Czech House to open in Paris with new David Černý sculpture

The Olympic Czech House in La Villette Park is set to open in Paris on Friday with a new sculpture of a past Olympic legend, a fan zone, and some words of wisdom from Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

Fiala said today, during a visit to the Czech House, that Czechs should learn to support their athletes, scientists, and artists rather than criticize them.

“Everyone in Czechia seems to be an expert in fashion, politics, and sport. It’s not easy to please anyone in our country,” Fiala said sarcastically. He was referring to the public’s harsh reaction to the Czech Olympic fashion collection designed by artist Jan Černý.

Fiala also highlighted that qualifying for the Olympics is a significant accomplishment that Czech athletes can be proud of and emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of Czech athletes and athletes worldwide.

Fiala, who, along with his wife Jana, was greeted by the Czech Olympic Committee (COV) President Jiří Kejval and the Czech Ambassador to France, Michal Fleischmann, also made statements about Russia and Israel’s participation in the games.

“I have been clear about my position from the start, including to the international community. I am very pleased that the COV and the National Sports Agency have taken the same stance,” the prime minister said regarding the participation of Russian athletes who cannot compete under the Russian flag.

Fiala did note, however, that Israeli athletes deserve to compete in Paris.

Earlier this year, Czech sponsor Pilsner Urquell withdrew its support from the Paris Olympics due to the Russian presence. The beer served in the Czech House comes from 16 domestic microbreweries.

During his visit to the Czech House, Fiala previewed what visitors to the center at the Paris Olympics will experience: a light show by the Pyroterra group in Czech national colors, an artistic presentation of the success of the first Czechoslovak Olympic gold medallist, Bedřich Supčík, who succeeded in the high jump in Paris 100 years ago, and a film montage showcasing the achievements of Czechoslovak athletes in 1968.

The Czech Fan Zone will attract visitors with the slogan "Meet your heroes” and Czech cuisine, including beer and fresh bread and presentations of Czech art. It is located in the circular Cabaret Sauvage building, imbued with a French cabaret atmosphere, and offers several thousand people indoor and outdoor space.

Organizers say the venue is not only designed to cheer on the athletes and watch the Olympic Games program but also to meet athletes after the competitions and celebrate Czech successes.

Fiala also stopped by the outdoor statue created in honor of the legendary Czechoslovak gymnast, seven-time Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská. The work by artist David Černý is made of stainless steel in tricolor. The sculpture, over nine meters high, moves thanks to a system of electric drives.

Černý's work is a continuation of his bus doing push-ups from the London Olympics and Zátopek’s legs from Rio de Janeiro in memory of legendary Czech runner Emil Zátopek. According to Kejval, the sculptor waived his fee.

Fiala and his wife are also due to attend a reception at the Elysee Palace and the opening ceremony of the Olympics on the Seine River during their visit to Paris today.

The Czech House will officially open later this afternoon under the patronage of Olympic snowboard cross champion Eva Adamczyková.

As noted by the COV, some Czech Olympians will attend the Czech House event but miss the official opening of the Games due to their competition schedules. The guests will have the opportunity to watch the opening ceremony live at the Czech House.

The building, which will welcome its first visitors this afternoon, will function as a meeting place for fans and athletes until the end of the summer Olympic Games on Aug. 11.