Czech Centre London

Recorded live at the Czech Embassy Cinema in London, this event was organised by Czech Centre London as part of the London Festival of Architecture. This panel discussion explores how architecture shapes our sense of belonging, not only by providing shelter, but by structuring everyday life, community, identity and place. Using the Baťa village at East Tilbury as a starting point, the conversation...

Join us for the fourth edition of the annual Václav Havel European Dialogues, a global series of discussions inspired by Havel’s enduring legacy organised jointly by the Czech Centre London, SSEES and the Research Centre for the Study of Places, Identities, and Memories (PIMs). Over the last three decades, the Central European countries have experienced some of the fastest economic growths in the...

Inspired by her father’s bedtime stories, Czech Christmas traditions, and the stillness and ever-presence of breath, Czech artist based in Paris Filomena Borecká, created paintings and a sculpture that, together with works by four other artists, fill the spaces of the Vitrínka and Bouda galleries. Today she joined our podcast series to tell us more about her art and sources of inspiration. Silent...

Book launch conversation with Daniela Spenser, chaired by Jana Burešová Join us for a compelling evening with historian and anthropologist Daniela Grollová Spenser, as she discusses her new book Echoes of Exile: A Family’s Odyssey through the Holocaust and Cold War. Blending personal history with political insight, Spenser traces three generations of her family across some of the most turbulent ch...

The new exhibition at Bouda Gallery, Design and Transformation, offers a fresh perspective on Czech design by exploring the relationship between design and social change. Showcasing six inspiring Czech companies and highlighting 30 years of both tradition and innovation, the exhibition combines storytelling with behind-the-scenes insights into some of the most iconic Czech brands. Presented as par...

In the latest episode of (when) Art Talks, renowned Czech choreographer Lenka Vagnerová shares her insights into this year’s Fringe Festival and the powerful story behind Panoptikum, a haunting dance theatre performance inspired by the “freak shows” of the late 19th century in the UK and US. Don’t miss Episode 6! https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/ #(when)arttalks #panoptikum #lenkavagnerova

The Czech Centres network has launched a long-term international programme called SAFE(R) SPACES. Out There and Within, aimed at creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments through art and culture. As a pilot project of this initiative, the Czech Centre London is hosting its first Summer Artistic Residency at Bouda Gallery. The residency began on July 11 with the opening of Poet Peasant,...

In our latest episode, curator Valérie Horváth introduces They All Met in Karlsbad, a new exhibition that came to life through a unique art residency in Karlovy Vary. Over several months, seven pairs of young artists were brought together to engage in a creative dialogue. And the result? A series of striking, cross-disciplinary artworks which are now making their international debut at the Czech C...

The guest of the next edition of the Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series will be Sara Polak, an archaeologist, evolutionary anthropologist, and technology innovator whose work bridges the humanities and cutting-edge AI research. Polak is a co-founder of the Mobilis Institute and the blockchain educational platform ShellProof, a Visiting Research Fellow and part-time lecturer at the University of...

In today’s episode of (when) Art Talks, you will hear all about the identity of a place, timelessness versus following trends, and sustainability—and what it means for the future of design. Joining the host Sabina Tocháčková is Dagmar Zvoníčková, a co-founder of the creative studios Identity Designers and Novavita. Tune in and get inspired by her unique approach to recycling waste and building com...

The next edition of the Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series takes a unique turn—this time delving into the deeply personal and spiritual. Juliet Vopěnka Navrátilová, author, shamanic practitioner, Blue Badge guide, and anthropology student, shares her transformative journey from illness and emotional struggle to healing and empowerment. Through sensitivity, ritual, and connection, she redefines w...

The history of both Czech and global graphic design would be incomplete without the groundbreaking contributions of Czech artists whose work transcended borders and shaped visual culture worldwide. This event explores the lasting impact of Alphonse Mucha, Karel Teige, Ladislav Sutnar, and Miroslav Šašek—visionaries whose innovations continue to inspire designers today. Mucha, the pre-eminent expon...

Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series returns this March, once again exploring the field of architecture. After an inspiring evening with world-renowned Czech-born architect Eva Jiřičná in September 2023, we are delighted to welcome Lenka Petráková, Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects. Throughout her career, Lenka has explored architecture through engineering, design, and legal frameworks, shaping h...

In the latest episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich history of Czech graphic design through the lens of Identity, a groundbreaking multi-genre project. Our guests are co-author Filip Blažek and producer Michal Gregorini. Join our host Sabina Tocháčková as she uncovers insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the project's creation. https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/   #(when)arttalks...

In this episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich legacy and artistry of the Smetana Trio, one of the most renowned Czech chamber ensembles. Celebrating 90 years since its founding, the trio continues to perform on the world’s most iconic stages, including earlier this month at the Wigmore Hall.  Join our host, Sabina Tocháčková, and learn more about their history, inspiration, and artistic...

On 30th November, the stunning Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre hosted the gala concert of this year’s Made in Prague Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl alongside the English Chamber Orchestra. Listen to the audio reportage, experience the beautiful performance of the English Chamber Orchestra and Pavel Šporcl for yourself, and hear the guests' d...

On Tuesday evening, November 26th, the Coronet Theatre in London became a portal to the surreal and unsettling world of Franz Kafka as it hosted an event entitled Inspired by Kafka: Insectum K. & Joseph Kilian. This evening brought together cinematic masterpieces and a mesmerising dance performance, celebrating the centenary of Kafka’s legacy. Listen to the audio reportage, step into Kafka´s w...

On the evening of November 23rd, The Gate cinema in London hosted a screening of the powerful detective drama We Have Never Been Modern. The screening was followed by an engaging Q&A session with actress Eliška Křenková, who delivered a stunning performance as the film’s protagonist, Helena, and producer Maja Hamplová, who shared behind-the-scenes insights. Listen to the audio reportage to cat...

The lively atmosphere of Crazy Coqs in Soho welcomed the Nikol Bóková Quartet on 18th November. Award-winning Czech pianist and composer Nikol Bóková was showcasing her talent and the ability to blend genres, from classical music to jazz, alongside other young musicians Michał Wierzgoń, David Dorůžka and Martin Kocián. Listen to the audio reportage to catch some of the memorable parts of this musi...

On November 14th, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London hosted a special screening of Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?, a documentary offering an intimate portrait of Václav Havel, the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic. Listen to the audio reportage to experience this unforgettable tribute to Václav Havel. More information about the 28th Made in...

On the evening of November 12th, the Regent Street Cinema in London was filled with anticipation as the 28th Made in Prague Festival presented a special screening of the award-winning movie Waltzing Matilda, followed by a discussion with the film’s leading actor, Karel Roden, the screenwriter Nataša Slavíková and the director Petr Slavík. Listen to the audio reportage to catch a glimpse of the Wal...

On October 8, one of the most prominent Czech artists of his generation, Jakub Matuška, also known as Masker, opened his latest exhibition, A Shocking Experience Behind the Curtain, at the Czech Centre London’s Vitrínka and Bouda Galleries. Matuška's distinctive paintings will be on display until January 24, 2025. Listen to the audio reportage and take a glimpse into the exhibition's opening.   Mo...

On the evening of October 31st, the famous Barbican Hall in London buzzed with excitement as the 28th Made in Prague Festival officially launched with a spectacular concert by the London Symphony Orchestra, featuring the acclaimed Czech composer Ondřej Adámek. Listen to the audio reportage to experience this outstanding concert first hand. More information about 28th Made in Prague Festival events...

Join us for a special collaborative event hosted by SSEES and the Czech Center London, marking the launch of the new Research Center for the Study of Places, Identities, and Memories (PIMs). This event celebrated the inauguration of PIMs and served as part of the annual Václav Havel European Dialogues, a global series of discussions inspired by Havel’s enduring legacy.   The event featured a keyno...

Czech Centre's Women in Focus series continues before the summer with a talk by the Czech-British internationally acclaimed artist Míla Fürstová. During her talk, Míla will share her journey from communist Czechoslovakia to the United Kingdom, and her professional transition to art. She will discuss the challenges she encountered during her studies and early stages of her professional artistic car...