Čeština
On October 7, 2024, a gala evening took place at the Czech National Bank with the presentation of the Prague City Awards for Architecture and Heritage Care Opera Pragensia 2024. The evening celebrated exceptional projects that contribute to the development of Prague while respectfully preserving its historical heritage. This year’s edition bore the motto “New in the old, old in the new,” reflecting successful reconstructions and restorations of historically significant buildings. All awarded projects demonstrated extraordinary sensitivity and respect for Prague’s historical values while showcasing how modern architectural interventions can enrich old structures.
The evening began with the presentation of the Mayors’ Awards from individual city districts Opera Pragensia, recognizing projects nominated by the districts for their significant contribution to local architectural development and preservation of historical values. In the second part of the evening, Special Opera Pragensia Awards were presented, including the Archbishop of Prague and Primate of Bohemia Award, the International Jury Award, the Public Award, the Prague City Hall Award in the categories New Buildings in Historic Environments, Modernization and Restoration, the Organizers’ Award, and the Special Prague City Hall Award.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mayor of Prague’s Grand Prix Opera Pragensia. This prestigious award was given to the partner city Vienna for its long-term maintenance and development of Czech-Austrian relations, presented by the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, and the Governor of the Czech National Bank, Aleš Michl.
Part of the gala evening was also the launch of the publication Dialog: New in the Old, Old in the New, which maps the architectural and urbanistic contexts between Prague and Vienna. Guests also listened to an expert lecture by Professor Vladimír Šlapeta, focusing on dissonances and resonances between the two cities. The evening was hosted by moderator Václav Žmolík, and musical accompaniment was provided by soprano Karolína Cingrošová and the Amadeus Prague Ensemble chamber orchestra, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The gala evening was attended by many prominent personalities from the Czech Republic and abroad, including Cardinal Dominik Duka, Governor of the Czech National Bank Aleš Michl, Director of the Prague City Hall Martin Kubelka, Austrian Ambassador to the Czech Republic Bettina Kirnbauer, President of the Vienna State Parliament Ernst Woller, members of the Vienna delegation, members of parliament, senators, rectors, directors of municipal companies, mayors, and other distinguished guests.
The evening concluded with a speech by the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, who thanked all the awardees and guests and announced the theme for the next Opera Pragensia Awards edition. “After Bratislava and its focus on contemporary architecture in 2023 and Vienna with the topic of heritage care in 2024, in 2025 we will concentrate on public spaces, and our partner city will be Warsaw,” said the Mayor. This marked the beginning of preparations for the next edition, which will continue the tradition of celebrating significant projects supporting the development of cities and their cultural heritage.
The Opera Pragensia 2024 gala evening of Prague City Awards for Architecture and Heritage Care was not only a celebration of exceptional projects contributing to the city’s development while preserving its historical values but also an important platform for sharing inspiration and strengthening international cooperation. The awarded projects prove that Prague is a living city where rich history blends with modern life, and where the “new” and the “old” can harmoniously shape the future together.
Organizers: International Festival of Architecture and Urbanism Architecture Week Prague and the City of Prague
Co-organizers: Prague City Hall, Czech National Bank, Offices of Prague City Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15
Evening Partners: Czech Mint, Kolektory Praha, Prague Boats, Pražská energetika, Prague Waterworks and Sewerage, Prague Water Management Company, City of Prague Technologies, Veolia