News

Exhibition Beatlemania - untill 10.1.2011

Good news for Beatles fans – a new exhibition at the Czech Museum of Music opens, featuring the music and the men – the museum’s even borrowed George Harrison’s banjo, one of John Lennon’s shoes, and lots more Beatles memorabilia.

The exhibition’s highly interactive however - there’s even a little recording studio where you can try belting out Beatles songs.

The exhibition will include original Madame Tussaud waxworks. The exhibition in Prague will recognize the influence The Beatles in general, and John Lennon in particular, had on the Czech nation and it’s youth culture.

Lennon’s 1968 songs Revolution, became the underground symbol of Prague’s youth culture in their peaceful revolt against the Communist state. Despite any impression given by their 1968 song "Back in the U.S.S.R.," the Beatles never made it behind the Iron Curtain in the 1960s, but that doesn't mean they didn't influence Czech youth of that, and successive, generations.

"Under communism, young people were really attracted to Western culture, to everything that was coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain," said Veronika Seidlová, co-curator of the forthcoming "Beatlemania!" exhibition at the Czech Museum of Music. "The Beatles were an icon of this fascination with the West."

The exhibition launches June 4 and runs through early next year. It gathers Fab Four memorabilia and tracks the band's general history along with focusing on the influence the band, and its members, have had in the Czech Republic.

"Our aim with this exhibition is to try to get close to the people who want to remember those times," Seidlová said. "Men and women who were young then, wearing long hair and were kind of persecuted by the older generations."

After the 1980 murder of John Lennon, a spontaneous tribute to the musician began in Prague, where people started writing and painting on a Malá Strana wall. It eventually became a symbol of protest against the communist regime. The wall remains and is known as the Lennon Wall, located just around the corner from the museum.

"John Lennon is still an icon of peace, and the Beatles' music gave people the confidence and desire to express their own emotions and desire for peace," said Clare Ireland, general manager of The Beatles Story, a museum based in Liverpool that collaborated with the Czech Museum of Music on the exhibition.

The displays, of course, also go beyond the band's influence in the Czech Republic and track their evolution more generally.

Lifesize wax statues of the band originally from a Madame Tussaud's exhibition will be on display. The Beatles were measured for the statues in March 1964, in the midst of filming A Hard Day's Night. "To add to their authenticity, the waxworks wear suits designed and tailored by Dougie Millings, who was their favorite tailor at the time," Ireland said. The statues are insured for 250.000, making them the most valuable objects in the exhibition. Also on hand is an original gold-plated banjolele (half-banjo, half-ukulele) formerly owned by George Harrison.

"It's difficult to place a value on Beatles memorabilia, as it's all an important part of history," Ireland said.

Seidlová also says the exhibition will track the breakup of the band and the post-1970 solo careers of John, Paul, George and Ringo. She says the controversial components of the band's breakup - like Yoko Ono - are included.

Beatlemania!
When: 4.6.2010 - 10.1.2011, closed Tuesdays
Where: Czech Museum of Music (Karmelitská 2/4, Prague 1-Malá Strana)
Admission: 100 CZK, 60 CZK seniors and students, 160 CZK family

http://www.beatlemanie.cz/

Exhibitions of The National museum untill 6.7.2010

STORY OF THE PLANET EARTH
Main exhibition of The National museum
Where: National Museum, Václavské nám., exhibition rooms on 2nd floor

Around 4.5 billion years ago the Earth came into existence and it is our home today, old but still very much alive, constantly metamorphosing, bearing the only known life in the universe. What was its birth like?

What does the planet look like inside? How did life happen to evolve in such immense diversity? ... Just a few of the many questions our exhibition helps answer.

Through unique specimens, models and a selection of what we call “toys” you can investigate the Earth in a different way than your everyday experience, books or movies. Let us escort you through a volcano experiencing an earthquake, around a Devonian tropical reef or through a Carboniferous forest. You can also meet a skeleton of the giant dinosaur Amargasaurus or the well known Australopithecus “Lucy”. Come and explore the story of Earth from its very beginning through the present human age. When leaving the show-rooms, we hope you will take with you an even greater appreciation of the Earth than before.

Prague Easter markets,
20.3.2010 - 11.4.2010

The Prague Easter markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square display fine hand crafted goods, all manner of food and drink, and show off some of the wonderful old customs that make up a traditional Czech Easter.

Prague Easter markets run from 20 March to 11 April 2010. They open daily from 9am to 7pm.
Prague Easter markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and extend to over 100 stalls. They offer a wide selection of hand crafted goods, including wooden toys, crystal glasses, candles, jewellery, metal-ware, intricate embroidery, puppets and dolls in regional costume dresses. The most common feature is the brightly coloured, hand-painted Easter eggs.

Czech ladies, beautifully dressed in traditional costume, will personalise the Easter eggs, painting on your name or a special message.
Easter Markets are not just about shopping though. The markets will be devoted to the Czech Easter traditions and habits. People can taste traditional Czech food, such as a cake called Easter Beranek or Easter stuffing.

The birch tree, which is connected with Easter, will be put in the middle of both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Origins of the Easter Markets in Prague

The Prague Easter markets go back long before the communist era and were once deeply tied to religious festivities. Under communism though they suffered a demise, as religious aspects were banned and Easter celebrations were limited to the welcoming of spring. Since the fall of communism, Prague's Easter Markets have experienced a renaissance. Tourists and locals now flock to browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere.

Prague's Easter Markets are a major attraction for both locals and tourists in the two weeks running up to easter. This really is a bit of an undiscovered find.

If you can be in Prague for easter you will find church choirs and orchestras of the highest quality playing beautiful music in almost every space available. Easter in the Czech Republic is a wonderful experience..


COME ALONG TO THE CAVE!
untill 31.1.2010
Exhibition of The National museum
An exhibition introducing the mysterious world of caves and the efforts of Czech speleologists in discovering it.
Where: National Museum, Václavské nám., Hollareum - 1st floor.

The Macocha Abyss, the Punkva Caves or the Koněpruské Caves – those are names known to a vast majority of you and popular destinations of school and family trips of all generations, as well as attractions for foreign visitors. This is the general idea coming to people ´s minds when the word “cave” is mentioned.

But there are few people who know that in addition to the caves open to the public there are more than 3,000 other caves and abysses in Czech Republic.

And hardly anybody even suspects that every weekend hundreds of volunteers investigate these caves, document them and try to find the way to their still unknown and unexplored sections.

The exhibition – “Come along to the cave – tries to present to the wide general public the attractive world of the inaccessible caves and the ways of their discovery. In this way it aims at showing the efforts of Czech speleologists, the methods and results of their work, especially in the recent three decades, not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, where many dozen kilometres of new, often unique underground spaces have been discovered.

The exhibition is held on the occasion of 40th anniversary of the discovery of the largest cave of the Czech Republic – the Amateur Cave – and 30th anniversary of foundation of the Czech Speleological Society. At the same time the exhibition has been conceived as an associated event to the project entitled “The Story of the Planet Earth” prepared by the National Museum.

OPENING TIME
Every first Monday of the month: 10 AM - 7 PM.
Another Mondays: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Every first Tuesday of the month - CLOSED.
Another Tuesdays: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Wednesday: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM.
Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM.
Sunday: 11 AM - 7 PM.

Prague Christmas markets 28.11.2009 - 3.1.2010

This year's Christmas Markets in Prague will be rich in charm and surprise

Christmas is about enjoying time with loved ones, and what better way to enjoy the holiday period than to take family or friends away on a Christmas break in Prague? Whether you plan to shop till you drop or simply take in the merry atmosphere, this Christmas break is sure to bring you festive cheer!

Christmas is a special time of year in Prague and the Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) are a key ingredient in the Czech festive magic. The Prague Christmas markets bring visitors and locals together to share the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The city comes alive with beautiful decorations, the sounds of traditional music, and the mouth-watering aromas of mulled wine (svarené víno or svarák) and delicious local food! Markets are held throughout the city from Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square and Namesti Republiky. Prague Christmas markets run daily from 9am to 7-8pm throughout the festive period. The main ones are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones at Namesti Republiky and Havelske Trziste.

The Prague Christmas markets consist of rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech handicrafts, hot food (corn on the cob, sausages and local specialties) and warm drinks. Outdoor christmas shopping is much easier with a cup of hot wine (svarene vino) in your hand! Some interesting Christmas stocking fillers can be found in the markets, which stock a variety of Czech glass, wooden toys, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hand-made jewellery and, of course, puppets, always puppets!

But what would Christmas be without carols? Local and International choirs, along with musical ensembles, take to the stage in the Old Town Square, entertaining visitors as they browse the market stalls.
Christmas in Prague is a magical time and December is undoubtedly one of the nicest months of the year in this beautiful city.
Christmas in Prague is simply wonderful.

19.12.09-20.12.09
Disney On Ice : Mickey & Minnie´s Magical Journey, Prague

Touring ice show produced by Feld Entertainment under agreement with The Walt Disney Company. Aimed primarily at children, the shows feature figure skaters dressed as Disney cartoon characters in performances that each derive their music and plot from elements collected from various Disney films and properties; the "stars" of the show are credited as the Disney characters themselves, performing their parts in mock cameos, while the skaters performing themselves remain anonymous. The productions began in 1981, under the name "Walt Disney's World on ice". The name was changed to "Disney on Ice" in 1998.

Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey - Currently the longest running show on tour after originally opening in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey tells the story of an adventure by Mickey and Minnie that lets them see parts of Under the Sea, Neverland, Hawai and Africa.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Amazing Journey takes audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan.

The Teeesla Arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene including an enchanting undersea kingdom with Ariel and Sebastian, a jungle adventure in the African Pride Lands with Simba and Nala, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch and a trip to jolly old London with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Amazing Journey features an international team of award-winning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics the whole family will enjoy.

The unconventional mix of music inspired Choreographer Cindy Stuart to incorporate original moves, like the boisterous pirate line dance. Stuart has also included more classic skating, like David and Nani’s touching surf duet and Prince Eric and Ariel’s tender pas de deux.

Costume Designer Arthur Boccia has assembled specific and appealing looks for all the Disney locales. Creatures and characters along the way sport everything from nightgowns to grass skirts. Surfer gear and lion’s paws give way to Triton’s fin-clad daughters.

Each destination has its own mood created by Lighting Designer Patrick Dierson. The foggy London skyline that can be seen from the Darling children’s window soon changes to the mysterious forest where Peter Pan and the Lost Boys live in their tree house. Ariel and Sebastian dive into undersea excursions and Lilo and Stitch cavort surfside surrounded by tropical sunlight and foliage.

The many settings of the show are enhanced by Robert Smith’s scenic design both on and above the ice. For example, Lilo’s Hawaiian home is on the ice, while Stitch’s alien planet is depicted above it, creating a multidimensional feel. Captain Hook’s rollicking crew sails across the ice on an enormous 35-foot pirate ship, and King Triton’s daughters emerge for their music lessons from oversized seashells.

Tickets from 390 CZK to 1.100 CZK
www.sazkaticket.cz


When :
19.12.2009, 20.12.2009
Beggins at 10.00, 14:00, 18:00
Where : Tesla Arena - Výstaviště Praha
Praha 7 - Holešovice
Za elektrárnou 419
tel: 266 727 443
www.tesla-arena.cz
www.hcsparta.cz

Prague events calendar

Prague hosts a full calendar of events throughout the year. Are you interested in Prague's events?
Please visit:
http://www.prague-eventscalendar.com
This Prague events calendar offers you an easy and well-arrange scheme of interesting affairs that takes place in or near Prague arranged in time order with the most recent events on the top.

The exhibition “1000 years of INKA gold – The curse of the gold”, prolonged untill 31.10.2009

On 1st of November 2008, the exhibition “1000 years of INKAgold – The curse of the gold”will has been opened at the castle of Prague. Shows selected exhibits passing on an excellent view of traditions and ceremonies of the cultures in the Andean region to the visitors before the conquest by the Europeans. The exhibition was met with huge success in Germany and became a major sensation there. Over 150 000 people paid a visit to Leipzig, Berlin and Hamburg. This world class exhibition is called, the Curse of Gold, 1000 Golden Years of Incas, and will be launched on 1st November in the Supreme Burgrave’s House in Prague Castle; it will be open until 31st May 2009.

The organisers are promising an unforgettable experience. The objects on show will be displayed in cases with special lighting and are further embellished with interesting legends. Up to 90 original golden exhibits, very important to history of arts and initially coming from the Museo de Oro in Lima/ Peru, are the high spots

of the exhibition. Now in Europe, an unique compilation of the Incas’ wealth shows masks, mugs, bowls and jewelleries made of solid gold dated from 400 BC to 1,500 AD. The golden exhibits are aglow with the magic darkness. Coca bags and enormous beer mugs bear witness to hallucinogenic ceremonies. Great burial objects give an idea of the rulers’ importance.

The unique exhibits, partly shown out of Peru the first time, are only a fraction of the originally existing huge golden treasures of the Incas. The hugest part was melted down by the Spanish conquerors from the 14th century and they brought it out of the country. Another part was hidden from the conquerors by the inhabitants.

Most of the Inca treasure was destroyed in the 16th century after the invasion of the Spanish conquerors. In the dim light of the premises visitors will have an opportunity to see royal crowns, shields, goblets, jewellery, ritual knives and other objects used for shamanic and burial rituals. They will also be able to get a glimpse of what ordinary life was for Inca people and other Andean cultures may have been like.

The exhibition will be enriched by video footage, photographs, and 3D laser projection technology assisting the recreation of historical moments of Andean nations, showing their conquest by Spanish soldiers and the “destiny of the cursed gold”.

Before your visit, it is worth knowing that Peru, the Incas homeland, was birthplace to many cultures. The Inca people ruled in the region only in the last 3 centuries before the arrival of Europeans. They united many Andean traditions, and the impact of their influence was far reaching. The obelisk El Lanzon originates in this time period and its 4.5 metre high replica will be displayed in the exhibition.

To conclude, the gold was a symbol of Inca civilisation, however, it didn’t have any material value for the citizens. So don’t forget to come along!

Where :
Nejvyssi purkrabstvi Prazskeho hradu
Jirská 6/2, 119 08 Praha 1 - Prazsky hrad
More informations : http://www.zlatoinku.cz/en/index.html
Opening hours
every day
from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Admission charges
adults 200 CZK
reduced tickets 160 CZK
students up to 15 years 80 CZK
families ( two parents and children up to 15 years) 400 CZK