'Havel like Belmondo': Prague underpass mural honors an icon in living color

A new mural titled “Truth and Love Must Conquer Lies and Hatred” is now on display in the underpass of the Budějovická metro station (red C line) in Prague 4. It replaces decades-old artwork and honors former Czech President Václav Havel.

The mural, painted by graffiti artists Original Seok and his partner Phoe—both active in Czechia and France—is part of an initiative to rejuvenate public spaces and commemorate Havel’s legacy. The project replaces a previous mural depicting iconic Prague landmarks that had deteriorated over the years.

Lucie Michková, chairwoman of the Prague 4 council’s Safety Committee, led the effort to find a new design. Wanting to retain a Czech theme, she sought inspiration from the graffiti community.

“Original Seok came to me with the words ‘truth and love,’ and suddenly it lit up—we knew the direction [that we wanted to take],” Michková told Czech media outlet Novinky.

The artwork features a youthful, stylized version of Havel with distinctive red glasses. Though not historically accurate, the depiction is intended to modernize Havel’s image and appeal to a new generation.

“There’s a lot of evil on the streets, and it would be good to overcome it with love. Art can convey emotions,” Seok told Czech media. “We painted Havel because we want people to remember him and his ideals.”

According to Seok, the mural is expected to be completed in a few days. “It’s going very well. People are praising it—they like the colors,” he said. The portrait will be accompanied by six of Havel’s quotes, though officials have not yet revealed which ones.

Deputy Prague Mayor Ondřej Kubín described the likeness as “Havel like Belmondo,” referencing the French actor to highlight the stylized design.

Seok, who began his career tagging city walls, now works full-time as a graffiti artist. His legal works appear throughout the city, and he also organizes events to support graffiti culture.

The mural is part of a broader effort by the city to revitalize neglected infrastructure. Officials plan to negotiate improvements to lighting and fixtures in public underpasses managed by the Technical Roads Administration.

The Budějovická underpass is one of several legal graffiti zones in Prague, including locations at the Braník dock and Vídeňská street, established to support street art while maintaining order in public spaces.