Music

Music drips from the fingertips of Prague. Mozart penned his “Don Giovanni” in Prague, and the modern-day visitor may see a performance at the very opera house where the show premiered.

The Prague opera houses are a spectacle in and of themselves. The National Theatre is a 19th century gem, and was erected during the Czech national revival. Its locale, on the Vltava River, also offers a spectacular view of the city. International operas and ballets are shown here. The Prague State Opera tends to focus on Italian operas, with glorious costumes and international performers. The Estates Theatre is Prague’s oldest opera house and offers regular performances of Mozart.

The Prague Autumn is a musical event which brings music aficionados from around the globe. For a listing of this year’s performances, visit the website: Prague Autumn.

Jazz musicians are plentiful in Prague. Jiří Stivin is a local favorite, and a number of Czech and international bands have regular performances at various jazz clubs around the city.

Classical concerts are plentiful, and are performed in some of Prague’s Baroque churches or splendid concert halls.

Art

Gallery lovers will revel in the offerings of Prague. A bevy of galleries pepper the city, with a proud array of permanent exhibits, plus a rotating circuit of international exhibits.

The Czech National Gallery has several branches. The division at the Prague Castle features Czech classics, plus a number of international acquisitions. Gothic, Baroque, Classic art can be found at a number art can be found at a number of galleries and museums.

Modern art lovers should visit the architectural gem of the Veletržní Palace. Modern Czech painters including Jan Zrzavý and Kupka are on display here.

Museums

Fans of Mozart will enjoy the Mozart Museum, at the Bertramka Villa. It was in this villa that Mozart would stay while in Prague; he would work through the night, penning the finishing touches on his “Don Giovanni.” A piano, upon which Mozart likely played, is on display, along with a number of Mozart memorabilia.

Various curious museums will satiate the thirst of those interested. The Toy Museum at the castle is worth a look for those interested in the history of toys – children will love it – or, the City Museum offers an interesting look at the development of Prague over the centuries; the Military Musuem offers a glance at military matters; the Technological Museum offers a fascinating look at the vast development of technology in the Czech lands, in a well-designed exhibit of cars and airplanes, among other vehicles and devices. The State Jewish Museum offers a glimpse into the Jewish community of Prague over the centuries; the Old New Synagogue dates to the mid-13th century. The grave of Rabbi Low, creator of the Golem, is in the Old Jewish Cemetery.

Architecture

The streets of Prague are a museum in and of themselves.

Art Nouveau, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Classic architecture can be found in one eye-line of the city. The fantastic turn-of-the century architecture

A few off-beat ideas for a spectacular view of Prague

Prague offers a number of off-beat, fun things to do in one’s free time.

A walk up the mini-Eiffel tower, called “Eifelovka” offers a reward for those who make the climb up the steep, winding staircase: a fantastic view of Prague.

The communist-era TV tower in Prague’s third district (as seen throughout the city) also offers a fantastic view of the city.

A ride on the funicular, up to the castle district, also offers a splendid view of the city.

A great viewpoint of the Old Town is offered at Prague’s Old Town City Hall tower.

Prague, City of Culture 2000

Prague has been chosen as a “City of Culture” by the European Union for Europe this year. A number of street performances, excellent classical and modern musical extravaganzas, and dance performances will be on hand throughout Prague this year, as part of the honor.

For a glimpse as the City of Culture honor, click on this website: Prague, City of Culture

For up-to-date cultural happenings in Prague

An excellent guide to what’s going on in Prague can be found in the English-language newspaper, The Prague Post, available at hotels and kiosks on Wenceslas Square and Old Town.