Dancing House: Exceptional Modern Architecture
Dancing House is an iconic building of Prague. You can only rarely find modern architecture in the city center. This exception is dancing on the Vltava riverfront. Let’s explore this unique building from inside.
The Story of Dancing House
As you might already know, the Dancing House symbolizes famous dancing couple Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The stone tower symbolizes Fred and the glass tower Ginger. The authors are world-renowned architects Frank O. Gehry, Vlado Milunić and British architect of Czech origin Eva Jiřičná, who is responsible for interiors. At the very top, you might see a metal structure that is called a Medusa.
The story of the building is remarkable. The original house was bombed accidentally by the American troops in 1945 because they mistook it with Dresden. Since then, the Communist government argued about the new purpose of this place. Just next to this place, our president Václav Havel (at this time a dissident) had its private apartment. When he became a president in 1989, he contacted the renowned architects and designers to build a cultural center there. In 1996, we had the Dancing House completed.
Ginger & Fred Restaurant
Today, you can enjoy exclusive cuisine and view from the Ginger & Fred Restaurant on the seventh floor. You can come for breakfast and experience sunrise over the Vltava river. However, the restaurant is particularly appealing during the evening. You can connect at least two sensual experiences, the flavor of fine dining and view of the sunset over the Prague Castle. I was also amazed by the degustation menu and a unique combination of different flavors. Evening in the restaurant is truly an unforgettable experience.
Glass Bar on Rooftop
At the very top of the Dancing House, where is the “head of Medusa,” you have a panoramic view over the Prague historical center, Petřín, and Náplavka. Just grab a drink, enjoy a breeze in your hair while watching the sunset over Prague.
Hotel Dancing House
Since 2016, you can even spend a night (or more) in Dancing House. Two floors of the building were renovated into the hotel rooms. It is clear what is the main benefit of this hotel. Of course, it’s the view, but also a convenient location and top-quality services. Thanks to the location, you have the majority of restaurants and bars at your walking distance. I would especially recommend an evening walk by the Náplavka, the Vltava riverfront.
The Gallery and Café
Recently, Dancing House opened a new café on the ground floor. Behind the café, you can find the Gallery hosting exhibitions of prominent artists of the 20th Century. You can find the exhibition spaces, three floors underground, the Dancing House. Check the current exhibition of the Dancing House Gallery.
How to Get to the Dancing House
You can find the Dancing House by the Vltava river, between National Theatre and Náplavka riverfront. The closest tram stop is Jiráskovo náměstí (trams 5 and 17).
Dancing House Hotel
Ginger & Fred Restaurant
Glass Bar
Dancing House Gallery
