AuthorMartin Hladík

Photo: Blanka Křížová, Masaryk University Brno

Gregor Mendel’s original microscope, used in his ground-breaking pea plant experiments, is now on display at London’s Science Museum as part of the Future of Food exhibition. Lent abroad for the first time ever by the Mendel Museum in Brno, the rare instrument highlights the roots of genetics in the context of today’s food and sustainability challenges. Ruth Fraňková discussed the exhibition with its curator Rupert Cole:

What is the Future of Food exhibition about and why did you choose to include Mendel’s original microscope in it?.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ústav fyziky atmosféry AV ČR

Exactly 30 years ago, the newly independent Czech Republic launched its first satellite, Magion 4, into space. It lifted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, joining the historic line of Czechoslovak satellites.

The Magion 4 satellite was launched on August 3, 1995, as part of the international INTERBALL scientific mission.

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Photo: Aerofilms

For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re celebrating the life and music of Karel Fiala, the charismatic Czech singer and actor, who was born on August 3rd 1925. His legacy is forever tied to one of the most popular films in Czech cinema: the unconventional Western ‘Lemonade Joe or The Horse Opera’ (Limonádový Joe aneb Koňská opera).

The film Lemonade Joe, from 1964, is a parody of Western movies that blends grotesque humour, moral satire, and numerous catchy tunes.

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Photo: Michal Polášek, Czech Radio

The Cyril and Methodius Chapel at Radhošť unexpectedly united the Beskydy Society with an American family. The people who take care of the chapel received an email from New York with photographs of a miniature of the chapel and a remarkable story.

In the 1950s, a yard sale in Brooklyn, New York, took place at an old church where they were cleaning out the basement, and a small model of a chapel was found.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

On the occasion of the 26^th Anniversary of Enthronement of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI, H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the residence’s beautiful garden.

Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

Mr. Vaclav Klaus, the former President of the Czech Republic, and his spouse, Livia, were the honor guests.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.

Long live the King!          عاش الملك!

On July 31, 2025, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments and the Summit of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva. The main topics discussed included global parliamentary cooperation and the role of women in military conflicts. In her speech, the Speaker particularly emphasized the strengthening of democratic institutions and also appealed for the protection of the most vulnerable in Putin’s aggressive war against Ukraine. The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in Geneva called for international assistance to victims of Russian aggression against Ukraine

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the UN, is usually held once every five years and represents the most important meeting of parliamentary leaders from around the world. The central theme of this year was global inter-parliamentary cooperation.

“We cannot call our world truly just while millions of people continue to live in oppression. Strengthening the role of parliaments, protecting free and democratic elections and ensuring the independence of the judiciary are the cornerstones of stability. Only if citizens trust their institutions will they choose dialogue over violence, hope over despair and cooperation over conflict,” said the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, in her speech.

The World Conference was preceded by the 15th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments. In their speeches, they focused primarily on the issue of the safety of women and girls in contemporary armed conflicts and wars.

“One of the most horrific impacts of Putin’s barbaric war is the twenty thousand Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly taken from their homes by Russian forces. As women in top parliamentary positions, we have a moral responsibility to speak out and act. Our country will continue to support Ukraine, including addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable,” emphasized the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

Sumatran tiger Achilles during one of the first trips to the outdoor enclosure of the Pavilion of Predators and Reptiles. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo introduced a new male Sumatran tiger. Nine-year-old Achilles arrived from the English Howletts Wild Animal Park to join four-year-old female Surya, with whom he could father cubs in Prague. The London native is a charismatic beast – he likes to observe his surroundings from elevated platforms, he backs up into the water when bathing so as not to get his front paws wet, and according to his former keepers, he likes the scent of Chanel Coco perfume best of all. Above all, however, he is Prague’s hope for the reproduction of the critically endangered tiger subspecies.

“Achilles is a beautiful and promising male Sumatran tiger; exactly the kind of person we were looking for our Surya within the European breeding program. He is still getting used to his new home, but from now, he can be seen in the Predators and Reptiles Pavilion. Surya will soon be in heat, and that is when our new pair of tigers could meet for the first time,” says Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek.

Achilles “hunts” his gift in the form of food enrichment – a willow wicker deer filled with meat. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Achilles was born on June 27, 2016 in London as the younger brother of the tigress Cinta, who is also known to visitors to Prague Zoo. Since 2018, he has lived in Howletts Wild Animal Park, from where he arrived in Prague this June. He then underwent mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Today, he was welcomed with a willow wicker doe stuffed with meat.

“This is a calm male who has lived with females in the past, but has never produced offspring. The problem was allegedly in both cases in the health of the female. He should be able to breed with Surya, who has also not had a cub yet. It is high time for her to do so,” says mammal curator Pavel Brandl.

Achilles is still getting used to his new environment. His adaptation is taking place slowly, but peacefully. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

There are only 128 purebred Sumatran tigers registered within the European Association of Zoological Gardens (EAZA). Only twelve cubs have been born in the last year, so the hopes placed in Achilles are highly justified.

In addition to the aforementioned qualities, Achilles is very inquisitive and gentle, but he will not deny the beast if it has to share food. He prefers to enjoy beef or venison and is particularly fond of heart, liver and kidneys. On the other hand, he does not like goat meat and absolutely hates poultry. It enjoys tearing meat hanging from a rope, the aforementioned perfume enrichment, and in the summer it likes to sunbathe while cooling itself with bloody popsicles.

The Sumatran tiger is the smallest living tiger, usually growing to a weight of 90 to 120 kg. It is the last surviving representative of the “island tigers” from Indonesia, which used to live on Sumatra, Java, and Bali. While tigers on Java and Bali were exterminated in the last century, the only tigers on Sumatra have survived to the present day. Estimates of their number are difficult, averaging between 400 and 600 individuals. Their population is still declining at a rate of about 10% per decade.

The Sumatran tiger Achilles likes to explore the vegetation in the enclosure and also loves the raised wooden bunks, from which he has a good view of the surroundings. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The greatest threat to Sumatran tigers is the conversion of their natural habitat to oil palm or acacia plantations and hunting, which involves both direct poaching of the tigers themselves for their skin or bones, and the reduction of their prey. These are ungulates – sambar deer, wild boars, muntjacs and other species of animals including macaques and porcupines. Sumatran tigers are also victims of conflicts with farmers.

Prague Zoo has been breeding tigers almost since its beginning. A year after its opening, in 1932, a hybrid of an Ussuri and Bengal tiger, a male Bengali, and a female Indian tiger Mitau, arrived from the Hagenbeck Circus. The first Sumatran tigers inhabited the Prague Zoo in 1958, and the first cub was born here in 1971.

The nine-year-old Sumatran tiger Achilles is a great hope for the Prague breeding of this rare subspecies. It is difficult to predict, but if all goes well, the four-year-old Surya could become pregnant this year. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

Prague Pride is a week-long festival that is soon to begin on July 28th. In addition to the pride parade through the city on Saturday 2nd, the festival offers a rich programme of cultural and social events, from film screenings to picnics in the park. Danny Bate spoke to Lenka Hronová, parade production lead and head of production for Prague Pride, about the programme.

How many years has the Prague Pride Festival now been happening?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

For Lenka Králová, a transgender woman, podcaster, and activist, Prague Pride is the most important event of the year. She says the annual parade and week‑long festival show that “there is nothing to be afraid of” when it comes to LGBT+ visibility. In an interview with RPI, she shares why she believes Pride still matters and what visitors can expect this year.

For many in Czechia’s LGBTQ+ community, Prague Pride has become a key moment of visibility, celebration, and solidarity.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Khalil Baalbaki, Czech Radio

At the presidential summer residence in Lány, an envelope thought to contain the last words of first Czechoslovak President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk will be opened on September 19th. Current President Petr Pavel will attend the ceremony, revealing the contents of the never-before-seen letter.

The envelope with the “President liberator’s” message, has been in the hands of the Czech National Archive since 2005.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Jana Volková, Czech Radio

The 110th World Esperanto Congress is taking place from July 26th to August 2nd in the Moravian capital of Brno. This celebration of the international auxiliary language offers a diverse programme of activities for over a thousand attendees. To learn about the congress and the historical connections between Esperanto and the Czech lands, Danny Bate spoke to Marek Blahuš, a computer scientist at Masaryk University, polyglot and devoted Esperantist.

How large is the Esperanto-speaking community in Czechia?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Prague Castle Administration

The Theresian Institution of Noble Ladies takes up approximately one-fifth of Prague Castle’s panorama. Its roof and façade are now set to undergo reconstruction, as part of a 180 million crown plan – the largest investment at the Prague Castle in the last two decades. The works should be completed by 2026.

According to the Prague Castle Administration, the Institute is now entering the second stage of renovations, which will bring the most apparent visual changes.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: archive of Palacký University

The flickering lights of fireflies used to be a familiar part of summer nights in the countryside. Yet these elusive insects are disappearing, along with many others. To raise awareness about fireflies and the challenges they face, the Czech Entomological Society named them Insect of the Year 2025. I spoke with entomologist Tomáš Dvořák from the Czech University of Life Sciences about what makes fireflies so special.

First of all, why did the Czech Entomological Society choose the firefly as the Insect of the Year for 2025?.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The zoo in the Moravian city of Olomouc is located just outside the city on Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill). One of its priorities is the preservation of endangered species like the Rothschild giraffes. But visitors can also take a safari train ride into the enclosures of kangaroos or wolves. Members of our team visited the site to find out more.

The black-and-white ruffed lemurs are one of several lemur species kept at Zoo Olomouc.

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Author: Till Janzer

Photo: ČTK / imago stock&people / Hindustan Times

President Petr Pavel on July 27th paid a personal visit to the Dalai Lama, who is celebrating his 90th birthday. The Chinese embassy has expressed its disapproval of the meeting.

On Sunday 27th, on his journey home after a busy presidential trip to Japan, Petr Pavel stopped off in India, where he met with the Dalai Lama.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK

The oldest known group photograph in Czechia, and possibly the world, is housed at Velké Březno Chateau near Ústí nad Labem. Taken in 1839, the daguerreotype features the aristocratic family of Count Karel Chotek along with relatives and friends. The historic image was recently added to UNESCO’s national Memory of the World register.

Karel Chotek was a high-ranking nobleman who served as the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the most influential positions in the country at the time.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Petr Sznapka, ČTK

Central Europe, including Czechia, is experiencing unusually cold and rainy weather this summer, thanks to a high pressure area that has settled over northern Scandinavia.

July temperatures in the country are even lower than currently reported from Norway or even Greenland.

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Source: ‘Zakázaný Bůh: Likvidace’ / Czech Television

In the summer of 1950, the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia launched Operation Ř, a targeted campaign aimed at the liquidation of female religious orders. Nuns were forcibly evicted from convents, separated by age, and transported to factories and remote locations, where they were forced to work under horrific conditions.

Seventy-five years ago, in July 1950, the Czechoslovak regime launched Operation Ř.

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Photo: Mirekwanek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of Czechia’s most respected alternative bands, Už jsme doma, are celebrating their 40th anniversary this July. The avant-garde punk group, which rose to prominence after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, marks the event with a special concert this Tuesday at Prague’s Lucerna Music Bar. To mark the occasion, we’ll be playing some of the biggest hits from their long and rich career.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: StockSnap, Pixabay, Pixabay License

Moving away from traditional forms of propaganda aimed at eulogizing its political regime, China is now hiring influencers to bolster its image abroad. The Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), which conducted the investigation, found that in Central Europe, Czechia is the country most targeted by China on social media, with two known state-paid bloggers.

The targeted media strategy of the Chinese government in Central Europe, including Czechia, dates back to 2013 when state-funded news outlet CRI launched its Czech-language service, first out of the V4 countries.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo illustrative: Lars S. Madsen, Alamy / Profimedia

Conservationists have spotted golden jackals in the protected landscape of Pálava in southern Moravia, capturing them on a camera trap. These wild canids have already been recorded in other parts of Czechia, and experts say their numbers are likely to grow.

Jackals are medium-sized, long-legged animals with long muzzles, bushy tails, and erect, pointed ears.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Writer-director Dužan Duong made a big splash at this month’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with his debut Summer School, 2001. Dubbed the “first Czech-Viet” movie, it recreates aspects of the 34-year-old’s own childhood, much of which was spent around an outdoor market near the border with Germany. When we met recently the conversation took in the making of Duong’s breakout film, his own background and Czechia’s large and thriving Vietnamese community.

You moved here to Czechia at the age of four.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: archive of Czech Ministry of Culture

The ashes of Czech author Milan Kundera and his wife Věra will be buried in the “Circle of Honour” at Brno’s Central Cemetery. On Wednesday, the city council revealed the levitating tombstone design, which should be ready by the end of July 2026.

The appearance of the grave was the subject of an international design competition.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Isabella Fattore, Radio Prague International

Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Prague, there lies a quaint village called Horažďovice, and just a short drive away, there lies an even quainter farm, where its inhabitants grow much more than crops. On the spot of land that once housed the local flour mill, where centuries of villagers used to gather to process their grain, something else is now thriving – art.

This place is called ArtMill, center for regenerative arts, where a community of artists, farmers, and activists work together with the local ecosystem.

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On the occasion of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Anniversary of the Revolution of July 1952), H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa AFIFI, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, hosted a reception at the beautiful residence garden in Prague- Vinohrady.

The honored speaker was Mr. Jiří Kozák, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa AFIFI, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Czech Republic, and Mr. Jiří Kozák, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and highlights from the culture program.

On the occasion of the 215^th anniversary of the Independence of Colombia, and in gratitude for your support in the process of opening the Embassy of Colombia in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Solangel Ortiz Mejía, hosted an event at the Hotel NH Collection Prague Carlo IV.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mrs. Solangel Ortiz Mejía, the Ambassador of Colombia to the Czech Republic, and highlights from the culture program.

Happy Independence Day, Colombia – Feliz Día de la Independencia, Colombia

On the Occasion of the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. FENG Biao, and the Defense Attaché of the People’s Republic of China, Senior Colonel JIANG Lei, hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Prague.

The honored guest was Colonel (GS) Jan Husak, Ph.D., director of the Foreign Activities at the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.

Watch the Video with the speech of Senior Colonel JIANG Lei, the Defense Attaché of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic.

Photo: Michal Kamaryt, ČTK

Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22nd, at the age of 76. The frontman of Black Sabbath leaves behind a lasting impact on music and culture, no less so in Czechia. Local stars drew inspiration from the band’s legendary hits, as Czech fans of the rock singer continue to celebrate his memorable performances both on and off stage.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath was formed in 1968, the very same year Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia and crushed the Prague Spring liberalization movement.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Miroslav Duschek, Czech Radio

Each summer, the UNESCO-listed village of Holašovice in South Bohemia transforms into a lively celebration of Czech heritage. Thousands of visitors come for the Peasant Festival, where handmade crafts, folk music, and traditional costumes take center stage. And at the end of August, the historic village green will host a unique outdoor performance of Smetana’s opera The Bartered Bride.

Nestled just 20 kilometers west of České Budějovice and not far from Český Krumlov, the picturesque village of Holašovice is a perfectly preserved example of South Bohemian folk baroque architecture.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jana Karasová, Czech Radio

Beer is famously one of Czechia’s top exports with a great deal of historical, cultural, and economic significance. Along with the beverage itself, the distribution of ingredients and diffusion of know-how has allowed brewers from all corners of the world to take a stab at their own Czech-style lager. As it turns out, with remarkable success.

The art of Czech beer-making has left a visible global impression, whether it be on artisanal microbreweries or on large industrial productions.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we visit Kajetánka—a hidden gem in Prague 6 that once housed a monastery and vineyard. Today it’s a peaceful park with historic surroundings and hardly any tourists. If you’re looking for a quiet place to wander or have a picnic, this might be your new favorite spot.

When you step into Kajetánka in Prague 6, it’s hard to believe you’re still in a European capital.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Vladislava Wildová, Czech Radio

The Hrádek u Nechanic Castle, a national cultural monument, is often referred to as a piece of England in eastern Bohemia. This charming building was constructed between 1839 and 1857 by František Arnošt, Count of Harrach, a member of the Jilemnice family line.

The romantic neo-Gothic building resembles a stone butterfly with outstretched wings.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Martin Balucha, Czech Radio

For the 14th year in a row, the glass trophies for the winners of the Tour de France were made by Czech company Lasvit. Though the shape remains unchanged since 2011, each edition brings fresh innovations—this year with a new emerald green glass and a crystal ring embedded into the design. Designed by Slovak-born Peter Olah, the trophies are produced in the Ajeto glassworks in Lindava and reflect a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge craftsmanship.

The collaboration between Lasvit and the Tour de France began in 2011 thanks to a personal connection between Peter Olah and the Czech company based in Nový Bor.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Lucie Suchánková Hochmanová, Czech Radio

The increasing cost of living is changing the appetites of Czech home buyers. In their search for flats, a growing number are now considering the purchase of micro-apartments – sized between 16 and 30 square meters. In the last quartile, demand skyrocketed by 56% according to an analysis by real-estate platform Sreality.cz.

The demand for more frugal living comes amid a continuing inflation of housing costs, and time is of the essence for many buyers.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The zoo in Zlín, eastern Moravia, is one of the most visited in Czechia. Highlights include its ray petting pool and jaguar feeding. A rescue centre for illegally captive lions is also soon to open on the vast site. RPI’s Ferdinand Hauser visited Zlín Zoo and learned about the institution’s attractions and conservation programmes for our series Protecting endangered species: stories from Czech zoos.

A Wednesday morning at Zlín Zoo.

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Author: Ferdinand Hauser

Photo: klimkin, Pixabay, Pixabay License

The 36th annual Czech Open Chess and Games Festival is well underway and will run until August 3. Around four thousand players from almost all over the world will compete there. In addition to chess, registered competitors will also take part in checkers, Scrabble, Rubik’s Cube solving, and more.

The 36th edition of the Czech Open International Chess and Games Festival, which is taking place from July 17 to August 3 at Ideon, has approximately 4,000 registered attendees.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Katarína Hudačinová, Kunsthalle Praha

An exhibition titled The Call of the Forest, currently on display at Prague’s Kunsthalle, invites visitors to leave behind the noise of the city and step into the quiet, contemplative world of the forest. Created by the Czech-born, New York-based artist duo Kristýna and Marek Milde, it explores the deep and often overlooked connection between people and trees.

Developed over the course of more than two years, The Call of the Forest includes a selection of new, ongoing and earlier works spanning animation, installation, sculpture, and sound.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Jana Samcová, Czech Army

The new SPYDER air defense system, ordered from Israel four years ago for nearly 14 billion crowns, promises longer range, missiles targeting multiple objectives, and a technological leap for the Czech army. It is expected to be ready for the autumn military trials.

The SPYDER system for the Czech army, which can shoot down enemy aircraft, larger drones, or cruise missiles, is nearly ready.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

A two-day event on July 19th and 20th called Pod praporem Bergowa (‘Under the banner of Bergow’) attracted hundreds of fans of the popular computer game to Trosky Castle. Visitors could visit a period camp, take pictures with replica weapons, or have refreshments in a medieval field kitchen.

The ruins of the castle in the Bohemian Paradise natural region (Český ráj) play a crucial role in the popular game.

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Photo: Dominik Jůn, Radio Prague International

Josef “Pepa” Vomáčka is a Prague-based bon vivant and “man about town” – a renowned and much-beloved figure across the Czech capital’s cultural scene. Pepa turned 80 this month and Dominik Jůn spoke to several of his friends and associates to mark the occasion:

It is not an exaggeration to say that no Prague gala opening, or premiere, or “večírek” or “vernisáž” is truly considered complete these days without Pepa Vomáčka’s gregarious presence.

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Author: Dominik Jůn

Photo: APF Czech Radio

The atmosphere across Czechoslovakia immediately after World War II was full of tension, pain and a desire for revenge. Yet the public attitudes of the political leaders of the time also fundamentally influenced the direction of the country – and their attitudes were not peaceable and forgiving.

On April 17th 1945, the Košice government called on citizens to take ruthless revenge against the “German executioner’s assistants”.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

In today’s edition of our Sunday Music Show, we highlight the compositions of František Ignác Tůma, a Czech composer from the late Baroque period known for creating some of the era’s most imaginative works.

František Ignác Tůma spent most of his life in Vienna, initially serving as music director for Franz Joseph, Count Kinsky, and later holding a similar position for the widow of Emperor Charles VI.

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Photo: Xavier Amedeo Pallas, Radio Prague International

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský symbolically received a collection of art pieces from Jan Masaryk’s former London residence, on Thursday afternoon. The roughly 30 works of art were bought out at auction by one of Masaryk’s former secretaries, after his tragic death in 1948. Radio Prague International spoke to Ivan Dubovický, host of the ceremony and cultural anthropologist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After more than 75 years in private possession, Jan Masaryk’s London apartment art collection has now been donated to the Czech state.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

Three years after a devastating fire stopped the popular boat trips down the river Kamenice, boating through Edmund’s Gorge is set to recommence on July 19th. The initial trips will be limited to a maximum of fifty people daily.

Bohemian Switzerland is the magnificent national park that sits on Czechia’s northwest border with Germany.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

US academic Chad Bryant explores the recent history of Prague through the prism of diverse personalities in a book just launched in Czech. Prague: Belonging in the Modern City blends the stories of socialists, dissidents, Jews, Germans and Vietnamese with fascinating facts about the development of the metropolis from the late days of the Habsburg Empire to the present time. I spoke to Bryant when he was in town for the launch of the Czech translation.

You’re a professor of history at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

On the occasion of French National Day, celebrated on July 14 as a commemoration of the 1789 Bastille Day, H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic, and Ms. Jennifer Zeitlin-Crouzat hosted a special reception at the beautiful garden of Palais Buquoy, the French Embassy in Prague.

The honored guest was the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel.

Watch the speech of H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic, and of the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel. And highlights from the culture program.

Happy National Day, France – Bonne Fête Nationale, France

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Rina P. Soemarno, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, organized a Celebratory Concert of the Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra. At the beautiful Národní Dům Na Vinohradech.

The honored speaker was Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST) is a non-profit organization under the tutelage of Trinity Optima Production, one of Indonesia’s leading recording labels, as part of their corporate social responsibility program, and is directed by Dr. Nathania Karina as their music director and resident conductor. TRUST has over 150 members, consisting of Jakarta’s finest young talents, ranging from 10 to 35 years old, and holds at least three public concerts every year.

Watch the speeches of H.E. Mrs. Rina P. Soemarno, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and highlights from the concert of TRUST with the Soprano Bronislava Smrzova Tomanova, and under the conductor of Dr. Nathania Karina.

Ms. Indhira Banares, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Philippines in the Czech Republic, is leaving us after 6 successful years for her next position.

We wish Indhira a lot of success in her new position. We will miss her and hope to meet her again soon.

President Petr Pavel will meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Japan next week, the Office of the President of the Republic informed journalists on Wednesday.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Purida Buranond, Radio Prague International

From traditional Thai massage studios to cultural festivals, Thai nationals are quietly establishing a foothold in the Czech Republic. Though still a small community, their presence is growing – and with it, a vibrant effort to keep Thai culture alive far from home.

This growing presence made me reflect on my own journey.

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Photo: Kateřina Kohoutová, Czech Radio

The Krkonoše National Park in the northeast of Czechia is facing a serious challenge: an invasive plant known as lupine is taking over its meadows. To combat the spread, park authorities recently called on visitors for help, encouraging them to pick the plants while they are still in bloom.

Lupinus polyphyllus, or large-leaved lupine, is native to North America.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Adam Pluhař, Technical University of Liberec

At the Technical University of Liberec, a T-shirt has been developed with the ability to identify micro-sleep thanks to sensors in the fabric that detect slow breathing. With a connected alarm system in place, the innovation aims to combat the effects of driver fatigue, which causes up to one fifth of all road accidents according to experts.

Author of the breakthrough garment is Michal Martinka from the University’s Department of Clothing Technology.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Colours of Ostrava

Colours of Ostrava, the biggest international music festival in Czechia, is this year bringing Iggy Pop, Sting, Snow Patrol, The Chainsmokers and many more acts to the Silesian city. Before the 2025 edition’s start on July 16th, Danny Bate spoke to the festival’s spokesman, Ondřej Bambas, to find out more.

Colours of Ostrava, this incredible festival that gets larger every year, has been going on now since 2002.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Kristýna Rothová, ZOO Plzeň

Lemurs that survive only near a remote lake in Madagascar, snakes that hunt with spider-shaped tails, fish from Mexico extinct in the wild, and solitary Indian rhinos. These are just some of the rare and endangered species visitors can see at the nearly 100-year-old Pilsen Zoo and Botanical Garden. We went there to speak to the animal’s caretakers.

The zoo currently houses over 1,100 species, with around 6,500 animals, attracting about half a million visitors annually.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Joe Cavaretta, Polaris / Profimedia

Ice hockey’s pre-eminent trophy is travelling through the hometowns of last seasons’ winning squad, the Florida Panthers. Its stops will also include Pardubice, the birthplace of Tomáš Nosek, and Havlíčkův Brod, where Vítek Vaněček hails from. The Stanley Cup’s victory tour last came to Czechia with Plzeň-born Pavel Francouz in 2022.

Last month, the Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, and it was not without Czech contribution.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Illustrative photo: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay, Pixabay License

The Czech Senate has approved a major reform of the country’s criminal code, including a significant shift in drug policy. Key changes include looser rules on cannabis possession and home cultivation, as well as the medical legalization of so-called magic mushrooms.

To discuss its impact, I spoke with Jindřich Vobořil, former national anti-drug coordinator and current chairman of the Rational Addiction Policy think tank.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Source: Atelier HRA

Giant mirrors made of polished sheet metal will decorate the entrance to the Žižkov Tunnel on Tachov Square from September.

A popular piece of Prague architecture is the tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists that runs under Vítkov Hill, connecting the districts of Žižkov and Karlín.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Václav Šálek, ČTK

A hundred years after her discovery, hundreds of people in Pasohlávky near Brno watched the inflation of the eight-metre model of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice.

The small statue is one of the most famous and most significant finds ever unearthed in the Czech lands.

See more here.

Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

The main prize at this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival was won by Better Go Mad in the Wild by Slovak director Miro Remo. During Saturday’s closing ceremony other top prizes went to filmmakers from states ranging from Iran to Bangladesh.

The Grand Prix Crystal Globe at the 59th Karlovy Vary was won by Better Go Mad in the Wild, a portrait of eccentric Czech twins living in isolation in the countryside.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Anaïs Raimbault, Radio Prague International

The annual festival of street art called Za dveřmi, or Behind the Door, is currently underway in Prague, filling the city with acrobats, musicians, actors, and jugglers.

The main festival venue is once again located in Holešovická tržnice, with additional stages at Mariánské náměstí, Holport Holešovice, and, for the first time, also on Štvanice Island.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Illustrative photo: Honza Ptáček, Radio Prague International

Foreigners make up approximately 25% of Prague’s population, and that number is expected to increase. But is the city building fast enough to meet demand? I spoke with Zdeňka Havlová, a researcher at the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague), to figure out how many new units Prague needs to build to meet this demand, and more.

There are about 350,000 foreigners living in Prague as of 2025.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Julie Suchá, Czech Radio

Dozens of medical students from around the world gathered in Pilsen this summer to take part in an intensive course in experimental surgery. The program gives them valuable hands-on-training in a wide range of surgical techniques performed on live pigs.

The International Summer School of Experimental Surgery, organized by the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, is now in its twelfth year and more competitive than ever: out of nearly 70 applicants, only 33 were accepted.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Eva Kézrová, Czech Radio

A group of researchers at the Czech Academy of Sciences developed a method of recycling rare earth minerals used in batteries for electronic vehicles. China has long been considered to hold a monopoly over mining and refining these elements. With this new discovery, Czech scientists pave the way for a potentially more sustainable and independent practice within Europe.

Research at the IOCB – Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry – focused primarily on neodymium magnets, the strongest permanent magnets known, commonly used in cars, phones and turbines.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas, Eva Kézrová

Photo: Famózní Pes/YouTube

A brand new psychological horror game titled “Brno Transit” is in the works at the studio of Czech game developer Spytihněv. Scheduled to come out at the end of 2025, the computer game simulates the experience of an apprentice metro driver in a fictional setting of the Brno subway.

Brno Transit promises a distinctively simple aesthetic, reminiscent of early-2000s graphics that often resurface in horror games.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

They’re in the middle of Prague’s historic core, yet many visitors never set foot on them. This episode of Prague off the Beaten Track takes you to two islands, nestled in the Vltava River, that are easily overlooked green spaces that offer history, views, and a welcome escape from the city’s busy streets.

You don’t have to leave Prague’s historic core to get off the beaten track.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Michal Bernátek, Brno Observatory and Planetarium

The annual Festival of Planets in Brno has unveiled a brand-new inflated planetary model: the Lithosphere – a vision of Earth stripped of its water. It reveals the ocean floors and shows the tectonic plates on which the continents rest.

The Festival of Planets, established in 2019, is a hugely popular annual event organized by the Brno Observatory that draws science fans from around the country and beyond.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

The historic building of Prague’s main train station is one of Czechia’s foremost Art Nouveau landmarks. Reconstruction has been ongoing here since 2021, and is now nearing completion with its southern wing also set for a revamp. This includes halls and lounges used by emperors, presidents, and other state officials.

The structure, also referred to as the Fanta building, after its architect Josef Fanta, replaced the original Neo-Renaissance train station in 1909.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Barbora Němcová, Radio Prague International

The Safari Park in Dvůr Králové nad Labem is home to a wide variety of African animals, including lions, giraffes, hyenas, and many species of antelope. But the park is more than just a place to see animals. It also plays an important role in protecting endangered species, with many animals raised here in the hope that they’ll one day return to the wild.

Located in the town of Dvůr Králové on the upper Labe River in eastern Bohemia, the Safari Park proudly calls itself “Africa in the heart of Europe.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we take you to Dívčí hrady, where legends meet nature on a peaceful hillside above Prague. Walk through meadows, discover old Czech stories, and catch a glimpse of wild Przewalski’s horses. This quiet part of Prague offers stunning views, rich history, and an experience far from the city’s usual tourist routes.

If you’re looking for a quiet walk with panoramic views of Prague, Dívčí hrady should be on your list.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Fire rescue service of the Czech republic

Thursday marks the fourth day Czech firefighters have been assisting in the search for missing persons in flood-devastated central Texas, near the town of Kerrville. So far, they have recovered three bodies.

Firefighters from the Czech Urban Search and Rescue team, known as USAR, began their work Monday morning in the area around Center Point, Texas, where the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks on July 4th.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Pavel Novák

On the occasion of the commemoration of the 31st Anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day (Kwibohora31, H.E. Dr. Richard Masozera, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda, hosted a reception at OREA Hotel Pyramida.

This Kwibohora marks not only a day of remembrance but also a celebration of Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience,

unity, and progress, honouring the spirit of liberation and the achievements made since.

The honored speaker was Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Dr. Richard Masozera, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Czech Republic, and Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. And highlights from the culture program.

The event was moderated by Mr. Gerard Firmin Jonathan Byishimo VOLKMAR, First Secretary

On the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Embassy of Colombia in the Czech Republic, the Ambassador of Colombia, H.E.  Mrs. Solangel Ortiz Mejía hosted an event at the new Embassy in Prague 2.

The honored speakers were: Ms. Laura Camila Sarabia Torres – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video from the event.

On July 7, the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, received the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, at Prague Castle.

Photo: Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové / University of Hradec Králové

Czech archaeologists have announced a major discovery. During a rescue excavation along the future route of the D35 motorway near Hradec Králové, they unearthed a Celtic settlement, unprecedented in Czechia for both its size and the number of artefacts uncovered.

The discovery of the Celtic settlement was made nearly a year ago, but it was only made public last week.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: National Heritage Institute

A sample of water from the source of the Vltava River has set off on a two-month journey. Participants in the so-called ‘Vltava Relay’ will carry and transport it in a special capsule to draw attention to the many significant places connected to the river.

In the tranquil forests of the Šumava National Park, close to the border with Bavaria, the most famous Czech river trickles into existence.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate, Pavla Kuchtová

Ondřej Provazník is the writer-director of Broken Voices, a new Czech drama that is in the main competition at the ongoing Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The powerful picture follows a 13-year-old girl as she comes under the sway of the conductor of her choir and is inspired by a scandal centred on the head of a Prague girls’ choir, who was jailed on multiple sexual abuse charges. I spoke to Provazník ahead of the world premiere of the film, whose Czech title Sbormistr translates literally as The Choirmaster.

“It was very difficult to convince the Kühn Children’s Choir, because they were afraid of being connected with this old scandal.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: © Židovské muzeum v Praze

A unique collection of children’s drawings from the Terezín Ghetto, housed at the Jewish Museum in Prague since the end of the war, has been added to the prestigious UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Created between 1942 and 1944 by children imprisoned in the ghetto, many of whom were later deported to Auschwitz, the collection includes around 4,500 drawings. I spoke with the museum’s curator, Michaela Sidenberg, about its significance.

How many pictures are included in the collection of children’s drawings from Terezín, and over what period were they created?.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK

Hollywood star Michael Douglas was one of the most highly anticipated VIP guests at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival, where he introduced a restored version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Miloš Forman, 50 years after its release. When he last attended the festival in 1998, Michael Douglas received an award for lifelong contribution to world cinema.

See more here.

Photo: public domain

Jan Hus, Czech theologian and early church reformer, was burned at the stake on July 6, 1415, at the Council of Konstanz. Today, a modest but very nice museum in the German city preserves his memory—despite lingering doubts about whether he actually stayed there. The story of Hus remains deeply symbolic, and the museum explores the enduring power of that symbolism, especially for Czech visitors.

Nestled on a cobbled street near Lake Constance (Bodensee), the Hus House in the German city of Konstanz is more than a museum.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Daniel Lakomski, ČTK / imago stock&people

One of the highest grossing artists of all time, Lionel Richie brought several decades of global hits to the O2 Arena in Prague, as part of his ‘Say Hello to the Hits’ tour. The 76-year-old soul, pop, and R&B legend returned to Czechia on Sunday for the first time since 2012.

Richie took the stage yesterday evening, foreseeably to the tune of chart-topping single ‘Hello’.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Slavomír Kubeš, ČTK

Beer is notoriously interwoven into Czech social fabric, and thanks to the work of designer Jan Černý it is now also interwoven into the fabric of Aňa Geislerová’s dress. The Czech actress, covered in shards of “Pilsner green”, was one of the main highlights at the red carpet of the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The one-of-a-kind dress weighs between 8 and 9 kilograms, and includes around 300 beer-glass droplets, each carved out and sanded by hand, alongside roughly 10,000 Preciosa crystals.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Illustrative photo: Baran Lotfollahi, Unsplash

As of July, transgender people in the Czech Republic are no longer required to undergo surgery and hormonal treatment to have their gender legally recognized. The change, prompted by a landmark Constitutional Court ruling, brings Czechia in line with most of Europe, but critics say it should have gone further.

For years, the Czech Republic stood among a dwindling group of European countries that mandated sterilization as a condition for legal gender recognition—a policy that drew sharp criticism from both international watchdogs and domestic human rights advocates.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

The red carpet was busy on the opening weekend at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Names such as Michael Douglas, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps delivered star power to the region’s biggest celebration of cinema.

The first big name to wow the crowds at festival centre Hotel Thermal was Peter Sarsgaard.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On July 6, Czechs mark the 609th anniversary of the death of Jan Hus, a 15th-century priest, religious thinker, and early church reformer who was burned at the stake in the German city of Constance in 1415 after being condemned as a heretic by the Catholic Church.

July 6 is a public holiday in the Czech Republic, observed with religious services, historical reenactments, and public gatherings across the country.

See more here.

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re bringing you some traditional music from Czechia – but with a twist! Our selection of music comes from the album Moravian Gems, in which folk melodies meet jazz in a fun and innovative fusion of styles.

The album features George Mraz on double bass, Iva Bittová on vocals and violin, Emil Viklický on piano, and Laco Tropp on drums.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

The Prague Planetarium, an astronomically popular Czech attraction, now boasts a state-of-the-art LED dome, the first in Europe. Newly reopened after the biggest modernisation in its history, the planetarium is again transporting audiences to the skies above another planet – or above Prague city centre, as Jan Veselý, its Programme Specialist, explained to Danny Bate:

This modern space is a place with a history as well.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Československý státní film

“Czech humour is legendarily dry, operating through deadpan delivery and subtle verbal jabs that can sometimes catch you off guard,” lauds the ranking, published by Remitly. In a questionnaire of over 6,000 participants, Czechs came out on top with 72.33 points out of a possible 112.

In a ranking spanning 30 countries, Czechia edged Portugal and Ireland to claim the top spot.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Mae Bryant, Radio Prague International

Live action role-play, or LARP, has carved out a vivid niche in Czechia, where castles, forests, and centuries-old villages provide the perfect backdrop for immersive storytelling. The Czech LARP community is known for its craftsmanship, world-building, and a sense of camaraderie that makes these events feel like stepping into a parallel world.

An army of Vikings stand in a staggered line facing their opponents across the wildflower-patched meadow, a steel and turban clad army of Knights and Arabian Mercenaries.

See more here.

On the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Czech Republic, hosted a Vietnamese traditional cultural and art performance at the Hoang Thanh Convention Centre – at SAPA Prague, know as little Hanoi.

The honoured speakers were – Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture. Sport and Tourism of Vietnam, and Mr. David Kaspar, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Czech Republic, Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture. Sport and Tourism of Vietnam, and Mr. David Kaspar, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic.

And highlights from the beautiful cultural performance.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Suwat KAEWSOOK, and Ms. Srisurath SUKAVARODOM, Counsellor /Political and Protocol Affairs, organized a cultural event at the top of the Vienna House by Wyndham Diplomat Prague Hotel.

The event includes presentations of:

Mr. Jan Franta and Mr. Martin Spouse about their experience visiting National Parks

Mr. Ondrej Stahlavsky – Thailand by car

Mr. Marek Hart – visiting Thailand as a young person

Mr. Meshulam Zisso – Thailand is so Beautiful, and Thailand is not only Bangkok

Watch the video with highlights of the speeches.

For more details, you can find at the Czech & Slovak leaders magazine Online:

https://www.czechleaders.com/insights/thailand-a-wonderful-place/

https://www.czechleaders.com/posts/thailand-is-not-only-bangkok/

https://www.czechleaders.com/insights/infant-jesus-of-prague-dresses-in-robes-from-thailand/

Prague Shakespeare Tackles AI, Fake News & Modern Love in a Theatrical Event for the Ages at the Estates Theatre – This Weekend Only!

Forget everything you think you know about Shakespeare. This is not boring museum piece theatre – this is a live-wire, high-stakes commentary on your world, right now. In an unmissable theatrical event that could be ripped from today’s headlines, the Prague Shakespeare Company is staging a revolutionary theatre experience at the majestic Estates Theatre for three final performances this weekend: 27, 28, and 29 June. This is your unique and fleeting opportunity to witness two of the Bard’s masterworks reborn for the 21st Century, speaking directly to the anxieties and passions of our time.

Friday night, 27 June, we are thrust into the messy, exhilarating landscape of the human heart with a special 75-minute version of Two Gentlemen of Verona. This is not just a romantic comedy; it’s a vibrant, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of love, friendship, and identity for today’s youth. In a world of fleeting connections and intense emotions, the story of best friends Valentine and Proteus falling for the same woman, Silvia, feels utterly contemporary. It’s a story about loyalty, betrayal, and the chaotic, beautiful journey of figuring out who you are and what you stand for.

This dazzling production is guided by the masterful hand of internationally renowned director Lisa Wolpe, a true icon of classical theatre. She directs a stunningly fresh modern verse translation by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Amelia Roper, a Yale School of Drama graduate and award-winning playwright whose impressive screenwriting credits include work for Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu. Roper’s language pops with the wit and rhythm of modern speech, transforming the play into an experience that feels less like a historical text and more like a conversation with today. This is a Two Gentlemen of Verona brimming with laughter, romance, and recognizable heartache from four of Prague’s rising young stars: Genevieve Gionet, Renee Lamari, Stanislav Callas and František Jiří Heřmánek.

Saturday night, 28 June, ignites with a special 80-minute version of King John, a rarely-seen political thriller that has become shockingly relevant. In an age of algorithm-driven narratives, deep-fakes, and rampant “fake news,” this production dives headfirst into a world of manipulated information and contested truths. It’s a story of a nation in turmoil, wrestling with its identity under a leader whose claim to power is fragile. Witness the back-room dealing, the shifting alliances between countries, and the brutal propaganda wars that dominate our news feeds, all laid bare on stage by Brighde Mullins, a Guggenheim Fellow and award-winning playwright, who has crafted a modern verse translation that is both poetic and potent, capturing the political machinations and emotional turmoil of Shakespeare’s original with stunning clarity and force.

At the helm of this political thriller is PSC’s visionary Founder and Artistic Director, Guy Roberts, who also takes on a leading role. Roberts is a dynamic force in European theatre, an award-winning actor and director. He has cultivated the Prague Shakespeare Company into the Czech Republic’s premier English-language theatre, and his powerful stage presence and incisive direction promise a King John that is both epic in scale and intensely personal: this King John is a raw and visceral exploration of nations and leadership in crisis.

Starring as the troubled monarch himself, King John, is Stephan Wolfert, an actor, director, and US Army veteran who has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of Shakespeare and the military experience. Wolfert is the creator of DE-CRUIT®, a program that uses classical actor training to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. His unique perspective and profound understanding of the soldier’s mindset, honed through his off-Broadway work will undoubtedly bring a searing authenticity and psychological depth to the role of King John. He is joined onstage by the immensely talented Jessica Boone, a leading artist with PSC and a familiar face to international audiences from her recurring role in Amazon’s epic series The Wheel of Time. Boone, whose extensive stage and screen credits include everything from Shakespearean heroines to voice work in beloved anime series, brings her remarkable range and emotional depth to the pivotal role of Constance in King John, a mother fighting for truth and her son’s legacy against a tide of political spin. The production’s timeliness is further embodied by its star-filled cast including Prague favorites Elissa Levitt, Dawn Stern, Josh Morrison, and Jeff Smith among others. This is Shakespeare as a political mirror, and what it reflects about our current moment is both thrilling and terrifying.

Perhaps best of all, audiences may experience both plays in one evening as part of a special Double Bill performance on Sunday 29 June: the evening will feature Two Gentlemen of Verona followed by an intermission and then King John.

Presented by PSC, with additional support from the Hitz Foundation, as part of the audacious and critically acclaimed Play On Shakespeare series, these productions feature breathtaking new modern verse translations that make these classic stories resonate with the fierce urgency of now. Play On Shakespeare is a thrilling project that commissions brilliant contemporary playwrights to translate Shakespeare’s canon into accessible modern verse. The result is an experience that honors the original genius while making the work immediate, powerful, and clear for a new generation.

To experience this in the hallowed halls of the Estates Theatre, where Mozart himself premiered Don Giovanni, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a fusion of Prague’s profound history with a vision of theatre that is boldly looking towards the future. The convergence of this iconic venue, this world-class international talent, and these urgently relevant productions will simply not happen again.

Time is running out. This is more than just a play; it’s a cultural happening that captures the very essence of our turbulent, passionate, and complicated times. Do not let this weekend pass you by. Be one of the lucky few to witness Shakespeare speak directly to 2025.

Seize your last chance to be part of this unforgettable event. Tickets are selling fast.

Performances are THIS Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 27, 28, and 29 June.

Book your tickets NOW through the official National Theatre website before they are gone:

• For the Two Gentlemen of Verona performance on Friday, 27 June:https://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/show/prague-shakespeare-companytwo-gentlemen-of-veronaandking-john-RuIfRSKuRYmXxm5emzSb3A?t=2025-06-27-19-00
• For the King John performance on Saturday, 28 June: https://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/show/prague- shakespeare-companytwo-gentlemen-of-veronaandking-john-RuIfRSKuRYmXxm5emzSb3A?t=2025-06-28-19-00
• For the Double Bill of Two Gentlemen of Verona and King John performance on Sunday, 29 June: https://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/show/prague-shakespeare-companytwo-gentlemen-of-veronaandking-john-RuIfRSKuRYmXxm5emzSb3A?t=2025-06-29-19-00

Prague Shakespeare Company:

www.pragueshakespeare.org

photos are courtesy Kaja Curtis photography

On the occasion of the feast day of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the Order of Malta, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Wenceslas Lobkowicz, and Armelle Lobkowicz hosted a reception at the beautiful, historic Velkopřevorský palác, Malá Strana, Prague.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Wenceslas Lobkowicz, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Czech Republic

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will award the 2025 Gratias agit prizes in the Grand Hall of the Czernin Palace in Prague. The award, established in 1997, recognizes people and institutions from around the world who have promoted Czechia through long-term civic engagement.

The Gratias agit award is not associated with any financial reward.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Marcus Mucha is the great-grandson of the world-famous Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist Alphonse Mucha. UK-born Marcus, who is in his mid 40s, is Executive Director of the Mucha Foundation, which preserves and promotes the work of the world renowned Art Nouveau pioneer. When we spoke at its recently opened Mucha Museum in the heart of Prague the conversation took in such topics as the artist’s fluctuating international renown, Marcus’s previous career as a Hollywood producer and the story of how a Nazi officer protected his Jewish great-grandmother, Alphonse’s wife.

How Czech did you feel growing up?.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Jean de Calan

For decades, the French surgeon Thierry Bouchet collected Franz Kafka’s books. Some pieces from his collection are now being sold in Paris at Le Carreau du Temple for over two million Czech crowns.

Stored at the beautiful 19th-century Le Carreau du Temple in Paris, the Kafka collection consists of manuscripts, letters, and translations, including more than 400 pieces.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Ondřej Tomšů, Radio Prague International

Juventus and Czechia legend Pavel Nedvěd has taken the wheel at the senior and U21 national teams in the role of general manager. The 2003 Ballon d’Or winner has accepted the Czech Football Federation’s offer, after leaving his most recent role as sporting director of Saudi club Al Shabab.

Pavel Nedvěd collected 91 caps for Czechia before hanging up his boots in 2009.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: František Jirků, Czech Radio

The historic wind instrument known as the cornett, or zink, once again echoes through Czech churches. Students from across Europe, including young Czechs, are learning to play it under the guidance of expert musicians.

It looks like a curved wooden pipe, with finger holes like on a recorder, but it’s played more like a brass instrument.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Pavel Lebeda, ČTK

17-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout has chosen Czechia for his first senior athletics meeting abroad. In December last year he bettered Usain Bolt’s 2003 record to become the fastest 16-year-old ever on the 200m distance – the same discipline he will take on in Ostrava.

With a time of 20.

See more here.

Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Radim Strachoň, MF DNES, LN/Profimedia

Archaeologists in South Moravia have uncovered a rare Roman artefact: a bronze fragment of a soldier’s wrist purse. Over 1,800 years old, it is most likely the oldest purse found on the territory of today’s Czechia.

The rare discovery was made in January of this year on Hradisko Hill in South Moravia, at the site of a fortified camp once occupied by the 10th Roman Legion during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Klára Stejskalová, Radio Prague International

This Sunday, there were more locals than tourists below Prague’s Astronomical Clock. They came to admire a parade of historical and modern buses that were part of the city’s public transport system for 100 years. A ceremonial parade of vintage buses set off from Old Town Square to Hradčany Square and people could even take a ride on some of them.

See more here.