The resurrection of culture and elegance: The reopening of Franz Kafka's bookstore in the Old Town of Prague
The resurrection of culture and elegance: The reopening of Franz Kafka's bookstore in the Old Town
As of September 1, we all have reason to rejoice because Franz Kafka Bookshop, a literary haven once famous for its focus on Judaism, is about to reopen its doors.
While the bookstore continues to honour its roots through its rich collection of literature focused on Judaism, the revived store is embracing a wider range of literary works and expanding its horizons. In addition to volumes resonating with Jewish heritage, visitors will be able to view and purchase a selection of art publications, pragensia and children's literature. There will also be original prints, drawings, illustrations and photographs by Czech artists.
The shelves of the reopened Franz Kafka Bookshop will be filled with titles from renowned larger publishing houses such as Karolinum or Slovart, as well as smaller and independent publishers such as Paseka, Triada, Wo-men, Baobab, Labyrint, Jakost, Bzlo nebylo and our own K-A-V-K-A publishing house. All of these publishers offer a wide range of books of various genres, high-quality Czech and translated prose, children's books, journalism or comics, books on art and aesthetics, monographs, and author's books. Of course, there will also be books with Jewish themes and books focusing on Judaism from P3K, SEFER and Nakladatelství Franze Kafky Publishers. This diverse collection of local publishing houses and foreign distribution reflects the store's commitment to providing a rich variety of literary experiences.
The bookstore will also feature stunning art gems by renowned artists, including names such as František Skála, whose work, including painting, sculpture, illustration and printmaking, places him among the most important artistic personalities, and Jan Švankmajer, another important artist who has gained worldwide attention for his surreal and provocative works. Also available for purchase will be the work of illustrator Alžběta Skálová, who is a freelance artist, mainly through collage, printmaking and watercolours. Photographic prints by Václav Chochola and Jan Reich will also be on offer. With these and many other artists, the bookstore will be a space for discovering the richness of the Czech artistic heritage.
But books and art are not the only things to look forward to. Get ready for the beautiful spaces of the Franz Kafka Bookshop, the interior of which was designed by Marcela Steinbach. The bookstore's design pays homage to Kafka's legacy while avoiding his melancholic themes. The interior, with two linked rooms decorated with wooden bookcases and steel galleries, offers an open and welcoming atmosphere. Original features, such as the preserved circular cast-iron staircase imprint on the floor and the symbolically maintained terrazzo floor ornaments reflect Kafka's influence and the building's historical significance.
So get ready to find Franz Kafka Bookshop waiting for you in the heart of the old town from 1 September with open pages and open arms.
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