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Prague 1 Tuesday unveiled its new Poesiomat (poetry jukebox) on Wenceslas Square, offering visitors an auditory journey through Czech history and culture. It also plays historical speeches from famous figures such as former President Václav Havel.
The device, resembling a ship’s exhaust or a submarine periscope, plays a collection of about 20 authentic recordings free of charge. It lies near the end of the lower part of Wenceslas Square, meters from Můstek metro station.
Among the recordings available to listeners are key moments in Czech history, such as the 1918 proclamation of Czechoslovakia, Klement Gottwald’s 1948 speech, the last words of Jan Palach (the student who self-immolated), and Havel’s address during the Velvet Revolution.
Literary works from figures like František Halas and Jaroslav Hašek, as well as children’s songs and historical discussions, further add to the experience. The device also plays poems by writers Karel Šiktanc and Vítězslav Nezval, and songs from the Semafor Theater.
“Wenceslas Square is a symbolic place in Czech history, which is why this special Poesiomat fits perfectly. It will arouse people’s curiosity while educating them about the history and memory of this place through art,” Deputy Mayor of Prague for Culture and Tourism Jiří Pospíšil said in a press release.
Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská also highlighted the installation’s significance. “The location of the Poesiomat on Wenceslas Square is both symbolic and natural. This space is not only the historical and cultural heart of Prague but also a meeting point for thousands of people daily. It offers a moment of pause, reflection, and inspiration,” Radoměřská stated.
The Poesiomat project has been expanding in Czech and international cities since 2015, led by the Piána na ulici association, founded by Ondřej Kobza. The first Poesiomat, installed on Náměstí Míru, functioned as a poetry jukebox. Over time, the concept evolved to include a diverse range of sound recordings, including eyewitness accounts and historical speeches.
Kobza emphasized that installing a Poesiomat on Wenceslas Square had been a long-term goal. “It took years of effort, so I am really happy that our legendary ‘pipe’ is finally here, creating a counterpoint to the grand Myslbek monument. We hope that just as people meet ‘at the horse,’ [statue of St. Wencseslas] they will also meet at the Poesiomat,” he said.
The Wenceslas Square Poesiomat is the 80th installation of its kind in the Czech Republic. Beyond Prague, similar installations can be found in cities including Paris, Dublin, Heidelberg, and Buffalo, bringing poetry and history to public spaces worldwide.
