Malostranska beseda is the new highlight of Prague´s Royal Way

Six interactive expositions form the basis of the project which was first introduced in Paris in 2006. These are called Gateway to the world of creative human fantasy, Labyrinth of light, Leporelo Game, Golem, Sensorium and PLAY and are inspired by the work of the humanist thinker J. A. Comenius called Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart. The screenplay of the exhibitions stems from the experience acquired while organising interactive exhibitions The Nests of Games – Rudolfinum Gallery 200 and The Garden of Fantasy and Music – Czech exposition at EXPO 2005 in Aichi, Japan.

Lenka Vanova, Project Director, said: “The exhibitions are based on the artistic concept of Petr Nikl developed in co-operation with Czech and international artists. They have been viewed by more than 2.6 million people all over the world since 2000. Individual expositions try to encourage imagination, creativity and fantasy by means of interactive tools and objects. Individual sections of the exhibitions focus primarily on the phenomenon of play – on the creative cognition of the world through ourselves and our own senses.”

It is essential to touch

The seventh exhibition of the ORBIS PICTUS PLAY series is unique because the visitor is engaged in “the game” and brings the exhibits to life. The exhibits are usually tools which give rise to creative artwork once the visitor´s active fantasy has been involved. The project mirrors the strength of the creative desire for cognition but also proves that the phenomenon of play can function as a universal communication tool regardless of nationality, religion or age. This way the project builds on and develops the timeless philosophy of John Amos Comenius.

Rostislav Vondruska, Director of CzechTourism, said: “The exhibition is attractive to people of all nationalities because there is no language barrier. People everywhere like to play. The exhibition is conveniently located in the very heart of Prague and makes a nice break for those walking up the Royal Way and perhaps looking for a bit of rest as well as enjoyment for their children.”

The main part of the Vikyre PLAY exhibition is situated in five attic rooms containing the individual attic windows. There is a stunning view of the St Nicholas Cathedral and Malostranske Square from these windows. Some of the tools forming the exhibition create a link between these individual rooms, some of them sit on the floor between them and others hang from the ceiling like bats. 

„Nikl´s concept at Malostranska beseda creates imaginative space for all senses and is open to everyone regardless of age or social status,” adds Lenka Vanova.

The exhibition is designed as an ever changing project offering something new even to people who have attended before.

For more information, please contact:

Czech Tourism Scandinavia and Finland

Tel.: 08 44 04 239
E-mail: info-se@czechtourism.com
http://czechtourism.com