Bořek Šípek, Eva Jiřičná, Theodor Pištěk and other leading Czech and international designers and architects were invited to give a new identity to a place that became a symbol of the newly democratic Czech Republic. Their work was more than decoration. It shaped an environment where politics, culture, representation and everyday life came together.
At the heart of the exhibition is Václav Havel’s iconic presidential office, designed by Bořek Šípek, returning to Prague Castle after more than twenty years – together with its legendary library. It is joined by Šípek’s furniture and glass designs, Theodor Pištěk’s uniforms for the Castle Guard and other works connected with the transformation of the Castle.
Design for Václav Havel is a story of a time when not only the political system was changing, but also the way a country wanted to look, live and represent itself.
The exhibition marks the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth and is organised by Prague Castle and Designblok.
During Designblok, it will be open to the public from 7 to 11 October 2026 with a festival ticket. It will then reopen with free admission from 21 October 2026 to 17 January 2027.
