In a blend of history and modernity, Prague’s iconic Wenceslas Square is set to host a unique cultural installation – a ‘Poesiomat’. This innovative device, scheduled to grace the lower part of the square for at least five years, promises to offer a distinctive auditory experience to locals and tourists alike.
The Poesiomat, a concept already familiar to Prague, made its debut in 2015 at náměstí Míru. Since then, these poetic jukeboxes have spread across the Czech Republic and even internationally, allowing people to listen to poetry, literary excerpts, and various sounds in over twenty Czech cities and locations like Paris, Dublin, and New York.
What sets this new Poesiomat apart is its content. It will feature twenty audio tracks, including texts referencing significant historical events such as those from 1968 and 1989, speeches by Václav Havel, texts by Jan Palach, and commentaries on local architecture. It aims to highlight the square’s historical significance, bringing poetry directly into the heart of Prague.
The project, backed by the city with a 250,000 crown funding for production, dramaturgy, installation, and operation, is seen as an opportunity to showcase that culture belongs in public spaces. David Bodeček, Deputy Mayor of Prague 1 for culture, education, and sports, emphasized the Poesiomat’s role in enriching the cultural life of residents and visitors while connecting modern technology with literary heritage.
Behind the Poesiomat project is the association “Piána na ulici” (Pianos on the Street), known for placing not just pianos and chess sets in public spaces, but also what they playfully call “adorable traps”. Their approach involves selecting poetry or texts connected to each location, making each Poesiomat a unique reflection of its surroundings.
As Prague continues to embrace these poetic installations, the Wenceslas Square Poesiomat stands poised to become a new cultural landmark, inviting passersby to pause and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Czech history and literature.