Prague opens new Kafka exhibit as centenary of famed literary son's death continues

The exhibition Franz Kafka: A Man of His and Our Time officially opened in Prague on Thursday at Mariánské Square in front of the Prague City Hall. The city organized the exhibition in collaboration with Czech Centers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of renowned Prague writer Franz Kafka. The exhibition will be displayed in the city center until the end of August.

“I am pleased that the city continues to support projects related to the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death. Visitors can learn not only basic information about Kafka’s life but also intriguing facts, such as his vegetarianism, showing that concern for animals is a longstanding issue, embraced even by this significant writer,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor of Prague for Culture, Tourism, Monument Protection, Exhibitions, and Animal Welfare.

“Franz Kafka is closely tied to Prague through his unique literary work and personal life. This exhibition highlights the enduring importance of this authentic writer and native of Prague, even a hundred years after his death,” stated Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda.

“This year is notably dedicated to Franz Kafka, not just in Prague. At Czech Centers, we decided to share his extraordinary legacy with the world through this exhibition, which has been translated into multiple languages and is traveling globally from Latin America, Europe, to Asia,” said Jitka Pánek Jurková, General Director of Czech Centers.

The free, open-air exhibition on ten double-sided panels offers insights into Kafka’s life and legacy. It explores his friendships, relationships with women, professional life, and beginnings as a writer. It also explores how Kafka's surroundings influenced his work and its impact on future generations.

Writer and translator Radek Malý conceived the exhibition, which features illustrations by Renáta Fučíková examining Kafka’s myth and relevance today. The city and Czech Centers organized the exhibit to mark the centenary of Kafka’s death.

“The exhibition presents Franz Kafka from various perspectives for Czech visitors and international tourists who may know little about him. I aimed my illustrations particularly at young people just getting acquainted with Kafka,” said Renáta Fučíková, the exhibition’s illustrator.

“The illustrations metaphorically represent Kafka, while the text aims to demystify him and dispel stereotypes. The exhibition, based on a previously published book of the same name, is touring the world,” added Radek Malý, the text author for the exhibition.

The exhibition is open to the public at Mariánské Square until Aug. 31, 2024, and includes digital language versions in English, German, French, and Spanish.