European Capital of Culture 2015: Art Events in Pilsen

This year there are two cities lucky enough to be named European Capitals of Culture. You’ve got the lovely, humble town of Mons in Belgium as well as quirky Pilsen in the Czech Republic.

Pilsen is best known for its beer and boasts a number of craft breweries dotted throughout the city. If you’re heading there this year, make sure you sample some of the local flavours as well as the special edition offerings made especially for 2015.

But it’s not just beer that Pilsen offers. Often sidestepped for larger cities in the Czech Republic, it in fact features an array of museums, galleries and arty things to do. As part of the celebrations this year, it will also be hosting exclusive performances, exhibitions, and shows in some of the larger venues as well as throughout the city streets.

Pilsen kicks off its cultural celebrations on the 17th January with a performance by the Pilsen Philharmonic and, for 10 months, there will also be a series of circus events opened by Swiss tightrope walked David Dimitri.

Then the party begins…

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Art events in Pilsen this year

Festival of Light – Throughout February the city will be lit up with a colourful light exhibition which aims to bust the dark, gloomy winter days.

9 Weeks of Baroque – Throughout the summer months, starting on the 27th June, there are 9 Baroque performances taking place throughout Pilsen with the aim of providing listeners with a multi-sensory experience.

Le Cirque Nouveau – After David Dimitri and his tightrope extravaganza opens the celebrations on the first day, there will then be numerous other performances by international acrobats and circus performers for the following ten months. Expect to see colourful, big tops studded throughout the city and on the outskirts (‘roll up, roll up’ to see some world-class acts).

Factories for Imagination – Pilsen is a hugely industrial city; an element that makes up much of its history, so it makes sense that it makes a featured appearance in this year’s celebrations. From April to December, a series of industrial premises throughout the city will host exhibitions showcasing the history of abandoned buildings and contemporary European design.

Royal de Luxe – The French theatre group Royal de Luxe will root themselves in Republic Square right in the centre where the group’s Little Girl Giant, a six-metre tall puppet, will watch over the city’s streets. Puppetry is an important part of Pilsen’s heritage (the city has a dedicated museum to the craft).

Skupa Pilsen International – By chance, the biennial Skupa Pilsen International takes places this year alongside the Capital of Culture celebrations. It’s a puppet festival that boasts performances from international stars in the field as well as local, home-grown talent.

Maori portraits – Emotive Maori paintings from the 1890s by Pilsen-born Bohumir Lindauer go on display at the Gallery of West Bohemia from May until June. They are on loan from the National Gallery in Auckland will be exhibited alongside more of his paintings that show scenes from his everyday life.

Jazz bez hranic – Jazz is an important part of Pilsen life, and there are plenty of jazz bars and clubs dotted throughout the city. The annual jazz festival, Jazz bez hranic, will take place this year (as it does every year), showcasing local and international performers.

World War II Parade – The February Light Festival will be replaced in May by a parade commemorating the liberation of the city by the American army.

Bringing architecture to life – Throughout the summer months many of Pilsen’s famous monuments will be brought to life with performances, exhibitions, music and fireworks. Spread out over 9 weeks, this part of the celebrations aims to highlight the beautiful Bohemian architectural treasures of the city.

Contemporary art – There will be numerous contemporary art shows taking place in the intimate studios and galleries throughout the city, but of notable interest is the exhibition of Jiri Trnka. It is the first profile show of the Pilsen native and there will also be an interactive display of his renowned book, The Garden, running alongside the exhibition.

These are just a few of the more notable events taking place in Pilsen this year. Of course, many of the museums and galleries that stud the city will be hosting their own series of shows, performances, and programmes, so be sure to check out individual websites before you visit.

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For the most part, though, the events that are a part of the Capital of Culture celebrations follow a selection of themes. Here are those themes with some of the shows that are representing them:

Arts and Technology

• The Legacy of Adolf Loos
• Le Cirque Nouveau and dance performances

Relationships and Emotions

• The exhibition of Jiri Trnka and his book installation
• Puppetry shows

Stories and Sources

• 9 Weeks of Baroque
• Liberation Festival – the parade to commemorate the end of World War II

Transit and Minorities

• House of European Cultures
• A collection of historical routes set up in the region

I’m hoping to take trips to both Pilsen and Mons this summer to experience some of the celebrations for myself. But, either way, it’s clear to see that Pilsen has a full and vibrant programme that’s perfect for art-loving travellers!

Are you planning on visiting Pilsen this year? Have you been before?