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The Boogying Building in Prague

PHOTO CREDIT:  www.contentwire.com

When people visit Prague they return raving about the massive medieval castle on the hill, the historic Charles Bridge, the famous Astronomical Clock. They praise the Old Town Square, the steeples, spires and turrets of buildings in a myriad of architectural styles and the remnants of hippie chic.

While I loved seeing all of these iconic locations when I visited this magical and somewhat mysterious city, I vividly remember the sleek and modern Frank Gehry building. Known as Fred and Ginger or sometimes the Dancing House, it was designed by Gehry and Vlado Milunic in 1992 and completed in 1996.

Consisting of two cylindrical towers in daring shapes, it resembles two people swaying and dancing to music. One tower one bends at the middle, curving back, inspiring many to think of Ginger Rogers twirling about in the arms of Fred Astaire.

The other tower-also a distorted cylinder- gets larger as it gets taller.  Tiny columns under Ginger’s skirts makes one think of legs.  I couldn’t help but half expect the whole thing to dislodge from its river side location and go waltzing down the street.

In a city known for 1000 years of art and architecture, the Gehry building provides a sleek and modern contrast to the Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau standouts all around the town.

The actual motivation for this form came from a need to fit into the surrounding area.  In the book, Conversations with Frank Gehry,” author Barbara Isenberg, quotes Gehry as saying, “ Look at the balcony of an existing building with a view of the castle across the river, which my tower would block.  So I pinched in my building.”

We attended a dinner in the elegant French restaurant on the top floor. We were delighted to have champagne and nibbles on the roof, overlooking the city, the bridge and castle, all lit up and glorious, before going in for a splendid feast.  It was memorable and so is the building.

This quirky city is well worth visiting, especially if you enjoy architecture.  It wasn’t bombed during the wars in Europe so there is much to see and enjoy.   Don’t miss the Dancing House when you go.

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

4 Comments
  1. posted by
    Kate Dernocoeur
    Apr 14, 2010 Reply

    I’d be happy to snap more photos for anyone who wants ’em when I’m there this summer — all you have to do is sponsor my champagne on the roof! 🙂

  2. posted by
    Peggy DePersia
    Apr 14, 2010 Reply

    I can vouch for the mysteriousness of the city especially in October when, as we experienced it, the skies were gray and the sun ‘seemed’ to go down in the middle of the afternoon. At that time, the city felt very ‘goth’.
    Loved our walking tour of the city and our guide’s sense of all of the new possibilities available to the people of the Czech Republic.

  3. posted by
    vinneve
    Jun 21, 2020 Reply

    I have seen that photo from other bloggers who went to Prague, it seems famous. I would love to visit it someday if I get the chance via Abu Dhabi. Fingers crossed.

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Jun 21, 2020 Reply

      I HOPE YOU GET TO go to Prague sometime. It’s a wonderful destination and i particularly enjoyed my experience with this building.

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