While I was writing to you a week ago about the exhibition of Kája Saudek, which takes place in the Dancing House, I realized that I should also write something about the Dancing House and its history. And why? Because it belongs to one of the most modern buildings in Prague and also one of the most outrageous thanks to its appearance. Its supporters admire modern workmanship and the idea and opponents criticize it precisely because the modern concept does not fit in the Art Nouveau buildings of Prague at all.
The house is located on Rasinovo Riverbank at Jiraskovo Bridge. It is in a good location and well visible, so it can be seen from other places in Prague. For example from Hradcany or Mala Strana. It is, therefore, an important part of Prague's panorama.
From history, we know that the building that once stood on the place of today's Dancing House was bombed by Americans who had no reason to do so. Removing debris took more than 10 years. After this period people slowly began to think about what to build in the empty space. Lots of plans have been demonstrated but sadly none of them have been selected.
Thank God, just before the year 1990, Slovenian architect, Vlado Munic became interested in the place. I have read an interesting story that this architect coincidentally lived in the adjacent building, where also future president Václav Havel lived.
From the beginning, Vlado Munic initially worked on the project himself and then decided to work with American architect Frank O. Gehry, who created a 3D design and the Dancing House became the first building in the world to be presented as a 3D design. The Dancing House also got into the American magazine Time, thanks to its exceptional design.
And why is the Dancing House has such a special shape? Because its shape is the opposite of woman and man and it is inspired by a dance couple. The dance pair of Fred Asterio and Ginger Rogers. Slender steel structure and glass panels represent the "Ginger" part and a massive reinforced concrete tower represent "Fred" part. It is the opposite of woman and man. 99 panels were used for the facade of the house. Each one is also an original that is otherwise curved.
And what you can expect inside the Dancing House? Few people know that the Dancing House has 7 above-ground and 2 underground floors. Most floors consist of offices, which the public cannot see. The gallery is open to the public on the ground floor, which is sometimes divided into higher floors. In the last two floors, you will find the "luxury" Celeste restaurant, in which I was once in my life and for that money, it was not such a gastronomic experience. But everyone has a different opinion.
What I find the greatest is the possibility of using the bar at the top of the Dancing House, on the roof, when you go to the exhibition. Because when you buy a ticket you have free admission to the rooftop. :)
And what do you think about the Dancing House? Are you rather a supporter or an opponent?
From our external collaborator Tereza Kultová