老澳门六合彩开奖记录

Design devotees will find plenty in Prague to swoon over. Not only is the Czech capital a living masterclass in past design movements, now a new generation of creative talent are busy subverting tradition and producing beautiful, unconventional objects and spaces to explore. Here are the best things to see and do in Prague for design lovers.

An aerial view of the cubist lightbulb staircase at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The lightbulb staircase at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague 漏 Museum of Decorative Arts

1. Fall in love with Czech glass

With a tradition dating to the Middle Ages, it鈥檚 little wonder Czech glass is synonymous with quality. But it鈥檚 the combination of craftsmanship and innovation which really makes it shine.

To spend a few hours surrounded by iridescent beauty, visit both Prague鈥檚 Museum of Decorative Arts and . The former houses its impressive glass collection in an opulent Neo-Renaissance building in the old Jewish quarter. The latter 鈥 Prague鈥檚 only dedicated glass art museum 鈥 is based in a Baroque summer palace in the handsome district of Sm铆chov.

For those wanting their own glistening keepsake, heritage Czech brand Moser sells colourful, contemporary pieces as well as classic, handcrafted designs. ART臍L鈥檚 design store, a short stroll from the Charles Bridge, is also worth a browse.

The ornate interior of the Cafe Orient, Prague
It's hard to know where to look first in the Cafe Orient 漏 Veronika Primm / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录

2. Stop for coffee in the world鈥檚 only cubist caf茅

Between 1911 鈥 1914, a group of Czech artists, inspired by Picasso and Braque鈥檚 paintings, began to apply the principals of Cubism to architecture and design. The result was some of the most charmingly angular buildings and interiors in the world.

Grand Caf茅 Orient in the Old Town is the perfect spot for coffee and cake while delighting in this unique Czech style. Based on the first floor of Go膷谩r鈥檚 masterpiece, the House of the Black Madonna, even the chandeliers and the coat hooks are a Cubist tour de force.

Providing further proof that it鈥檚 hip to be square is the Museum of Decorative Art鈥檚 Cubist collection on the upper floors of the building. Skip the lift and instead climb the swirling lightbulb staircase. Once outside, take a stroll past the world鈥檚 only Cubist lamppost on nearby Jungmannovo n谩m臎st铆.

External view of the Villa Muller
Villa M眉ller is a must-see for design fans 鈥 prebooking is essential 漏 Dietmar Rauscher / Shutterstock

3. Step into modernist heaven in a suburban villa

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of St艡e拧ovice, at first glance Villa M眉ller seems an unlikely National Cultural Monument. But behind its simple box-like exterior lies an arresting polychrome creation, where each room seeks to surprise.

Designed by celebrated Modernist architect Adolf Loos in the 1920s, the villa is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends. Tours must be booked in advance.

Although photography isn鈥檛 allowed, visions of purple walls with lacquered yellow furniture and hard marble coupled with luxurious oriental rugs and salmon-pink chairs make for indelible memories.

4. Savour a local beer surrounded by Art Nouveau glamour

Prague is awash with Art Nouveau style as well as excellent beer. Combine the pleasures of both with a trip to the in Prague鈥檚 Municipal House. With a traditional beer hall atmosphere, it is possible to enjoy a classic Czech meal alongside a glass of Pilsner Urquell. The resplendent stained-glass and cornflower-blue tiled walls add a touch of splendour to the proceedings.

The Municipal House is also home to a cafe, French restaurant, gallery space and concert hall. To fully experience the building鈥檚 ornate details and sumptuous furnishings, it's advisable to book a tour. This includes the Mayor鈥檚 Hall, created by the Czech Art Nouveau pioneer, Alfons Mucha.

Committed Mucha fans can also find his work, including his famous Parisian posters, at the Mucha Museum. His stained-glass panel adds to the ethereal quality of the St. Vitus Cathedral.

5. Explore a re-imagined industrial space in hip Hole拧ovice

To discover Prague鈥檚 present-day creative pulse, jump on a tram and head to Hole拧ovice. Once rather down-at-heel, this district now boasts some of the city鈥檚 most cutting-edge galleries and boutiques.

At its heart is the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. This former factory has been transformed into a sleek gallery space, notable for the striking wooden airship which appears to hover over the building. Inside, visitors can climb aboard the airship Gulliver, as well as check out the often-provocative exhibitions and innovative design shop,

Nearby is a further masterclass in urban regeneration. Now a contemporary circus venue, gallery and bar, a trip to this old meat factory makes for an exhilarating evening out. Or, just down the road, laid-back Vnitroblock is a fun place for a coffee and sneaker shopping while basking in industrial charm.

Every October, Hole拧ovice鈥檚 industrial palace plays host to . Always a highlight of the city鈥檚 calendar, it showcases Czech talent, both established and new.

The John Lennon Wall in Prague, covered with graffiti tributes to the late singer
Find the hidden doorway in the John Lennon Wall that leads to a beautiful design shop 漏 Doug McKinlay / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录

6. Hunt for unusual souvenirs by local designers

Find the hidden door in the graffiti-covered John Lennon Wall and step into a tranquil garden courtyard, home to . Filled with treasures, this is a good place to find handmade glassware by young Czech designers.

Retro junkies will enjoy inspecting the Czech design classics in Modernista. The branch at the Museum of Czech Cubism (also know as the House of the Black Madonna) sells particularly covetable replicas of Cubist ceramics. For those who prefer to wear their vintage collection, Botas 66 concept stores sell their 1966 trainers with a present-day twist.

To stock up on stylish city mementos, has a branch in the heart of the New Town, as well as one a few steps from the Charles Bridge.

Exterior of the Zizkov TV Tower in Prague with giant model babies on the sides
No one expects fibreglass babies climbing a TV Tower but that is what 沤i啪kov gives you 漏 Doug McKinlay / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录

7. Stay in a design icon

Once voted one of the world鈥檚 ugliest buildings, the TV Tower in 沤i啪kov has achieved cult status among those with a penchant for high-tech architecture. The tower鈥檚 popularity grew with the somewhat surprising addition of sixteen giant, fibreglass babies 鈥 designed by provocative Czech artist David 膶erny. A stay in the luxurious One Room Hotel in the 216m tower provides some unbeatable city views.

Affectionately nicknamed 鈥楩red and Ginger鈥, due to the building鈥檚 lyrical shape, Frank Gehry鈥檚 deconstructivist Dancing House is also home to a hotel. Its rooms offer four-star comfort on the banks of the Vltava river, whereas its popular restaurant mirrors the exterior flair for visual panache.

Looking for cool interiors and an affordable price tag? A stone鈥檚 throw from the cultural attractions of Hole拧ovice, Mama Shelter ticks both boxes. Although its 1960's building may not be iconic, the blend of original communist-era features with vibrant colours and playful decor will be sure to please design aficionados.

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