Prague is one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in Eastern Europe, inspiring artists, writers and travellers alike, but if you want to let a bit loose and be different on your next trip to the Czech republic here’s exactly how you do it.
Visit the John Lennon Wall
This brick-wall backing onto The Grand Priory (Velkopřevorské náměstí) has been plastered with graffiti tributes to John Lennon since the ex-Beatle was shot in 1980. Under Gustáv Husák’s regime pop music was, amongst other things banned, and the communist authorities would regularly scrub the wall clean only for Prague’s youth to re-paint it with Beatles lyrics, sometimes even over night, consequently making this wall a revolutionary symbol of sorts.
So if you’re a Beatles fan (who isn’t right?), make sure you set some time aside to navigate through the maze of cobbled alleyways that will get you to quirky location number one.
David Černý’s infamous sculptures
David Černý is to Prague what Banksy is to Bristol, a notorious rebellious artist famous for his provocative anti-establishment sculptures. Be sure to visit his most famous sculptures of the 2 male figures urinating in a puddle shaped like the Czech Republic at the Franz Kafka Museum, the 3 giant babies guarding the entrance to the Kampa Museum and the 10 super-sized and creepy infants crawling up the Zizkov Television Tower.
The Old Town Clock
Way before technology and the iphone, the Czechs built an interactive clock tower, one that dates back to the 18th century. In fact the Astronomical Clock located in the Old Town Square is one of the most famous sights in Prague. Between the hours of 8am to 8pm on the hour, a skeletal figure appears on the right and opens the clock doors by pulling on a string, whilst looking at his other hand holding an hourglass. The central windows then open, and the 12 apostles transverse the clock in a parade-like fashion whilst a cock crows, marking the end of the procession. Take a closer look and try to decipher the zodiac symbols and the hidden messages encrypted in them.
Miniature Museum
Get ready to feel like a giant in the Miniature museum. Everything from tiny bicycles and dollhouses to famous artworks by the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci, Matisse and other greats are viewed under either a microscope or a magnifying glass. Ask your concierge for directions!
Artbanka Museum of Young Art
AMoYA, which stands for Artbanka Museum of Young Art, is a gallery situated right before walking onto Charles’ Bridge towards the castle and under the most famous arch in the city. This is a place that reflects the younger generation of artists, as the name suggests, and is quite possibly the hippest and quirkiest gallery you’ll visit this side of the world. The social lines between religion and politics are blurred or rather erased by some of the artwork presented here, and is therefore bound to leave you in awe and make you think.