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20th-Century Czechoslovakia - History, Art & Architecture of the Turbulent Century
8
days
from
£4,280
Book today with a deposit from
£642
24th September 2027 - 1st October 2027
Tour highlights
- A tumultuous century in Czech history, yet one that proved a crucible for radical innovations in architecture, art, and design.
- Visits to outstanding landmarks of European modernism, including Villa Müller and the Semler Residence by Adolf Loos, as well as Mies van der Rohe’s iconic Villa Tugendhat.
- A compelling account of Czechoslovakia from its foundation in 1918 to its peaceful dissolution in 1993, spanning Nazi occupation and Communist rule.
- Based in Prague and Brno, with an excursion to the West Bohemian city of Plzeň.
- Led by cultural historian and Prague native, Martina Hinks-Edwards.
Dismembered, occupied and marginalised for fifty years from 1938, and an oppressed province of Austria-Hungary before 1918; it is perhaps unsurprising that Czechoslovakia’s brilliant twentieth-century contributions to art, design and industry have often been overlooked.
The establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918 ushered in a brief but extraordinarily productive democratic era. Building on the advanced industry of the former Kingdom of Bohemia – the most industrially developed territory of the Habsburg monarchy – the new state fostered a progressive and meritocratic society in which innovation thrived. Living standards rose, cultural life continued to flourish, and a distinct national identity found confident expression. At a time when the rest of Central Europe was succumbing to totalitarianism, Czechoslovakia stood out as a liberal and multicultural state until the catastrophe of the Second World War.
The legacy of this interwar vitality endures today. Bold architectural experimentation, pioneering design, and an energetic artistic culture have left an indelible mark. That these achievements persisted – albeit in altered forms – through the Nazi occupation and the subsequent forty-one years of Communist rule is a testament to the resilience of Czech cultural life.
Many of the leading political and cultural figures associated with the democratic traditions of the interwar period were forced into exile, executed, or otherwise lived in humiliating conditions during both oppressive regimes. Yet there were – albeit brief – moments of optimism: the international success of the Czechoslovak Pavilion at Expo 1958, and the liberal period of the Prague Spring in 1968, when hopes of “socialism with a human face” flickered into life. The peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 finally restored democratic freedoms, enabling a cultural rebirth and renewed self-determination, paving the way for the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993 and the creation of an independent Czech Republic.
Itinerary
Fly mid-morning from London Heathrow to Prague. Check in at the Hotel Josef, whose minimalist interiors were designed by Eva Jiřičná. After settling into the hotel, there is an afternoon walk through Prague’s Old Town (Staré Město), home to the House of the Black Madonna by Josef Gočár, an early example of Czech Cubism. The walk concludes with a special visit to the Obecní dům (‘Municipal House’) to see the glorious suite of assembly rooms created 1904–12, a unique and very Czech mélange of murals and ornament. First of five nights in Prague.
Morning visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts for Pleiad of Glass 1946–2019, an exhibition showcasing the remarkable achievements of Czech glass artists in the post-war period. In the afternoon visit Prague Castle to see Josip Plečnik’s restorations and additions in transforming the historic complex into the centre of government, wholly original and utterly beautiful. Continue to the Veletržní (Trade Fair) Palace of 1928 for a curator-led visit of this major modernist building that now houses the modern art branch of the National Gallery.
Full-day excursion to Plzeň (Pilsen), one of the most architecturally progressive cities of interwar Czechoslovakia. Visit the Semler Residence, created by Adolf Loos and Heinrich Kulka and recently restored, where Loos’s innovative Raumplan concept is expressed in a remarkably sophisticated domestic interior. Continue to the Vogl and Kraus Apartments, two further commissions associated with Loos and his circle, which reveal the dissemination of modernist ideas among Plzeň’s prosperous Jewish business community.
Morning walk through the New Town (Nové Město), including the Legions’ Bank, an outstanding example of that unique Czech style, Rondo-Cubism, here a national memorial enriched with sculpture. Then walk in and around Wenceslas Square, where there are some choice early modernist buildings as well as Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and historicist predecessors. After lunch at the Mánes Building by Otakar Novotný, drive out to Prague’s western suburbs to visit Villa Müller, a 1930s masterpiece by Adolf Loos and one of the best houses of the era, excellently restored. Continue to Villa Rothmayer, the elegant home and studio of architect Otto Rothmayer, a distinguished pupil of Josip Plečnik, who collaborated closely with his mentor on several important modifications to Prague Castle.
Visit the Crypt of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, where members of the Czechoslovak resistance who carried out the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich made their final stand in 1942. Continue to the Memorial of National Oppression and Resistance, whose exhibitions chart the Nazi occupation and the extraordinary courage of those who opposed it. After lunch drive to Čelákovice to visit Villa Volman, one of the most important private houses of the interwar period. Completed in 1939 for the industrialist Josef Volman, the villa combines functionalist principles with luxurious materials and has recently undergone an exemplary restoration.
Depart from Prague and visit the Bauer Villa, designed by Josef Gočár and notable for its elegant interiors and restrained modernity. Continue to Pardubice to see Gočár’s Automatic Mills, a landmark industrial complex whose sensitive regeneration has transformed it into a vibrant cultural centre while preserving its architectural significance. Before arriving in Brno, stop at the Ležáky Memorial, which commemorates the destruction of the village by the Nazis in 1942 in retaliation for assistance given to the resistance. First of two nights in Brno.
The Czech Republic’s second city and capital of Moravia, Brno was a major player in Central European industry and design between the wars. In the morning visit Villa Tugendhat, designed by Mies van der Rohe, and one of the finest modernist family homes in Europe, now a UNESCO World Heritage site (subject to final confirmation in June 2027). An afternoon walk takes in some of the modernist building in Brno city centre.
Morning visit to the Exhibition Centre, where several buildings survive from the 1928 trade fair. Drive to Prague Airport and arrive at Heathrow in the early evening.
A number of the visits are by special arrangement. It is possible the order of visits may vary from the description above.
Expert speaker
Ms Martina Hinks-Edwards
Martina Hinks-Edwards studied English at Charles University, Prague. She began working for MRT while still studying, firstly as an interpreter for groups visiting the Czech Republic, and from 2004 as a tour leader with a wide breadth of knowledge of the country’s cultural history. She has led tours throughout the Czech Republic and has a particular interest in 20th-century Czech history and architecture. The countless accolades she has received over the years from her clients, is a reflection of her energy and enthusiasm for the job.
More tours led by Ms Martina Hinks-Edwards
Practicalities
Two sharing: £4,560 or £4,280 without flights. Single occupancy: £5,100 or £4,820 without flights.
Travel by private coach; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts; 5 lunches and 3 dinners with wine, water and coffee; all admissions and donations; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.
Hotel Josef, Prague: A stylish 4-star design hotel in Prague’s Old Town. Hotel Grandezza, Brno: A characterful 5-star hotel located in the heart of Brno’s historic centre. Single occupancy rooms are doubles for sole use.
This is a busy tour, with quite a lot of walking, much of it on roughly paved, cobbled streets. It would not be suitable for anyone with difficulties with everyday walking and stair-climbing.
Typically between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website and Travel Health Pro to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
Dates & prices
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2027
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
24th September - 1st October 2027
Speaker:
Ms Martina Hinks-Edwards
Price:
from £4,280
(Based on two sharing)Testimonials
“I cannot speak highly enough about Martina Hinks-Edwards. She was excellent, knowledgable, easy to listen to, clear, succinct, personable and charming. I learned so much and in an enjoyable way
”
“Martina is a first rate speaker with an enviable depth of knowledge, expertly delivered. Her talks brought the history and geography of this area to life and it was a pleasure to listen to her.
”
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