The exhibition NEW FACE OF PRAGUE

The new exhibition of the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery will be presented
in the spaces of the Czech Centre Prague at Rytířská 31, Prague 1

duration of the exhibition/
23/7-20/8/08

opening/
Tuesday 22/7 at 18:00
Czech Centre Prague, Rytířská 31, Prague 1

under the auspices of/
Markéta Reedová, Deputy Mayor of the Capital City of Prague
Milan Jančík, Mayor of Prague 5
Michal Tuček, Councillor of Prague 5

co-organizer/
Prague 1

supported by/
Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic
Capital City of Prague
Prague 5
Czech Centres
Foundation of Czech Architecture

general partner/
ING Real Estate

main partner/
Canon
Passerinvest Group

partners/
Real Estate Karlín Group
PSJ
ECM
Café Emporio
Zumtobel
J&T Real Estate CZ
Central Park Prague
Barrisol
Dynamo

media partners/
Architekt
e-Architekt
Archiweb
Projekt
ASB
Respekt
Estate
Radio 1

Since the early 1990s, Prague has become one of the most important European metropolises; in terms of tourism, we can speak in global terms. The dynamics of development are continuously increasing, as evidenced by the last Biennale of Architecture in Venice, which focuses on urbanism and the uncontrolled growth of the world's metropolises. Within one of the studies, Prague is among the global metropolises expected to experience one of the greatest growths. It is, of course, a question of how this development will evolve and in what direction, whether positively with the needs of the inhabitants of the metropolis or merely with developers' ambitions. Prague continues to develop, with new projects emerging, but there is the question of how quality they are. The quality of current architecture can be viewed subjectively, but it should be noted that the standard is increasing, and Prague is approaching the standards of European development, especially in the area of residential complexes.

The exhibition prepared by the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery (during the summer holidays, the gallery will be under reconstruction) will present over fifty of the most interesting and important realizations or projects that have arisen in Prague in the last twenty years. Alongside architectural icons such as the Dancing House, Golden Angel, the passage of Jelení příkop, the Orangery at Prague Castle, Langhans or the Palace Euro at Můstku, there will be presented buildings or projects that are qualitatively unique but not as well known to the general public. Visitors will also become acquainted with newer realizations, currently emerging buildings, or visions offering possibilities for how the Czech metropolis could transform.

The selection of buildings is based on typology, with each of the ten themes typically featuring five buildings. This way, visitors will familiarize themselves with a whole spectrum of realizations, from those close to them (family houses, residential complexes) to buildings that influence the character of the city and life within it (administrative buildings, hotels, renovations, public buildings, interiors). Equally appealing will be topics concerning the future of Prague, developers' projects, revitalizations in several city districts, or areas focusing on "green" projects at the level of family houses and extensive areas including publicly accessible parks.

The aim is not only to reach experts but primarily to a wider public in the Czech Republic and, in the following three years, abroad; to present the current architecture of Prague as a whole, a selection of the most significant buildings that have significantly influenced its present face and architectural level. For this reason, the exhibition is introduced with a brief overview of significant buildings that arose in Prague during the twentieth century. A color Czech-English publication will be published to accompany the exhibition, with its launch scheduled for 20.8.2008. Additionally, the catalog will include introductory essays introducing the history of Prague's architecture as well as current creations and an overview of the exhibiting architects.

The GJF will undergo reconstruction throughout the summer; alongside the expansion and modernization of exhibition spaces, an information center will be created, where, primarily, foreign visitors can obtain information and tips regarding the history and present of Czech architecture. At the end of October, the gallery will open with an exhibition project dedicated to "green" buildings.

> www.gjf.cz
> www.czechcentres.cz