Žižkov Tunnel Set to Become a Public Art Gallery

The more than 300-metre-long Žižkov Tunnel in Prague is set to become an unusual cultural space in the coming years. Art installations, exhibitions and other public events are planned.

The Žižkov Tunnel in Prague is expected to become much more than just a link between the districts of Karlín and Žižkov. On Monday, Prague City Council approved the loan of part of the tunnel’s interior walls to the association Spolek žižkovského tunelu. The plan is to transform the tunnel into a public gallery for contemporary art, complemented by an accompanying cultural programme. The agreement has initially been concluded for a period of 15 years.

The pedestrian and cycle tunnel, which is more than 300 metres long and runs beneath Vítkov Hill, has connected Thámova Street in Karlín with Tachovské náměstí in Žižkov for more than 70 years. The tunnel is owned by the City of Prague and managed by the Technical Road Administration (TSK).

As part of the project, almost the entire interior lining of the tunnel will be used for artistic purposes. Technical facilities, areas of the civil defence shelter and spaces currently used by the Czech Academy of Sciences will be excluded.

According to the city, the tunnel will in future showcase works by leading Czech and international artists. Planned installations include murals, mosaics, light and sound installations, photography, video projects and sculptures. The aim is to enhance the public space while also improving the sense of safety for the many people who use the tunnel every day.

The project was initiated by the association Spolek žižkovského tunelu. Its founding members include former Director General of the National Gallery Prague, Jiří Fajt, who is responsible for the artistic direction and curatorial concept. Other participants include musician and producer David Koller, architect Jiří Řezák from Studio QARTA Architektura and entrepreneur Martin Wichterle.

In addition to the art installations, the areas at both tunnel entrances are to be used for cultural and community events. Activities are planned primarily for residents of Prague 3 and Prague 8, as well as for families with children. The tunnel’s original function as an important transport route for pedestrians and cyclists will remain fully preserved.