Prague tips

At this moment, there is an interesting exhibition in one branch of the Prague City Gallery – in the Municipal library. The exhibition is called Brusel Dream and shows how Czechoslovakia presented itself on the world exhibition Expo 58 in Brusel in Belgium. It was fifty years ago, so now comes an ideal time to remember this event, which was (not only) for Czechoslovak culture pretty important.

Expo 1958 was the first world exhibition after almost 20 years. The last previous one was in 1939 in New York. Then came the World War II. which devastated many countries so much, that they had many other, more important things to do, then to prepare events like this. So when finally the world exhibition Expo 58 in Brusel was annonced, it was expected impationelly and with excitement. The world was finally recovering of war damages…

People were the most curious about the presentation of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A., two main enemies in the cold war. The Expo 58 was to be something like their ideological battleground. And the main topic of the exhibition was the cosmos – both macro and micro. Americans and Russian were competing between each other in discovering the space, at this time Russians were ahead – the hit of the Soviet pavilion and the whole exhibition was their space racket Sputnik. But there was also deep research in microcosmos – and the emblem of the exhibition was a structure of an atom.

But how did look like the Czechoslovak pavilon? What did this country presented on the exhibition. Czechoslovaks were pretty succesful at Expo 58. It was amazing, country was under strong Soviet influence, and just was slowly recovering of bad years of war and tough Stalinism, but what was presented here was of really good. Even if the people who went there were contoreled by state and usually also were not allowed to stay long. The state control was really strong. There was even written directions for those Czechoslovaks who were working in the pavilion, how should be answered eventual questions asked by those of western countries, wandering about low level of democracy in Czechoslovakia. Despite this facts, there were presented a lot of items of both Art and industry fields – architecture and interiors with innovative design, excellent glass, textile, graphic design… but especially Alfred Radok’s polyecran and Laterna magica, which combined film screenings with actions of live actors and became extremely popular. Visitors even waited in long lines to see it.

Laterna magica can be now seen in Prague, it is a neighbour of National theatre. Also exhibition pavilion was moved to Prague – it is in Letenské Sady Park, but the building is now used by advertising agency.

Expo 58 was really important event, after this there was even a style called “brusel“ in architecture and design. So if you want to get to know more about it, you should visit the Municipal library. The exhibition is on from 14th of May to 21th of September 2008. Opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee is 120 Czk full price, 60 Czk reduced. The Municipal Library is best reached from Staromestska metro station (green line A).

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.

Moser 10/150: Last decade of the 150-year glassmaking – Exhibition in the Museum of Applied Arts in Prague

The exhibition of the 150th anniversary of the Moser foundation is held in Prague at the Museum of Applied Arts from September 13th till November 18th 2007.

Moser presents its production from the last decade including the anniversary collection. The basis of exhibited assortment consists of traditional drinking sets which, thanks to their elegant style and perfect execution, decorate festive tables of elites. The important part of the exhibition is formed by vases, decorated with elaborately executed engravings, often inspired by artworks of world painting.

The traditional offer is counterbalanced by an annually complemented exclusive line of contemporary cut glass design of the Studio Moser. The glass-works has been cooperating with notable designers who know how to utilize the renowned corporate quality of material and handicraft. In the last decade a lot of famous artists participated in creation of new glass-works collections, especially Jiri Suhajek and Jan Mares and also other artists of several generations. Moser is opened also for experiments of the youngest designers. Students and graduates of art schools can design or execute their works in the glass-works.

The open hours of the Museum of Applied Arts are: Tuesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The address of the Museum is: 17.listopadu 2, Prague 1.

If you go by metro (line A) it is the station Staromestska, and by bus 133 and by tram 17 and 18 as well. For more information look at : http://www.moser-glass.com and www.upm.cz.

Unfortunately for Prague, it is well known all around the world that local taxi drivers are not really honest. Especially if they see you are a tourist. Way too often they calculate that you don’t know the average pricing and they try to rip you off.

It is to say, however, that Prague has been fighting with dishonest taxi drivers. It is obvious that Prague taxi drivers are a scar on its reputation. The question is, though, who is winning the battle? So far, it looks that Prague might be successful at last.

A new strategy has been introduced not long time ago – the so called “Fair Taxi”. If you come across a place marked with a sign saying “Fair Place Taxi” with a dumb-up image, you can be certain that your ride will not be overpriced.

Will “Fair Taxi” help to change the bad reputation of Prague’s taxis? Only time will show if this campaign has been successful. Nevertheless, some tips still might be useful.

If you don’t see any “Fair Taxi” around, call some taxi agency. Try to avoid street cabs since they are more likely to overcharge your ride. If you can’t call, don’t get into a taxi that is parked right in front of some typically tourist area, e.g. airport, railway station, National Theater and so on. Walk a bit. The taxis parked a bit further are more likely to be fair to you.

If you stop a taxi, make sure it has a fair list printed on both front doors. Now, once inside, check if the rate on the taximeter corresponds with the fair list posted on the car doors. At the end of your little journey, every taxi driver has the duty to give you a receipt printed out by the taximeter. If the driver refuses to give it to you, refuse to pay for the ride.

Well, you can never be sure with the taxi drivers. My recommendation to you is to have your eyes open. Be cautious. If you follow those “rules” mentioned above, you should have no problems whatsoever. But still, if you do, you should know that there are means of how you can defend yourself. More in Help to Fight Dishonest Taxi Drivers.

You have now the extraordinary opportunity to see the holy statues of Baby Jesus of Prague, called the Bambino di Praga, together with his “mother” – the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida. Both famous statues are installed side by side in the church of Our Lady Vitorious – Infant Jesus of Prague.

The wax statue of little Jesus, which is well known for its various robes, is probably the strongest symbol of Prague for Roman Catholics all around the world. The statue was made in the beginning of the 17th century and is said to be miraculous. If you ask the Jesus child kindly, your wish will come true. (So why not give it a try.)

The statue of Our Lady of Aparecida is the patron saint of Brazil. The statue was found in 1717, when she appeared (thus the name “Aparecida”) in a fisherman’s net. Just like the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague, the statue of Our Lady of Aprecida is said to have answered many prayers. The statue was declared the patroness of Brazil in 1930 by pope Pius XI.

Naturally it is not the original you may adore in Prague now, it is a copy. But it would be nice to mention that the Czech Republic is only the second European country after Portugal to have the Our Lady of Aprecida statue installed. Nevertheless, the statue of Infant Jesus of Prague is original, you can be sure of that.

And where can you find both holy statues? The church of Our Lady Vitorious – Infant Jesus of Prague is on Karmelitska 9, Prague 1, best reachable with trams 12, 20, 22, or 23. Get off on Helichova station. If you take the tram from the Malostranska direction, the tram station is right in front of the church. If you take the tram from the other direction, you must walk a little bit – just go straight on as if you were to continue your ride in a tram. The church will be on your left side.

And since October 12 it is the day of Our Lady of Aprecida in Brazil, it may be a great time for a visit.

A beautiful historical city in the heart of Europe offers a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed after the sunset. You can enjoy your dinner in one of Prague’s fabulous restaurants, have a drink in a bar near the Old Town Square and spend the night dancing in a fancy club. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of Prague’s castle, National Theatre or Charles bridge while strolling in a historical district in Prague 1. An evening boat ride on Vltava river will become an unforgettable memory.

If you are into cultural life, Prague offers you a wide range of cultural events that are taking place in various theatres, movie theatres and concert halls. There are many theatres which provide its customers with great choice of performances such as operas, ballets, musicals or typical Czech plays. Black theatre is another popular form of evening amusement activity enjoyed especially by tourists. There are various black theatre scenes in the very centre of Prague.

Many local bands and international music stars choose Prague for the concerts. Prague is offering a wide spectrum of music played by bands in small pubs, cozy restaurants as well as large concerting halls. The most modern concert and event hall is called Sazka Arena. It was built in 2004 and since then many famous artists performed at this place. I will just mention few idols who did have a concert at this hall. Well-known names such as Shakira, David Guetta, Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Madonna and other world’s icons performed at Sazka Arena.

As you can see, Prague has many things on offer in the evening hours. Now you can start your Prague’s evening experience.

Aquapark Barrandov has a lot of ways for you to make sport or relax. For children there is a wading pool with a mini switchback and mini spouters. If you are courageous you can try the 115 metres long, red switchback. For those who have yet more courage there is the blue 62 metres long switchback, which you slip down on two-seat inflatable crafts. But if you only want to relax, try a whirlpool, massage jets and waterspouters. And when you are fed up with water, there are massage beds with massage air. For better swimmers there is wild river with artificial back flow. In the centre there you can also find a 25 metres long swimming pool.

Water temperature in the swimming pool is 27-28°C, in child’s swimming pool is 32°C, in wild river is 29°C and in a whirlpool is 33°C. Air temperature is 30 – 32°C.

Opennig hours:
Openning hours from 3.9.2007 – change is noted
 
Monday
9:00 – 22:00
9:00 – 11:30*
Tuesday
6:00 – 22:00
6:00 – 11:30*
Wednesday
6:00 – 22:00
6:00 – 11:30*
Thursday
6:00 – 22:00
6:00 – 11:30*
Friday
6:00 – 22:00
6:00 – 11:30*
Saturday
8:00 – 22:00

Sunday
8:00 – 22:00

limited service – reduced entrance fees:

At the time of limited service, switchbacks, the part of the 25m swimming pool and waterspouters do not work. One lane in the 25m swimming pool, a whirlpool, wild river, a recreational pool, child’s pool, 4 steam chests, massage beds and a water club are in service. Entrance fees are modified in a price list.

Price list
Entrance fees from 3.9.2007
 
100 min.
adults 129 CZK (4,3 €)
students, pensioners, ZTP 89 CZK (2,9 €)
children under 15 years 89 CZK (2,9 €)

190 min.
adults 240 CZK (8 €)
students, pensioners 160 CZK (5,3 €)
children under 15 years 160 CZK (5,3 €)

children under 3 years free

At the time of limited service, price is for all visitors 79 CZK (2.6 €) for 90 minutes. Additional charge for every 15 minutes over is 20 CZK (0,6 €).

You also have possibility to buy an advantageous season – ticket: 1,000 CZK (33,3 €) discount 10% , 3,000 CZK (100 €) discount 15% , 5,000 CZK (166,6 €) discount 20%.

Adress of Aquadream Centre is: Sidliste Barrandov, Wassermanova ulice, Praha 5 -Hlubocepy. Telephone number is: +420 251 550 259.

Restaurant Mirage Blue
Restaurant Mirage Blue is located in the area of aquacentre on the first floor with view of the swimming pool and switchbacks. This restaurant is opened not only for visitors of aquacentre, but also for the general public. Restaurant Mirage Blue offers amount of dishes from world cuisine and wide selection of fish, meat specialities, pasta and salads. At midday you can chose lunch from midday menu.
In the restaurant it is possible to use free internet. There is wi-fi net and you can use your own computer or computers which are available in restaurant. It is also possible to charter this restaurant or the whole aquacentre for some company events. If you take interest in it call: +420 251 681 085 or write on: aquapark@miragebar.cz.

Who would not know the world famous and the most visited tourist attraction in London – Madame Tussauds wax museum? Maybe you will be surprised, but similar museums are also in the Czech Republic, two of them in Prague.

The first wax museum in Prague was opened in March 1997, and many of political and cultural personalities took part in the opening ceremony. Zdenek Kolcik had the plan that only Czech team formed of top sculptors, architects and designers should create the museum. His plan appeared successful.

Because of a great success with Czechs and also visitors from abroad, his team decided to realize more projects: Wax museum of Czech history in Mostecka street – there you can see historic personalities of the Czech Republic, interiors of the Old Town, interiors of Karlstejn, an alchemistic workroom from times of Rudolph II and Wax museum in Melantrichova street – there you can find personalities from cultural, political and sport life of 20th century.

In Melantrichova street the exposition is divided into three thematic sections: celebrities, a stand of dictators and a multimedia complex “Magic Prague”. It is so called optical kaleidoscope. It is a fantastic spectacle. The other museums are not in Prague – Wax museum of Czech history near Karlstejn castle and Wax museum in Cesky Krumlov.

Recently the collection of waxworks was enriched by Luis Armstrong, Bill Clinton, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Alfons Mucha, Bozena Nemcova, Bedrich Smetana, Antonin Dvorak, Ema Destinnova, Mick Jagger and Dalajlama.

Wax museum Prague in Mostecka street (Mostecka 18, Praha 5) is opened everyday from 9.00 to 19.00. Entrance fees are: for family (2 adults + max 2 children) 260 CZK, for adults 110 CZK, for pensioners, students and children 50 CZK.

Wax museum in Melantrichova street (Melantrichova 5, Praha 1) is opened everyday from 9.00 to 19.00 as well. Entrance fees are: for family (2 adults + max 2 children) 290 CZK, for adults 120 CZK, for pensioners, students and children 60 CZK.

Combined entrance fees for visit of both museums are for family (2 adults + max 2 children) 440 CZK, for adults 180 CZK, for pensioners, students and children 80 CZK.

Do you dream about shaking your hand with genial physicist Albert Einstein? Do you want to see muscles of Albert Schwarzenegger or do you admire Lady Diana´s deep blue eyes? Believe me than you can meet them in Prague if you don´t mind they are little bit cold and waxy. If you long for high concentration of famous and important persons known world-wide then visiting the Museum of Wax Figurines would be the right thing for you.

In Prague you can find even two wax museums from the same owner, but the entrance fee is paid separately. The historic part is situated in Mostecka street leading directly from the end of the Charles bridge. In this historic exposition you can meet Charles IV, Jan Zizka, famous Czech character Svejk and many other persons of Czech history from the beginning until the end of twentieth century. You can see her also a replication of the interior of the most famous Czech castle Karlstein and an old alchemistical workroom. You will really feel like pulled into the atmosphere of old centuries.

If you are more attracted by contemporary society, go to see the second part of the museum near metro station Mustek. This exposition includes two parts, famous persons and dictators. You can meet her Diana, Mozart, Einstein, Salvator Dali, Masaryk and many others.

Both museums are opened daily from 9 AM till 7 PM. You have two possibilities how to get into the museum. The first is to pay the entrance or the second chance is to study and work hard and become so famous that you will be there forever and for free. But the first possibility is simpler and surer.

“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. Its the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy”. ~ Jacques D’Amboise

Stop for a moment and think about this quotation. Do you have a feeling that something is missing in your life? Something what would give you energy, positive emotions and euphory? Yes, there are some ways how to make your life more cheerful. One way is dance. Dance is as old as humankind. Dance expresses your feelings, your mood. When you are dancing you are forgetting all troubles and you are only concentrating on your body and rhythm. Have these lines captivated you? So read on.

I recently found the Centre of Dance. It is the biggest dancing-school in the Czech Republic which offers classes of various styles of dance. The main office is in Prague, but this agency has its branches and assembly rooms in the whole Czech Republic. It was established as the Centre of Oriental Dance in 1996 and since 2006 it has been presented as the Centre of Dance. Nowadays more than 3500 dancers attends classes under the direction of almost 90 instructors.

Originaly Oriental Dance was being taught and then flamenco, African dance and Latin dance (Salsa, Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive) joined. Teenagers and children are especially interested in Reggaeton, Hip Hop, R’n’B and Modern dance.

Besides ordinary lessons, the Centre of dance arranges seminars with native dancing-masters and with dancing-masters from abroad as well. Also tours with lessons of dance are being arranged. The Centre of Dance is the special guarantee of dance competition Miss Orient and the main organizer of the international dance festival Let’s Dance 2006 Prague International Festival, which took place in summer 2006 for the first time.

As mentioned above, the main office office of Centrum Dance (Centrum tance) is in Novakovych 20a street in Prague – Palmovka. You can contact them on telephone number +420 222-719-050 or by e-mail info@centrumtance.cz. For more informations see the websites here.