Doll Prague 2023 exhibits puppet designs and teddy bears from around the world

The Doll Prague exhibition is in full flow in the heart of Czechia’s capital as Lucerna Palace hosts a three-day exhibition of dolls, puppets, and teddy bears created by over 100 artists from 40 countries globally.

This is the eighth edition of the annual event, and the theme for 2023 is to remember that: “The wisdom of myths and legends still speaks to us today,” organizers write. The exhibition will last until Sunday evening.

Different types of dolls feature at the exhibition, including traditional Japanese dolls – some of which were borne out of anime characters. A delegation from Japan, for example, will present the Princess Sakura doll, which was made after a manga series. Kyou Ohtake, a professor behind the making of the doll, is set to receive a prestigious award in Prague for his contribution to the field of Art Dolls.

Polish, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, French, and other nationality-based dolls also feature in the exhibition. The puppets are not only an artistic expression – but can also serve as a reflection of a country’s culture or fashion.

The Doll Prague exhibition will also feature local puppet masters offering insight into their design and craft. For those eager to try their hands at puppetry, the exhibition offers workshops taught by the expert puppet masters themselves. Guests can, for example, learn how to mold and model face shapes for dolls.

The event also features a shopping area where visitors can buy their own puppets (or materials to make them) and small art objects.

Doll Prague's annual program also encompasses art courses catered to both amateurs and professionals, practical demonstrations by artists, and exhibitions of students’ work from the Higher Vocational School of Applied Arts. The event provides a rare opportunity for attendees to engage with both professional and amateur artists.

The exhibition is not limited to doll artists alone; it also opens its doors to "teddyists," who are producers of collectible teddy bears. Teddyists hailing from countries such as the U.S., Germany, Israel, France, and the Netherlands – all renowned in the collecting realm – are participating in this international exhibition.

Various competitions and prizes are available for a wide range of categories, spanning from “the best teddy bear in retro style,” to “the best-made doll from compact materials.” Awards for the best miniature dolls and “most modern teddy bear” will also likely give rise to creativity. Event organizers will judge the submissions.

The event aims not only to underscore the efforts of the puppet makers across the globe, but also encourages visitors to appreciate the symbolism and meaning behind the creations.