Art glass & Design

Czech glass: a tradition that still shines

Handmade glass is one of the symbols of Czech design. For centuries, it has been created in family glassworks as well as modern studios. From delicate decorations and perfectly crafted vases to experimental installations, Czech glass brings together precise craftsmanship, aesthetics and innovation.

It is no coincidence that Czech crystal ranks among the most famous export products of Czechia. It adorns galleries, hotels, and modern interiors all over the world – and sometimes even the silver screen. A striking example is the monumental crystal sculptures created for the American film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix) by a team of glassmakers from Jiří Pačinek’s glassworks in Kunratice near Cvikov. His glassworks, along with the nearby chapel decorated with glass objects, is well worth a visit.
 

Feel free to try traditional glass work yourself

And that is not all! Chandeliers by the Moser brand have been acquired by actress Salma Hayek and pop singer Justin Bieber. Famous athletes such as tennis players Roger Federer and Serena Williams can also boast trophies made of Czech glass. Trophies from the Lasvit workshop are even awarded to the winners of the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycling race.

It is the region of North Bohemia, where Jiří Pačinek is also based, that is known as Crystal Valley. Here, you can visit glassworks, design studios and museums, and watch the fascinating production process – from the glowing furnace to the final design object. Visitors can even try glassblowing themselves and see cutting and decorating techniques in action.

Czech glass ornaments on the UNESCO list

One of the most unique Czech crafts is the production of glass bead ornaments. In the village of Poniklá, traditional blown beads are still produced by the company Rautis, from which shimmering decorations are created – including the famous Christmas ornaments that you can also try to make yourself. Alternatively, you can purchase a kit to take home. Thanks to its uniqueness, this technique has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Poniklá is also the only place in the world where the original technology of blown bead production has been preserved.

In Czechia, you can also admire remarkable collections of Czech costume jewellery, which has gained admiration worldwide. One of its centres is the town of Jablonec nad Nisou, home to a museum dedicated to Czech glass. The Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou is one of a kind. Nowhere else in the world will you find a museum that combines artistic glass and jewellery in one place, while also showcasing the largest publicly accessible collection of glass Christmas ornaments in the world.

Czech design: Feel free to be creative

Czech design is built on a strong tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. It is from Czechia that brands known around the world originate, such as the car manufacturer Škoda Auto, the producer of writing, art and office supplies Škoda Auto, the Škoda Auto, and glassmaking brands Preciosa and Lasvit, whose crystal installations adorn luxury hotels, galleries and private residences across the globe.

If you want to experience the contemporary face of Czech design, make a note of Designblok – the largest design festival in Central Europe. Each autumn, it transforms Prague, especially normally inaccessible locations, into a creative scene full of installations, fashion, glass, and new design projects.