The Dancing Building

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests
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Architect Frank Gehry’s Dancing Building site was originally home to a Neo-Renaissance home dating back to the 19th century. That house was destroyed by a bomb during World War II, and its ruins were finally taken away in 1960. Czech ex-president Vaclav Havel grew up in the apartment building next door and lived there until the mid-1990s. Havel commissioned engineer Vlado Milunic to study the 491 square metre lot and find an architect willing to build a new structure there. Canadian-born Frank Gehry accepted the offer. Backed by Dutch financial giant ING, who wanted to create an iconic Prague landmark, Gehry’s budget on the project was virtually unlimited. Construction on the Dancing Building began in 1994 and was completed in 1996.

Visitors who stare long enough at the building may begin to see Gehry’s inspiration. The building is meant to be a constructed representation of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing together. In fact, the building is often referred to as simply “Ginger and Fred.” Built using 99 huge concrete panels of various shapes and sizes supported by wooden frames, the Dancing Building originally caused a stir in the neighbourhood. Not only was its design highly unusual, but some people questioned the buildings structural integrity as well.

Today, the controversy has subsided and the Dancing Building is often one of the first stops on visitors’ self-catering Prague city breaks. It is a source of pride for locals and was even commemorated on a specially-minted Czech coin in 2005.

The Dancing Building is located on the corner of Rasinovo nabrezi and Resslova Street. Staying in a central Prague apartment rental will ensure that travellers can get quick access to the site. Simply take the Prague metro to the Karlovo namesti station; the Dancing Building is within easy walking distance.

Unfortunately, the house is currently used as an office building and public tours are not permitted. Still, interested holiday-makers should find a way to work in a trip past the Dancing Building as they plan a Prague city break. There is a lovely restaurant located on the 7th floor (Celeste Restaurant and Bar) that offers spectacular views and great food.