prague 1 – Old Town w praguedesignweek.czA presentation of the work of designers, jewelers, fashion de-signers, creatives, studios, schools and companies. The sales exposition will be on display on two floors of the building at náměstí Republiky Square 7, next to the Kotva department store.

Czech Design Week – Autumng 10–13 Sep q Prague Congress Center, 5. května 65, Prague 4 – Nusle w czechdesignweek.comDesign show featuring independent designers and creators. The most interesting works of Czech and foreign artists will be on display, with an emphasis on authenticity and a personal approach. Come and see the best of Czech glass, porcelain, jew-elry, children's interiors, original toys, and graphic and industrial design.

Designblok 2020 / Prague International Design Festivalg 7–11 Oct q former Monastery of St Gabriel, Holečkova 10, Prague 5 – Smíchov w designblok.czThe largest vetted show of design and fashion in Central Europe traditionally presents the work of designers and man-ufacturers of the old continent, and presents the latest from prestigious brands, and prototypes from young design hope-fuls and the best studios. Every year, around 200 exhibitors take part in the event.

Culinary Events

Beer and Cider g 12 Sep q Náplavka – Hořejší nábřeží embankment, Prague 5 – Smíchov w prague.euFans of hops and apples will get a chance to taste several beer specialties from small breweries and the increasingly popular apple cider. In addition, you can look forward to food stalls offering smoked meat, burgers, shredded pork, grilled pig, sau-sages, shashlik, seafood, French cheeses, etc. Free admission.

Růžový Máj (Rosé May) Reloadedg 19 Sep q Prague Market, Bubenské nábřeží embankment 306/13, Prague 7 – Holešovice w ruzovymaj.czYou won’t miss out the famous rosé wine event this year – Rosé May has been moved not only to a new date, but also to a new location – from Náplavka to the Prague Market. An elegant event awaits you, with rosé wines, great food, swing music, and beautiful autumn weather.

Biojarmark (BioFair)g 3 Oct q National Museum of Agriculture, Kostelní 44, Prague 7 – Holešovice w biojarmark.infoThe only Prague farmers' market focused exclusively on organic food. Organic farmers from all over the country will present the best and freshest products in the museum’s courtyard - fruits and vegetables, both fresh and processed into various jams, chutneys and sauces, aged beef, dairy products from cow and goat milk, including long-ripened cheeses, dried herbs and teas, and biodynamic wines.

Festival of Delicate Tastesg 10 Oct q New Town Hall, Karlovo náměstí 1/23, Prague 2 – New Town w nrpraha.czThe historic interiors of the New Town Hall will host great culinary experiences from all over the world. Taste a little of everything and get acquainted with new flavor combinations that will quickly find themselves at home on your plate.

St Martin's Day and Roast Gooseg 14 Nov q Náplavka – Rašínovo nábřeží embankment, Prague 2 – New Town w svatomartinskeslavnosti.czTasting celebration of St Martin's wines and the feast of St Martin. Young, dry, light and fruity wines are the traditional bev-erage, accompanied by all the goose dishes you can think of.

Theatre, Ballet, Opera

Bon Appétit!g Premières 10 & 11 Sep; other dates on the theatre website q National Theatre – New Stage, Národní 4, Prague 1 – New Town w narodni-divadlo.czLife is like a table set with thousands of bowls. There’s some-thing different in each one: love, color, taste, aroma. Of whom? A partner? A place? A city? A path? Life is passion. Passion for the table, for the bowls. And it is only up to you what you will reach for. The restaurant called the World is opening just for you... A new production with an international cast of dancers. Bon appetit!

Don Giovannig 11, 17 & 19 Sep; other dates on the theatre website q Estates Theatre, Železná, Prague 1 – Old Town w narodni-divadlo.czThe Estates Theater comes to life with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s legendary production. The scenography, which inven-tively integrates the proscenium boxes as a main component of the scenery, capitalises on the fact that the Estates Theatre was the venue of the world premiere of the “Opera of Operas”. The opening night, on 29 October 1787, was conducted by the com-poser himself. The work is staged in the Italian original; Czech and English surtitles are used in the performance.

The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro)g 25 & 30 Sep, 9 Oct; other dates on the theatre website q Estates Theatre, Železná, Prague 1 – Old Town w narodni-divadlo.czThere is just one still operational theatre in the world at which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart personally conducted performances of his operas: the Estates Theatre in Prague, on whose stage Mozart’s music has been played ever since 1783. An excellent design, a high-quality Italian libretto based on well-drawn char-acters, plots, disguises and situational comics, together with Mozart's music, make The Marriage of Figaro eternally popular with spectators and performers.

Carmeng Premières 8 & 10 Oct; other dates on the theater's website q National Theater, Národní 2, Prague 1 – New Town w narodni-divadlo.czBizet’s Carmen is a staple of the repertoire of the majority of opera houses worldwide. It is extremely popular owing to the music, abounding in torrential rhythms, engrossing melodies, and the bewitching songs of the beautiful Gypsy, as well as to the overwhelming power of the passions depicted in the story. The work is staged in the French original; Czech and English surtitles are used in the performance.

Leonce & Lenag 15, 17 & 20 Oct; other dates on the theatre website q Estates Theatre, Železná, Prague 1 – Old Town w narodni-divadlo.czThe famous German choreographer Christian Spuck created the ballet Leonce and Lena in 2008. A dancing fairy tale based on the satirical comedy has enjoyed great success on prestig-ious stages in Europe and overseas.

Festivals

Open House Praha 2020g 5 & 6 Sep q Prague – various venues w openhousepraha.czThe Open House Festival has become a traditional architectural event, allowing you to explore the hidden treasures of the city free of charge, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of together-ness and enthusiasm for exploring unusual places. Architecture

Exhibitions

Rembrandt: Portrait of a Mang 25 Sep, 2020–31 Jan, 2021 q National Gallery Prague – Kinsky Palace, Old Town Square 12, Prague 1 – Old Town w ngprague.czOn the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the death of one of the most important Dutch painters, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669), the National Gallery in Prague together with the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne, have prepared this representative exhi-bition. In several interconnected chapters, the exhibition examines the topic of knowledge and learning, contemplation, and intimacy from different angles – from the artist's beginnings and early works in the context of this topic, through his growing popularity in Amsterdam in the 1630s, to a modern understanding of his art in the work of notable contemporary artists. There will be a number of first-rate artworks on loan, not only from major world museums and galleries such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, The National Gallery London and the Vienna Albertina, but also from private lenders.

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enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get a look inside 73 buildings and spaces that are not normally open to the public.

One World (Jeden svět)g 11–22 Sep q Prague – various venues w jedensvet.czThe One World international documentary film festival on human rights, organized by People in Need, is the largest event of its kind in the world. Its program features films about political and development issues, as well as social questions, the envi-ronment, and lifestyles.

Prague International Film Festival – Febiofest 2020g 18–25 Sep q Cinema City Slovanský dům, Na Příkopě 22, Prague 1 – New Town w febiofest.czThe third week of September brings the best and latest from the world of film, top quality screenings, and a wide range of famous guests. Every year, the festival attracts increasingly larger audiences of all ages and arouses the interest of local critics and the press, as well as domestic distributors.

Praha Září (Prague Shines)g 8–28 Sep q Prague Exhibition Grounds, Prague 7 – Holešovice w prahazari.czPrague’s largest festivals – Designblok, IFF Prague – Febiofest, Letní Letná, Metronome Prague Music & Arts Fair, Prague Spring, Signal Festival, and United Islands of Prague – have joined forces and will entertain audiences in Prague and beyond for three weeks in September. They will be complemented by a number of other artistic activities, making the Prague Shines event a great celebration of the return of cultural and social life. The program will take place in the outdoor park part of the Exhibition Grounds, which will be divided into several smaller, more intimate zones.

Sculpture Line 2020g to 30 Sept q Prague – venues w sculptureline.czOnce again, the Sculpture Line festival brings together sculp-tures and art objects by leading domestic and international art-ists, displayed outdoors. The goal of the project is to occupy and enrich the public space, to offer a new view of urban agglomerations and the works of art themselves. Embark on an avant-garde journey through the "sculpture line" and enjoy this unique open-air exhibition.

4+4 Days in Motiong 9–17 Oct q Prague – various venues w ctyridny.cz"Cultural adrenaline" will flood Prague at the International Fes-tival of Contemporary Art, which presents innovative theater projects, provocative and stimulating genre-spanning events, from dance and theater, to exhibitions and audiovisual perfor-mances, to discussions and guided walks. This year, the Art Nouveau building of the New Strašnice School will be the festi-val's headquarters.

Signal Festivalg 15–18 Oct q Prague – various venues w signalfestival.comOver the course of four evenings in October, Prague's streets, buildings, churches and public areas will be transformed into non-traditional art objects and spaces under the baton of Czech and world lighting design personalities. Visual, site-specific, 3D and interactive installations, projections and videomappings illuminate well-known and darkened nooks and crannies, and the colorful face of the metropolis will take on entirely original new forms. The theme of this year's festival is environmental issues and the future of human coexistence with the planet.

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Calendar of Events

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