On the Vltava riverfront in Prague’s New Town, the Dancing House is a modern landmark designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. Its two adjoining towers, one curved and glass, the other more solid, suggest a pair of dancers and stand apart from the city’s older architecture. You can admire the exterior from the riverside or head upstairs for a drink and views toward the river and Prague Castle. The building also contains a hotel, a gallery, a café and a restaurant.
A modern landmark on the Vltava
The Dancing House stands at Jiráskovo náměstí on the Vltava riverfront in Prague’s New Town. Its official name is the Nationale-Nederlanden building, but its shape gave it the better-known nickname. The design was created by Czech architect Vlado Milunić with Frank Gehry, and construction finished in 1996.
The site had been left vacant after wartime bombing. The building that eventually took its place introduced an unmistakably contemporary form to a city known for older architectural styles. Its arrival was not universally welcomed, but it has since become one of Prague’s recognised modern landmarks.
Two towers that suggest a dance
Look at the building as a pair: one tower has a curved glass form, while the other is more solid and vertical. Together, they suggest dancers in motion, the idea behind the familiar “Fred and Ginger” nickname, a reference to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Gehry first used that name for the design.
The contrast is easiest to appreciate from outside, where the unusual curves stand out against the surrounding streetscape. The building’s shape can look more restrained close up than it does from a distance. A short walk along the river gives you a chance to view it from different angles before deciding whether to go inside.
The terrace and public spaces
The building is used for several purposes, including a hotel and offices. Public areas include a café, a gallery and rooftop venues. The upper terrace and bar draw visitors for views over the Vltava and toward Prague Castle. From the roof, the river and nearby parts of the city are the main sights; the historic centre and Charles Bridge are too far away to expect a close view.
You can visit the terrace by buying a drink, or pay an entrance fee if you do not want one. The supplied information gives that fee as 150 CZK. The rooftop can be busy, so an early visit or a quieter time may suit you better. The café and restaurant provide another way to spend time in the building, while the gallery gives the visit an arts and culture element.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Dancing House in Prague?
It is at Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6 in Prague’s New Town, beside the Vltava River.
Can you go inside the Dancing House?
Public areas include a café, gallery and rooftop venues. The building also contains a hotel and offices.
Do you have to buy a drink to visit the rooftop terrace?
No. The supplied information lists a 150 CZK entrance fee for terrace access without a drink.
What can you see from the rooftop?
Views include the Vltava River and Prague Castle. The historic centre and Charles Bridge are too far away for a close view.
