by Tom Rehulka
Yes, this is the Meet Factory. It is the most popular alternative culture centre in Prague. Founded by world famous sculptor David Cerny in 2007. It is an ongoing art factory. During the daytime it offers a host of programs, studios and ateliers for young contemporary artists from all over Europe. In the evening it transforms into a music hall, theatre and cinema.
It is also home for the annual spring music main event Sperm Fest. During three days there are performances, audiovisual feasts, screenings and workshops. The festival continues the tradition of bringing together fresh and upcoming artists from the local Czech and global music scene.
Meet Factory is also the main venue for alternative star-groups. Throughout time bands such as Tortoise, Deerhoof, The Cinematics, New Young Pony Club, Fuck Buttons, etc. have performed there.
If you are planning to visit Prague then their website is definitely one to check for events.
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If you are more into dirty basement bars then 007, Matrix, Vagon and Futurum are the places for you.
Located in a dormitory basement 007 is one of the most legendary underground music venues in Prague. Even during the communist regime it rocked, founded in 1969. It is famous for having excellent acoustics and an intimate atmosphere, a place where the audience has a direct contact with the performers.
Hardcore never dies, neither will Matrix! This is where Prague’s hardcore and drum’n’bass scene walk hand in hand. It is a nucleus for the local hardcore fans. And on a weekly basis it holds several events with local techno and drum’n’bass DJs offering their best.
While entering the Vagon, you have to walk two floors underground. You pass a local fast food place, beauty center and fitness club. When you step in you will get confused – biker jackets, wigs, teenagers and everyone is Czech. This is the traditional Czech rock music club where all the local young rock bands have played at least once. It is focused on classic rock, but everyone should visit at least once get the sense of local hair metal youth culture.
Futurum is the biggest of the four. Known for its spacey old interior and multi-genre events. It contrasts 80s and 90s disco parties with concerts for true music friends. It is similar to 007, but hosts touring bands that demand bigger place for the audience. For example that’s where Shellac’s concert took place.
by Tom Rehulka
If dirty is not for you and you want to be surrounded by more beautiful and fashionable people then Prague offers this too. The best ones to go would be NOD, Final and Dloha Patro.
NOD is the main place where people go to just to be seen. On different days it offers various entertainments from concerts to exhibitions. It is also home for experimental theatre, which one can experience without knowing the language. During the weekends it becomes a party place where local hip bands and DJs give their best for visitors to dance like there is no tomorrow.
If you want to be more than just cool – you should visit club Final. It is charming and has an intimate atmosphere and one of the biggest plusses is that not so many people know it. Their program differs from week to week, from noise events to ordinary discos.
Dloha Patro is one of the most hidden places in Prague. If you are not accompanied by people who know where it is, there is a chance you will not find it. It is located in one old town inner-garden’s darkest corner and even then you have to find the right door and the right floor to get in. Although it’s becoming more and more popular, it used to be a complete Kinder Surprise. No-one knew the program. You could walk in to a swing party, local rap scene celebration, techno party or a jazz concert. All this makes it more fun to visit!
by Tom Rehulka
Holesovice is a district that has changed the most throughout history. In the middle of the 19th century it became an industrial zone and its look changed completely. It continued like this ‘til the end of World War II. During the war it was highly popular among German soldiers who saw here many similarities to Berlin. After the great flood in 2002 it started to become more and more popular among young people due to the low rent prices and growing cultural scene. Because of the flood, the government also started to invest more and more into the district and now it is getting back ino shape again.
Due to its history it contrasts the past and present really well. The main arenas for sports and music, low-fi underground places with historical and traditional ordinary-working-man’s corner pubs are located here.
One of its trademarks is Cross Club that for many years was unknown to foreigners. It is famous for its futuristic and radical interior that was built by a community living in the same house. The whole place is decorated with old industrial pieces like parts from airplanes, cars, train, etc. It also offers various events from hardcore discos to indie bands’ concerts.
KC Vlatavska is a cultural center for everything. And it’s key is that it is also meant for everyone. There is neither age difference nor special music focus. It welcomes visitors and performers from the Czech Republic and abroad. It is also the most popular venue for known groups. If you are planning to visit Prague in the near future then checking their schedule is a must. For example they will have bands such as UNKLE (25.03) and Queens of the Stone Age (29.05).
by Tom Rehulka
People, who are looking for a more quiet place, should visit a traditional Czech pub found on every corner in Holesovice. There you can experience how the working class hero spends his evenings. Although they are mainly focused on sports, they offer very good Czech beer with a local atmosphere. But one should not be surprised by fact that you will not see many English speaking people and all the bartenders are only willing to speak Czech.
Other places to visit in Holesovice would be La Fabrika , Tesla Arena , DOX , SaSaZu and Vystaviste’s lunapark.
Tom Rehulka
Dasha
Voijtech Florian
To be continued…..
Maris is sometimes in Tallinn, sometimes in Prague, sometimes somewhere else. She sometimes writes, sometimes shoots, sometimes makes documentaries. She sometimes likes punk, sometimes rock, sometimes she is making something on her own. She sometimes succeeds, sometimes she don't, sometimes she just don't care at all.
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007 Charles Bridge Clubbing Communist Cross Club Czech Republic David Cerny DOX exhibition Final Futurum Guide Holesovice KC Vlatavska La Fabrika Matrix Meet Factory Midi Lidi NOD prague SaSaZu Shellac Sporto Tesla Arena UNKLE Vagon Vystaviste’s Lunapark.
