Dancing House
Dancing House
Dancing House – this architectural curiosity is the first masterpiece of modern architecture designed by a world renowned architect in Prague since the Velvet revolution 1989. “Dancing House” was designed by Canadian architect Frank O’Gehry together with Vlado Milunić for Nationale Nederlanden insurance company (now ING Company). The very non-traditional “deconstructivist” design was controversial at the time because the house stands out among the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous.
The building was designed in 1992 and completed in1996 on a vacant riverfront plot where a 19th century townhouse was destroyed during bombing of Prague in 1945. The neighboring house was co-owned by Czech ex-president Vaclav Havel who ordered the first architectural study and supported the building. Originally named “Ginger and Fred” (after famed dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), the house resembles a pair of dancers. Dancing House today is the home of Céleste Restaurant & Bar and modern offices. It offers breathtaking views of Prague Castle and Petřín Hill.