Ferdinand Vaněk Bench Prague
Who knew Ferdinand V.?
Well, actually, almost nobody knew Ferdinand Vaněk. It was actually a pseudonym of the later very famous first president of the Czech Republic Václav Havel. But back then, if you didn't want to get in trouble, instead of saying that you'd met with a famous dissident, you just mentioned Vaněk. Even the official newspaper wished (in the section where you'd pay for little ads) all the best to Ferdinand Vaněk, not knowing that the dissident community was laughing how that little gem had made it through the tough censorship. So today there's a little piece of art celebrating the life of Václav Havel in the form of a gravity-defying bench, just like Havel defied the realities of the communist regime back then.
The keg supporting the bench points to the time Havel was in jail and working in the brewery. The translation of the text says "But I certainly cannot participate in something with which I disagree."
If you visit this spot in April or beginning of May, you may witness the overwhelming bloom of many sakura trees and probably you'll meet many Japanese people taking selfies under the impressive canopy of pink. Come a little later to walk in a deep carpet of sakura petals. Visit any other time & see examples of more than a century of architectural styles - old buildings of The University of Chemical Technology & the more modern Faculty of Electro, Faculty of Architecture & the Technical Library. BTW, it is also on path of our E-bike trip.
About this spot
Technická 5
- 24 hours daily
CZK
no-price
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Prague
Kiss Spot in Malá Strana
Long-tolerated graffiti
There's this old graffiti in Malá Strana in Prague that's elegant in its simplicity: "this is a good kiss spot", it reads...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Botanica Coffee Truck
Most Instagrammable yard
"Botanica Coffee Truck" in Prague, in the trendy Vršovice district is primarily a flower & gardening shop that brings in the Insta crowd in real numbers!
by
Eliška
Pelková
Nebušické Oko
Scenic viewpoint with a surprise
"Nebušické Oko" in Prague is an exciting scenic viewpoint/installation where you can interact with a giant 'eye!' Come and let your inner child run wild...
by
Eliška
Pelková
The Přístěnek Artwork
On a wave of joy
Lay your eyes on this 'sculpture' in Prague, and you'll most definitely have the same reaction most adults have - you'll want to go back to your childhood!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Pražská Tržnice
The new local hotspot
"Pražská Tržnice" in Prague is an old industrial complex that has been completely transformed - now it has outdoor bars, live music, food trucks...
by
Eliška
Pelková
Vršovická Vodárna
Beautiful water tower
"Vršovická Vodárna" in Prague is an old water tower that brings four of the city's neighborhoods into one building - and what beautiful architecture!
by
Janina
Michlova
Podhorská Vyhlídka
Another Vltava puzzle piece
"Podhorská Vyhlídka" in Prague is one of the great vistas over the river Vltava, every Czech's favorite river. It's easy to get here from the center...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Špálova Galerie
Gallery with a soul
"Špálova Galerie" in Prague is a rather small gallery that overflows with character. Three levels, very well curated exhibitions, fantastic artist choice.
by
Eliška
Pelková
Skatepark Štvanice
Skaters' paradise
"Skatepark Štvanice" is on the island of the same name in Prague's river. It's open for everybody the whole year. Get a beer, watch the stunts, relax...
by
Janina
Michlova
Větráky Letenského Tunelu
Timeless creativity
The four ventilation chimneys above "Větráky Letenského Tunelu" are covered in abstract digital mosaics developed all the way back in 1969!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Suchardova Vila
Living among the elite
"Suchardova Vila" in Prague was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It's the house-museum of sculptor Stanislav Sucharda. How big & majestic it is!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Vltavská
Concrete crossroads
"Vltavská" in Prague is a communist-built public transport crossroads. It's ugly but there's beauty in the people & the labyrinth of stairs & walkthroughs.
by
Janina
Michlova
Heading to Prague?
206 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Prague?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 206 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Prague
Get to know our other Spotters from Prague
As featured on:
