The shape of the Dvorecký bridge, which is currently under construction, will be complemented by neo-cubist sculptures with water features and special lighting, as approved by Prague councillors on Monday. The completion of the connection between Podolí and Zlíchov for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians is expected in November 2025.
On Monday, councillors approved the purchase of sculptural objects for the Dvorecký bridge for a price of CZK 8.5 million. “I’m glad that Prague is investing in culture again,” said Jiří Pospíšil, deputy mayor for culture and heritage preservation. “The so-called botanical garden of light will grow under the newly emerging Dvorecký bridge. The selected works come from artists from all over the world. The botanical garden will offer another link between public space and culture. I see it as a great use of open space for artistic activity.”
Five works of art will be created, including a neo-cubist concrete sculpture called Heavy Head Boy with an electronically controlled water system. The shape of the sculptures is part of the winning design that emerged from a two-round architectural competition.
“In addition to completing the decoration of the bridge, we want the sculptures to complement the newly emerging public space with valuable artistic elements and functional furniture,” added Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial Development. He said that on the Smíchov side of the bridge, a “Light Removes Darkness“ garden will be created, with trees replaced by 120 different ornamental lamp-posts from all over the world, for example from Jakarta, Luxembourg or Azerbaijan. On the Podolská side, there will be a swimming pool, a space for concerts and theatre performances, a skate park, and a climbing wall, along with several other artistic elements.
“Thanks to the artistic elements by Krištof Kintera, the Dvorecký bridge will not only fulfil its primary function as a transport structure, but its surroundings will also function as an attractive place to spend free time,” said First Deputy Mayor for Transport, Zdeněk Hřib. “At the same time, it will become a destination for admirers of contemporary architecture and art. This is how we should think about all capital city investment events.”
The stylistic starting point for the entire bridge is cubist morphology, which purposefully refers to the unique contribution of Czech cubist architecture in the history of architecture and art. The set of artworks forms an overall design with both the architecture of the bridge and the new form and function of its immediate surroundings.
