5 practial tips for Signal Festival 2024: Get your glow on – from castle to gallery

From Oct. 10-13, the 12th installment of Signal Festival will light up Prague with 22 light installations across two main routes. For the first time, a route near Prague Castle will transform this historic site into a contemporary art hub featuring works by renowned Czech and international artists. The second route takes over Prague’s Old Town, blending modern installations with the city’s already stunning architecture, making for a visual feast.

But with past attendance numbers reaching hundreds of thousands, it can also make for a stressful experience if you don’t do a little planning. We’ve asked organizers to put together a list of tips for maximizing your 2024 Signal Festival:

While Thursday sees Prague come to life with installations and first-night energy, the festival’s last day tends to be slightly calmer. “If you want to enjoy the festival, we recommend Sunday. This is usually the calmest day. The crowds are dwindling, but the installations are still beautiful. Everywhere is more comfortable, and you can plan your visit to the festival more according to the festival map,” said the event organizers.

If you’re a night owl, head out later to avoid the crowds; the festival is open every evening until midnight. No matter when you go, the best time to see the installations is after 9 p.m., "When the atmosphere shifts into something truly magical."

For the first time ever, this year’s edition includes dazzling installations, both free and paid, on the premises of Prague Castle. However, the experience comes with several restrictions and exceptions: The grounds of Prague Castle will be accessible in both directions only until 10 p.m.

“We recommend that visitors start the Hradčany route from the Prague Castle Riding School, from the Prague Castle tram stop, after 10 p.m.,” says Signal Festival. The route between the Prague Castle Riding School and the Archbishop’s Palace will be open until 11 p.m. through the Second Courtyard of the Prague Castle.

One of the installations will be held in the South Gardens, which has been previously closed to the public. The installation has a limited capacity and the entrance is one-way (enter at Hradčanské náměstí and exit at Na Opyši). 

“The best way to get to us is by public transport,” says Signal Festival organizers. Those coming from Prague are advised to use an adjacent public parking lot (P+R) and go to the center by public transport.

What are the best starting points for accessing this year’s routes? Malostranská, Staroměstská, and Karlovo náměstí metro stations; Pražský Hrad, Pohořelec, or Staroměstská tram stops. Malostranské náměstí tram stop is also a recommended start for the Hradčany route. (Note: to get from Malostranská to the Hradčany route after 10 p.m., you can use tram transport to the Prague Castle stop).

Ultimately, accessing the installations on foot (wear comfy shoes!) will help you avoid congested public transport and worries about parking.

The free options will still deliver a worthwhile experience, but the paid tickets (Signal Plus) give you exclusive access to venues like Prague Castle buildings and Kunsthalle while remaining affordable.

The Plus pass opens the door to seven exclusive art installations within the Signal Festival Gallery Zone for CZK 390 (CZK 440 on the spot), allowing you to revisit stunning art and architecture repeatedly during all four festival days. The Red Pill exhibition at the Traffo Gallery is completely free as part of the accompanying program. Kids under six also go free.

For high rollers, VIP tickets give you priority entry one hour earlier to the Gallery Zone, a welcome drink in the Kunsthalle, a Mercedes-Benz VIP Shuttle, a guided tour, and an afterparty.

Signal staffers offered up their top picks for what to see this year. Bill Fontana’s installation in the serene Baroque refectory of the Dominican Monastery blends video sequences with the haunting sounds of Notre Dame Cathedral bells and the Dachstein glacier. Jirka Příhoda’s works at Šternberg Palace promise to transform familiar spaces. Seohyo’s Coded Tapestry at the Prague Castle Riding School merges cutting-edge technology with historical context, offering a rare, one-time exhibition.

Art enthusiasts should also explore the kinetic pendulum installation by the British studio UVA at Kunsthalle Prague. Performance art fans won’t want to miss the return of Laterna Magika, which invites audiences into a world of chance and tension in the Clam-Gallas Palace courtyard.