The Dancing House, also known as the Fred and Ginger House, is an iconic modern building located in Prague. It is considered one of the most unique and controversial architectural landmarks in the city.
Designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in collaboration with the renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the Dancing House was completed in 1996. Its design was inspired by the dancing motion of the legendary dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
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The luxurious Dancing House in Prague: Do not miss to see!
The allure of the Dancing House extends beyond its exterior, as there is much to explore within its premises. While a significant portion of the building serves as office space, there are enticing attractions to be discovered inside as well.
For those who wish to admire the building from within, there is a captivating gallery showcasing artistic works. Visitors can immerse themselves in the creative ambiance and appreciate the curated collection.
Moreover, the Dancing House offers a touch of luxury with its upscale hotel accommodations. Guests can indulge in a comfortable and lavish stay, surrounded by the stylish interior design and impeccable hospitality the hotel provides.
To satisfy culinary desires, there is a delightful French restaurant and bar located at the top of the Dancing House. Patrons can relish exquisite French cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. It is an excellent opportunity to indulge in fine dining with a backdrop that elevates the experience.
Whether it's exploring the gallery, staying at the luxurious hotel, or dining at the French restaurant and bar, the Dancing House provides a multifaceted experience that caters to different interests and desires. It is an invitation to immerse oneself in the beauty and sophistication of this remarkable architectural marvel.
The Dancing House is not just a building; it is an icon that has become synonymous with Prague's contemporary identity. Its luxurious charm, coupled with its cultural significance, makes it a destination that should not be missed by anyone seeking an unforgettable journey through Prague's architectural wonders.
When in Prague, make sure not to overlook the opulent and captivating Dancing House – a truly unmissable gem waiting to be discovered.
History of the Dancing House
The idea of the building
The Dancing House, located in Prague, has a fascinating history that has made it an iconic architectural landmark in the city. The concept for the building originated in the 1990s when the Czech Republic was undergoing a period of significant change following the fall of communism.
The idea for the Dancing House came from the renowned architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. They envisioned a building that would symbolize the transition from the rigid, communist architecture to a more expressive and dynamic design.
Construction of the Dancing House began in 1994 and was completed in 1996. The building stands out among the surrounding Baroque and Gothic structures, with its unconventional and playful design. It is composed of two main parts: a glass tower resembling a female dancer and a stone tower representing a male dancer. The two towers are connected by a curvaceous structure that gives the building its distinctive appearance.
A sponsor rises
The Nationale-Nederlanden bank, now famously known as ING Group, became a sponsor for the project through their representative in the area, Pavel Koch, who was a friend of Mulinić. Koch's vision was to establish an iconic building that would serve as their headquarters in Prague.
In pursuit of this vision, they approached Milunić and proposed a collaboration with a renowned international architect. Among the architects considered was Jean Nouvel, a prominent figure in the field, who ultimately declined due to space limitations.
However, the renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry eventually embraced the opportunity to collaborate on this ambitious undertaking. Gehry, a recipient of the esteemed Pritzker Prize, is widely recognized for his notable creations such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Louis Vuitton Foundation.
Empowered with absolute creative freedom and an unlimited budget, this dynamic duo of architects resurrected the original concept and commenced their work.
A modern architectural marvel
The Dancing House faced considerable controversy during its construction. Many locals were skeptical of its modern design, considering it a departure from Prague's historical architectural style. However, the building soon garnered international acclaim and became a symbol of the city's embrace of modernity.
Today, the Dancing House is not only an architectural marvel but also houses a hotel, a restaurant, and several office spaces. Its rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of Prague, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The Dancing House in Prague stands as a testament to the power of innovative architecture to redefine a city's skyline and capture the spirit of a changing era. It has become an integral part of Prague's identity, representing its vibrant and evolving character.
The deconstructivist style of the Dancing House in Prague
In the 1980s, Deconstructivism emerged as an architectural style, challenging conventional norms by fragmenting buildings and deviating from straight lines and traditional geometric forms.
Structures belonging to this genre exhibit audacious and daring shapes, often evoking a sense of controlled chaos within an established framework. Architects frequently employ cutting-edge materials for cladding, meticulously adapting them to their visionary designs.
The distinctive configuration of this octagonal edifice embodies two ballet performers, albeit accentuating an intriguing juxtaposition that becomes more pronounced when we examine the materials employed in each of the constituent structures.
The overarching concept underlying the building centers around the contrast between a kinetic form (the ying) and a stationary one (the yang), with each structure symbolizing one of these aspects.
Frank Gehry christened them Ginger and Fred, paying homage to the cinematic duo comprised of Ginger Rogers, representing the dynamic figure, and Fred Astaire, embodying the static counterpart.
Why the Dancing House in Prague is a must-visit attraction
The Dancing House in Prague is a must-visit attraction for several compelling reasons.
First and foremost, its unique and striking architecture sets it apart from other landmarks in the city. Designed by renowned architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, the building's unconventional and dynamic design captures the imagination and stands as a testament to the city's embrace of modernity.
The location of the Dancing House also adds to its appeal. Situated along the Vltava River, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including Prague's castle district. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic vistas from the rooftop terrace, making for a memorable experience.
Furthermore, the Dancing House has become an integral part of Prague's cultural fabric. Despite initial controversies, it has gained recognition as an iconic symbol of the city, representing its vibrant and evolving character. Exploring the building and learning about its history provides insights into the architectural and cultural evolution of Prague.
Additionally, the Dancing House houses various amenities that cater to visitors. From a renowned restaurant offering delectable French cuisine to a hotel with unique and stylish accommodations, the site offers opportunities for relaxation, fine dining, and indulgence.
Overall, the combination of its architectural significance, scenic location, cultural importance, and visitor-friendly amenities make the Dancing House a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the enchanting city of Prague.
The curiosities of the dancing house
There are several curiosity of this weird building including:
- Situated atop the Dancing House is La Perle de Prague, one of the city's most renowned restaurants. This culinary gem specializes in exquisite French cuisine and offers not only delectable dishes but also a spectacular view of Prague's castle district.
- The name of the Dancing House is not a mere coincidence, as its distinctive silhouette resembles that of a dancing couple when viewed from a distance.
- In Prague, the locals also refer to the Dancing House as the Drunken House or by the names Fred and Ginger, inspired by the renowned American dancers. Originally, architect Frank Gehry had envisioned these names for the building, but eventually decided that they didn't quite align with the intended message. Consequently, it was officially named the Dancing House or Táncicí dum in Czech.
- The intrigue of the Dancing House extends beyond its exterior, as it boasts captivating architectural features within. Inside, the building showcases a remarkable sense of lightness and uniqueness, evident in its carefully crafted lines and design elements.
- Within the hotel section of the Dancing House, you will find an absence of symmetrical rooms. Each room is designed with a distinctiveness that deviates from traditional symmetrical layouts, adding to the hotel's unique charm.
- "Fred," referring to one of the towers of the Dancing House, comprises a total of 99 prefabricated concrete panels of various shapes, with windows that protrude from the front plane. Adding to its allure, the intriguing steel structure atop Fred's head is aptly named the Medusa due to its resemblance to a mythical monster.
The Hotel of Dancing House in Prague
The name of the building, the Dancing House, derives from its tower formations that bear a resemblance to the iconic dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The design showcases a stone tower symbolizing the male dancer and a glass tower representing his partner. Atop the tower representing the dancer, an imaginative feature takes shape - a dome constructed with metal tubing covered in a stainless steel mesh, resembling the head of a jellyfish. This distinctive architectural element adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue to the overall structure.
The hotel within the Dancing House presents 40 luxurious rooms, each providing unforgettable vistas of Prague Castle and the majestic Vltava River. On the top floor, guests can indulge in the culinary delights of the Ginger & Fred restaurant, expertly helmed by Ondřej Slanina. Additionally, a charming café adds to the delightful dining options available.
Atop the Dancing House, a splendid viewing terrace awaits, complete with a bar. From this vantage point, visitors can marvel at Prague's breathtaking 360-degree panorama, allowing for a truly immersive experience in the city's remarkable beauty.
Awards and recognitions
The Prague's Dancing House, in addition to receiving the 1997 design award from Time magazine, has also been recognized as one of the top five significant architectural accomplishments of the 1990s by Architekt magazine.
Despite facing criticism and calls for demolition within its own country, the Czech National Bank featured the Dancing House on the 2000 Czech crowns coin as part of the "Ten Centuries of Architecture" coin series.
Today, the building stands as a luxurious hotel featuring a cafeteria and a restaurant on its terrace, providing guests and tourists with the opportunity to admire the splendid views of Prague from this extraordinary architectural marvel.
Thus concludes our exploration of the Dancing House, one of the most renowned structures in Prague and, by extension, in Europe. As you have witnessed, the building possesses a rich history that surpasses initial impressions.
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Location of the Dancing House in Prague - How to get there
Reaching this distinctive building from the city center is straightforward with Prague's efficient public transport system. Travelers can start their journey from the Karlovo náměstí Metro station, located on line B, and then catch tram number 17 for just one stop to Jiráskovo náměstí (The Square of Jirásek). From there, a brief walk of about 2 minutes is required. Upon disembarking the tram, visitors should head approximately 30 meters back and cross the main road to find themselves in front of the Dancing House.
For those arriving from the airport, the route to the Dancing House incorporates a scenic drive through the city. Starting on road R7, then continuing onto R1 towards Brno on the Jižní spojka (South Link), travelers will take the exit for Braník/Podolí on the Barrandov Bridge. A right turn onto Modřanská Street and a continued drive towards the city center for about 5.5 kilometers along the waterfronts in Podolí and Rašín will lead visitors directly to the Dancing House. This route offers not only a direct path to the building but also a chance to enjoy the picturesque waterfront views of Prague. The Dancing House is easily recognizable on the right side of the road, welcoming visitors with its unique architecture that blends seamlessly into the rich history and beauty of Prague.
Site location: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město
GPS coordinates: 50.075538, 14.413871
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