Prague and unusual architecture. dancing House

The capital of the Czech Republic amazes with its beauty: Gothic houses painted in pleasant bright colors, cobbled streets, squares with the faces of saints, Charles Bridge and, of course, the unusual and at the same time so cozy Dancing House. The natives of Prague call one cylindrical tower Ginger and the other Fred. The house got its nickname thanks to a pair of dancers: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

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Surely everyone who heard the name of the building imagined complex mechanisms that allow the massive building to rotate along its axis to the music. However, in this version everything is much simpler: the house does not make any movements, and only your imagination can make it move. Nevertheless, the Dancing House is worth a look. It got its name because of its appearance. The style in which the house was built is called deconstructivism and involves the use of various, at first glance, impossible forms for architectural structures.

The Dancing House consists of two towers, tightly adjacent to each other. Using your imagination, you can imagine that one of the towers is a girl, while the other is a man, and both of them merged in a passionate dance of love.

The house was built not so long ago, which is why it differs significantly from the buildings surrounding it, but such a contrast only adds charm to both the houses of the 19th century and the building of the 21st. Back in the 19th century, on the site of the Dancing stood an ordinary house, of which there are countless in the area . In it, like in others, lived an ordinary family, whose existence was not noted in history. However, at one time, American aircraft bombed Prague, and one of the hundreds of explosive devices fell on the erected house. In a destroyed state, the house stood until the second half of the twentieth century, reminding all residents of both Prague and the Czech Republic as a whole of the destructive power of war.

Vaclav Havel, who came to the presidential service at the end of the 20th century, settled near the destroyed house, and every day he was forced to see the charred and destroyed walls. Outraged by this state of affairs, he nurtured for a long time and later voiced an interesting idea: to build a new one on the site of the old building, using new architectural styles. This would help not only to hide traces of the ruins, but also to create another highlight in Prague, which would be an excellent addition to the main architecture.

Construction of the Dancing House in Prague

Deciding to create something unusual, Vaclav Havel turned to two world-famous architects: Vlado Milunić from Croatia and Frank Guerry from Canada. Thus, from a simple construction, the dancing house turned into an international project, which was personally led by Vaclav Havel. Despite the complex architectural structures, construction proceeded quite quickly. The house was built in just two years: construction began in 1994, and was completed in 1996. Until now, the house operates according to the same scheme as it was conceived: inside the building there is an office center, and on the upper floors there is an expensive restaurant, through the windows of which a gorgeous view of Prague opens. The interiors were designed by Eva Jorziczna, who is a popular designer in the UK.

The house amazes with its imaginary fragility: standing next to it, you get the feeling that the slightest breath of wind - and the house will sway, groan and groan, and as a result will simply fall, burying the beautiful square beneath it. However, all this is nothing more than an optical illusion. The building was built using advanced technologies. For the first time in Prague, complex 3D modeling programs were used for its construction, which made it possible to carefully plan everything. Calculations were carried out more than once, and only after repeated checks was construction started. The effect of a falling house frozen in dance was invented by Vlado Milunić, and he explained his decision by his love for incredible forms of construction, the effect of “unfinished” construction.

How did local residents react to the Dancing House?

However, despite all the admiration among the architects and the president, local residents were in real horror and shock. They often organized strikes and rallies, asked for an audience with the president - in every possible and impossible way they tried to ensure that the house was demolished. Many representatives of the elite agreed with them: they called the house drunk, and said that with its drunken appearance it only insulted the nearby classical houses and the whole of Prague as a whole. However, the president was pleased with his brainchild and had no intention of abandoning it. So, gradually, the residents came to terms with his existence and even fell in love with him. Today, about 70% have a positive view of the Dancing House, another 15% are neutral, and only 15% are negative. However, no active steps are being taken to eliminate it.

Second title: Ginger and Fred

In December 2013, the owner and name of the house changed. At the auction, a major collector of architectural structures, as well as a famous real estate investor, Vaclav Skale, paid eighteen million dollars for the lot. He does not consider this price too high and considers the purchase to be very successful. Of course, owning one of the sights of Prague isn’t happiness? For now, the house retains its old structure, although the new owner has renamed it “Ginger and Fred.”

Despite the fact that Prague is a rather archaic city, and urban buildings have passed it by, today the Dancing House not only does not stand out from the general style, but emphasizes it and its individuality at the same time. The new-fashioned building in the deconstructivist style has won the hearts of millions of tourists, and it will not leave you indifferent either. Even though the recognition of the cultural value of the building by local residents came twenty years later, it is still better than never. When visiting Prague, you feel as if you are plunging into a fairy tale, where small streets, squares and rivers are intertwined into a single magical story telling about the history of the old city.

dancing House- a rather absurd phrase, but such a house still exists. It is located near the center of Prague. Contrary to expectations, there are no complex mechanisms that set the house in motion, just the outlines of the building look like two silhouettes merging in a dance. One of the towers of the house expands upward and symbolizes a male figure, and the second tower, expanding both up and down, visually resembles a female silhouette with a thin waist and a skirt fluttering in dance.

The Dancing House was built in the deconstructivist style, which is characterized by:
- visual complexity,
- unexpected broken and deliberately deformed forms,
- aggressive invasion of the surrounding urban environment.

The unusual house contrasts greatly with the neighboring buildings, which were built much earlier. Once upon a time there was an ordinary house in its place, but it was destroyed in February 1945 during a bombing by American aircraft. On that day, hundreds of civilians died and many city buildings, including historical landmarks, were destroyed. The Americans claim that this terrible bombing was an accidental mistake: the pilots confused Prague with the German Dresden. For a long time, the ruins of a destroyed house reminded of a terrible war. The idea of ​​​​building a new building on the site of the ruins that spoiled the face of the city belongs to the former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel, who for many years lived next door to the destroyed house. The project turned out to be international: the Czech architect of Croatian origin Vlado Milunich and the American architect of Polish origin Frank Gehry worked on the unusual object.

Creators of the Dancing House: Former President of the Czech Republic
and architects and

Vlado Milunich deliberately wanted to build an unusual building in the deconstructivist style against the backdrop of conservative houses, so that it would symbolize the global changes that have occurred in the Czech Republic in recent years (the fall of the totalitarian regime). The house project was conceived as a metaphor for a dancing couple, and in the process of work Frank Gehry came up with the name “ Ginger and Fred"in honor of the famous Hollywood dancer duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

Now Ginger and Fred are not only a famous Hollywood dancing duo, but also an unusual building in Prague.

The building project shocked the public, and a lot of controversy flared up around it. Despite this, Vaclav Havel approved the sensational project and personally supervised the construction, which took place from 1994 to 1996. By the way, the Dancing House became the first building in the world built using 3D technologies. Immediately after construction was completed, many townspeople called for the demolition of the Dancing House, which "It's like he's mocking the neighboring buildings". However, soon the inhabitants of the city of a hundred towers fell in love with the two new towers of the Dancing House, and the house itself is now called the pearl of Prague. Emphasizing the unofficial status of the building, a restaurant is located on the top floor " La Perle de Prague» (« Pearl of Prague"). The prices on the menu are not at all budget, but you can enjoy not only culinary delights from the chef, but also beautiful panoramic views of the Czech capital. In addition to the restaurant, the building houses offices of various international companies, and a four-star hotel opened in mid-2016« Dancing House Hotel » , although the building was originally planned to house an art gallery and library.

The dancing house's windows also dance.

By the standards of the main attractions of the Czech capital, the Dancing House is still quite young, but it has already become one of the most photographed objects in Prague and is one of the most unusual buildings in the world. Almost every tourist who visits Prague has a photograph with the Dancing House in the background.

Video Dancing House in Prague

If you get closer to the Dancing House, its curved shapes can cause slight dizziness and seem completely awkward. However, you only need to take a closer look to notice the sophistication and eternally hidden grace of the building, the elegance and beauty of its curved lines.

Address of the Dancing House in Prague

The Dancing House is located in Prague 2, on the corner of Resslova Street and Rasinovo nabrezni.
Address: Rasinovo nabrezni, 2000/78

How to find the Dancing House in Prague?

If you stand facing the Charles Bridge, leaving the center of Prague behind you, and turn left and walk about a kilometer along the embankment, you will find yourself at the Dancing House. You definitely won’t be able to pass by this unusual building without noticing it.

Dancing house on the map of Prague

Official website of the Dancing House- tadu.cz

Travel from A to Z:

If you think that real estate moves to the rhythm of a dance, you are mistaken. In fact, the house got its name from its deconstructivist design. The building consists of two cylindrical towers, one of which bends, and seems to resemble a dancing couple, which even has a humorous name among Prague residents “Ginger and Fred” (in honor of the couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire). The unusual design certainly contrasts and stands out among the buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A little history

Previously, a house was built on the site of a bright office center in the 19th century, but after the bombing of Prague by American aircraft, the building was completely destroyed and the ruins remained until the 1960s. The idea to build a new building on the site of the disappeared one belongs to the former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel, who at that time lived not far from this facility.

What is inside:

Inside the building there is an international office center, and at the very top there is a French restaurant overlooking Prague.

In mid-2016, the four-star Dancing House Hotel opened in the building. 21 rooms available. All rooms have a wonderful panoramic view. The top two rooms, Ginger Royal Suite and Fred Royal Suit, are especially popular.

Dancing House - international project

The authors of this unusual architectural project are the architect from Croatia Vlado Milunić and the architect from Canada Frank Gerry. This international project was implemented quite quickly in the period from 1994 to 1996, under the personal supervision of Vaclav Havel.

New home owner

The famous Dancing House has changed its name and from December 17, 2013 called Ginger and Fred. It was on this day that the deconstructivist building, built in 1940-1950, was sold for $18 million to the famous collector of architectural structures and real estate investor Vaclav Skala.

The Dancing House was given a more accurate name and now proclaims the names of two famous dancers - Fred Astaire and Gingerie Rogers, who were the star dancing couple in 10 films between 1933 and 1949.

A representative of the company Jones Lang LaaSalle, which was involved in the sale of the house, said that due to the high competition in the process of selling the building, objects of this type will always be in demand among investors.

Let us remind you that in the world there are more than a dozen buildings in the unique style of deconstructivism. Thus, in Bilbio there is a Guggenheim Museum depicting a liner, and in Seattle there is a museum in the form of a drum set and skirts.

The country of contrasts and ancient squares - the Czech Republic - has prepared a lot of unforgettable things for its visitors. Bohemian Prague, the curves of Kutná Hora, the fountains of Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, the well-groomed beaches of Lake Macha and the unique flavor of the Czech-German accent. All this is part of the history of the ancient European people, who, in addition, are famous for their unique architectural talent. As an example - the popular Dancing House.

At the origins of the architectural idea

The Dancing House in Prague (address: Prague 2, on the corner of Resslova Street and Embankment) is a relatively young architectural creation. It was built more than twenty years ago, in 1996. The fateful decision to develop the area at the intersection of Resslova and Rašinova Embankment streets was made by then President Václav Havel. At that time he lived with his family nearby. Until January 1945, there was a building here, which soon collapsed after the invasion of American aircraft. Fifty years later, an unusual structure was erected on the site of the ruins, and the square began to sparkle with new colors.

The Dancing House was created by two architects: Canadian Frank Gehry and Czech Vlad Milunovich. The president himself personally supervised the project. And just four years later (1992-1996), the world saw another architectural creation in the style of deconstructivism. The international tandem of professional architects was more than fruitful. The only negative that accompanied the masters while working on the project was the distance between Prague and Los Angeles. But despite the difficulties, Frank and Vlado worked well together. Rigorous engineering calculations, hard work and a good sense of humor have created a real cultural object.

Prague highlight design

A drunken or dancing house - that's what the Czechs jokingly call it. No, he doesn't dance - it's a symbolic name. The secret lies in the design of the building, thanks to which we see two objects - cylindrical towers, which visually resemble a pair of dancing people. The first tower is a male prototype. She is noticeably taller than the second, stately (like a man), smooth, expanding upward. The second is female. This tower is more curved, graceful, harmoniously pressed against the first. Its shape resembles a wasp-waisted girl in a fluffy dress that flutters in the wind. One of the architects, Frank Garry, suggested that the building resembled the pair of dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

When viewed from the side of the “female” tower, the supporting pillars, which were deliberately left visually open, create the impression of a floating building. It seems to hover in the air and creates the effect of a dancing “partner”. The roof structure requires special attention. At a height of more than seven floors, at the highest point of the building, there is a spherical iron structure and an observation deck that offers stunning views of the Vlatva River and the panorama of the majestic Prague.

The entrance to the dancing house in Prague is decorated with a sculpture of conceptual art - female legs in the form of a golden vice. Where did this idea come from? It is believed that one of the architects, Frank Garry, was simply in love with the legs of the dancer Ginger Rogers. As a tribute to the ideal, he decided to create such a masterpiece.

Compared to the straight angles of the "male" tower, the female prototype has a noticeable difference. The faceted windows are curved in an original way and have a slightly irregular shape. Inside the building, the architectural forms are uneven, asymmetrical, intricately curved, but quite harmonious. The mirrored walls of the curved tower are made of glossy light green panels. The windows offer stunning views of the city.

Design

The aesthetic design of the building is a prime example of innovative architecture. Breaking stereotypes, Frank Gary and Vlado Milunovic created a masterpiece that was ahead of its time. Now Prague with its Dancing House, the photo of which is familiar to every foreigner, has become a symbol of the changes taking place in the life of society. Undoubtedly, the events of the Velvet Revolution left their mark on the worldview of the Czechs. It was she who prompted Vlado Milunovic to think about creating a creative office center in the heart of Prague.

The name Dancing House did not catch on among the Czechs. They prefer to call it “Ginger and Fred”, in honor of the famous pair of dancers who conquered more than one world floor.

Failed plans

Vlado Milunovich wanted to create a three-dimensional architectural model with maximum functionality. Moving away from visualization, he planned to highlight the roof and surrounding areas in the form of many sculptures, a tunnel-passage through which one could go straight to the river, create a large green area, underground parking, a sphere with seating areas and a large concert hall.

Unfortunately, the architect received a refusal from the authorities and disapproval from his colleagues. He was accused of disrespect for the historical memory of the city and a desire to become famous. Despite numerous accusations, Milunovich, together with his Canadian colleague, went against the public and created a masterpiece of world art.

Although the architects' plans did not fully come true, the historical site has not lost its cultural significance and remains a favorite place for the townspeople. In order not to waste time looking for an answer on how to get to the Dancing House in Prague, it is best to take part in with a Russian-speaking guide.

Dancing house at night

You can admire the beautiful view of this building not only during the day. A lot of glowing lights complement the beauty of the city at night. The pearl of Prague stands out against the background of other buildings and changes its color until the morning. The incredibly beautiful spectacle of neon lights makes the “dancers” really come alive.

Deconstructivism in dance

Deconstructivism is an architectural technique that makes a building stand out from its surroundings. The Dancing House on the map of Prague is marked as a special attraction, in which such features of deconstructivism as deformation of building elements, broken forms, and visual complexity are clearly visible.

The Dancing House did not cause the expected delight among the population. It was even called a scar on the historical body of the city. The unusual design of the building's broken lines and the radical modernization of the banks of the Vltava River caused indignation among local residents.

Thus, the uniqueness of the newly erected building was not immediately appreciated by local residents. They saw it as an aggressive invasion into the already familiar environment of Prague. The reason for such dissatisfaction among the townspeople was the individual style, which did not resemble the nearby houses. The shape of the building with an elongated silhouette and asymmetrical contour did not fit into the rectangular classic of high-rise buildings.

But, as time has shown, this opinion was wrong. The structure seems very light and functional, and the relief design emphasizes and complements the appearance of neighboring buildings.

Over time, the stream of objections and negativity was replaced by a wave of delight and special interest. Millions began to admire the unusual building. Films were made about him, unique original reports and news columns were created.

The architect of the Dancing House in Prague created the embodiment of 3D technology. The Czech building became an experimental discovery in the world of architectural modeling more than twenty years ago.

Dancing house today

Today the owner of the scandalous landmark is Vaclav Skala. The collector paid $18 million for it. By transforming the monument of deconstructivism into a modern commercial and industrial center, he made perhaps the most successful investment of his life. Since the sale of the building in December 2013, it has officially been renamed Ginger and Fred.

Inside the building is equipped with the latest technology. Separate floors are reserved for modern offices. Successful European trading companies operate here. On the roof of the building there is a cozy French restaurant "Pearl of Prague". In 2016, an elite hotel was opened in the Dancing House. 21 comfortable rooms with unique views of the city. The Dancing House Hotel has four stars and two unusual top rooms. It is they (Ginger Royal Suite and Fred Royal Suit) that are very popular among city guests.

The architectural landmark of the city is the most popular place for photo shoots and is always open to tourists and guests. The surrounding area and various festivals are constantly taking place here. If desired, everyone can visit them and touch the past of the Czech Republic. The Dancing House in Prague, whose history has become the main advantage of the Czechs, has deservedly received worldwide recognition. And this is thanks to the unique style and author's design.

The Dancing House in Prague is a bold decision by architects to depict dance in a building. The building located in the city center has become a landmark of the capital of the Czech Republic.

The house caused a lot of controversy and criticism, but in the end the project was approved and built.

History of origin

The building, which formerly stood on the site of the Dancing House, was destroyed during the Second World War. And for almost half a century the place was empty until the Dancing House appeared.

Prague acquired a new landmark thanks to the decision of the president. It was he who proposed starting construction on an empty site. According to rumors, the neighboring house belonged to the Havel family before nationalization.

Of course, it is difficult to say which circumstance was the main one in the construction of the Dancing House, but the president decided to erect the building, which was designed by Vlado Milunich, on a vacant lot.

The insurance company that bought the land on the vacant lot put forward a requirement for the participation of a famous Western architect in the project. The choice fell on the famous

Home construction

The architects of the dancing house were Vlado Milunich and Frank Owen Gehry. The most modern technologies and materials of that time were used to build the Dancing House.

For the first time, Prague acquired a building in the deconstructivist style. This is a new direction that involves visual complexity, unexpected forms and an aggressive invasion of the urban environment.

The design was carried out using special three-dimensional imaging programs. The house required great accuracy of calculations. The indirect lines of this unusual house suggest that it is about to collapse. But professionals worked on it, and there should be no fears.

Construction of the unusual house began in 1994 and was personally supervised by the president.

The main architectural idea is an analogy with the famous dancing couple - and Ginger Rogers.

At first glance, the architectural design becomes clear. The building seems to be divided into two parts. One part looks like a man, and the second part looks like a woman in a skirt that flutters as she dances.

At first glance, half of the building does not differ much from the houses around it, but if you look closely, you will notice that all the windows and walls are slightly crooked.

The second part of the building is more curved and has a large angle of inclination. It is almost entirely covered with glass panels and has a modern look, while all the surrounding houses have preserved

At the very top of one of the buildings there is an observation deck and a kind of dome made of iron structures and antennas.

The Dancing House was built in 1996. Prague received another one and became famous throughout the world for its unusual architecture.

Criticism

Everything new and incomprehensible has always frightened people and caused sharp criticism. Even the Eiffel Tower, which has become, did not escape this.

The construction of such an original house caused a lot of discontent among the townspeople, because it was built in a completely different architectural style than its neighbors.

But this did not last long. And soon after construction, the house was recognized as a Prague highlight.

New home owner

The name of the Dancing House in Prague changed on December 17, 2013 to “Ginger and Fred”. On this day, the famous building was sold to the collector of unusual structures Vaclav Skala for $18 million.

The house now has a more accurate name in honor of the two dancers who inspired its creation - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This star couple shone on the screens in the 30s and 40s of the last century.

Ginger and Fred is not the only deconstructivist building, but it has rightfully earned its fame. A representative of Jones Lang LaaSalle, which sold the Dancing House, said that such buildings will always be in demand.

Dancing house today

When the building was first built, it was assumed that it would be the cultural center of the capital and museums would be located in the Dancing House. But everything turned out differently.

Today, the "Drunk House" is used as a business center, mainly the offices of international companies are located there. There is a French restaurant on the roof. There you can enjoy not only the excellent taste of the dishes, but also a beautiful view of the capital of the Czech Republic.

True, this pleasure is not cheap. Very often newlyweds come to celebrate their wedding at the Dancing House.

Prague opens up from a completely different side if you go up to the observation deck of the tower. You can enjoy views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River embankment. Or just watch the flow of Czech life.

Inside, the interiors of the first three floors were designed by Eva Jorzichnaya and match the style to the architecture of the building.

Where is the dancing house in Prague located?

The Dancing House is one of the attractions of Prague, so it can be found on any map or guidebook.

The “drunk house” stands at the intersection of Rashinovaya embankment and Resslova street. If you get to it from Charles Bridge, it won't take much time. You need to walk along the embankment in the direction of the National Theater, without turning anywhere. After ten minutes of travel, the Dancing House will come into view.

Building address: Rasinovo nabrezi, 80. Nearby there is the Karlovo Namesti metro station, which belongs to