The Dancing House

In the midst of the historical buildings lining the banks of the Vltava, the glimmering and audacious design of the Dancing House, or Tancici Dum, stands out as the most modern-looking building in the Golden City. Also often called the “Fred and Ginger” (after the famous American dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), the structure is reminiscent of a man and woman dancing. The side closest to the river represents the man, and in its “arms” is the shimmering glass woman. The daring “pinch” in the center of the glass building adds to the illusion of a woman’s gown, while the undulating positioning of the windows on the riverside façade relays an impression of motion, indeed like a couple dancing.

Within walking distance from Charles Square, this plot of riverfront property had remained vacant for many years following the bombing of Prague in 1945. In 1992 construction of this controversial building began, co-designed by Croatian-born Czech Vlado Milunc and American Frank Gehry. At the time of its construction, there were some who were opposed to erecting such a modern building in the historical Nove Mesto district, but by its completion in 1996 it had become an accepted addition to Prague’s famous Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture. Although some people (including former president Vaclav Havel) had hoped the building would be used as a kind of cultural center, today the Dancing House is merely another office building, home to several multinational firms, and is not open to the public.

The only part of the building open to the public is on the top floor, where one of Prague’s finest restaurants, La Perle de Prague, is situated. La Perle serves mainly French cuisine and making reservations ahead of time is recommended. The restaurant is more expensive than most restaurants in Prague, with drinks costing nearly three times the average price. However, the breathtaking view of the Vltava from one of Prague’s most unique restaurant is completely gratis.