Czech Center Museum Houston
Frantisek Kupka: Orphism

Bohemian artist Frantisek Kupka is the forefront mind behind the art form of Orphism. Orphism focuses on color and abstraction, similar to Cubism but also an “evolution” where abstract shapes are given precedence in contrast to solid, known geometric shapes. There are many examples of Orphism to see, spanning many years.

Frantisek Kupka: Orphism
Czech Center Museum Houston
Czech Beer : A Brief History

From the Brevnov Monastery to the modern-day Pilsner, the Czech people have been enjoying beer for over a thousand years. Known as the beer of tradition, Czech beer is ingrained into history itself. When beermaking was banned. the Brenov Monastery, as the first-ever Bohemian brewery, was exempt. Initially, after the ban on brewing ended, only noble families or homeowners were allowed to brew beer. It was in 1842 that the famous Pilsner was created.

Czech Beer : A Brief History
Czech Center Museum Houston
Eliska Junkova: Racing into History

Eliška Junková is the first woman to win the Grand Prix, in 1927. Even before, Junková was “Queen of the Steering Wheel,” a well-earned title that she worked towards since 1922. Her dedication to racing began with her dedication to her husband, Vincenc “Čenêk” Junek, whom she met at her job at the Prague Credit Bank.

Eliska Junkova: Racing into History
Czech Center Museum Houston
Great Moravia: Mojmir I and Rostislav (830-870)

After the death of Samo, there was uncertainty about the Czech and Moravian lands, but after the rise of Charlamange of the Frankish Kingdom, Moravians were able to recover. The princes of Moravia consolidated their power, and one in particular Mojmir I, rose beyond tribal institutions to establish Great Moravia. After Mojmir I's deposition, his nephew Rostislav became Louis the German's loyal vassal. In secret, however, Rostislav had ambitions beyond this.

Great Moravia: Mojmir I and Rostislav (830-870)
Czech Center Museum Houston
Milada Horakova

Milada Horakova was an advocate for democracy, stuck between both the Nazis and Communists for her adult life. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, she resisted, helping emigrants escape and harboring fugitives of the occupiers. Although she faced torture and death from the Nazis, she not only survived but also continued her same fight, this time with the Soviets. Sadly, she was sentenced to death and executed, even when eminent individuals of the time demanded her release.

Milada Horakova

Czech

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Stefan Banic: The Man Behind the Parachute Innovation

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Stefan Banic: The Man Behind the Parachute Innovation

Stefan Banic was a Slovak inventor who constructed a prototype of a parachute in 1913 and tested it in Washington D.C. in front of the U.S. Patent Office and military representatives by jumping from a 41-floor building and subsequently from an airplane in 1914. When no one was interested in buying his invention, Mr. Banic donated his patent to the United States Army Balloon Corps, in return for which the Army made him an honorary officer, even though he never could obtain United States citizenship. His patented parachute became standard equipment for U.S. pilots during the First World War.

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July 5: Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius

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July 5: Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Saints Cyril and Methodius have shaped the history of Christianity and even language in Eastern Europe. By translating the Holy Bible into the Slavic languages, they were able to convert many Slavs to Christianity. Their efforts have resulted in the existence of the Cyrillic Alphabet through the development of the Glagolitic Alphabet, for example. July 5 is the day when the Saints’ far-reaching efforts are recognized.

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An Army with No Country: A Siberian Odyssey 

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An Army with No Country: A Siberian Odyssey 

It’s the First World War, and the Czechoslovaks got to get their soldiers from Ukraine to France, but without going through a Central Powers country or a sea without enemy ships. What do they do? Naturally, they go East: fight through the Bolsheviks, take over the Russian railway network, capture most of Siberia, and reach Vladivostok before the ships arrive to get you home. All this while losing less than 10% of your men over three years of fighting. It might sound crazy, but this is just the 2nd part to the story of the Czechoslovak Legion.

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An Army with No Country: The Czechoslovak Legion in Europe

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An Army with No Country: The Czechoslovak Legion in Europe

They were men without their own country, living split up among not one, but two mighty empires. When the Great War came and those empires began to crumble, those men took up arms in the struggle, and fought so that one day they too would have their own nation. These were the men of the Czechoslovak Legions.

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Current Events in the Czech Republic

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Current Events in the Czech Republic

Miloš Zeman is the current president of the Czech Republic, recently checked into a hospital for chronic health conditions. Due to the unfortunate circumstances facing the president, both houses of Parliament would need to discuss and pass a clause that allows lower officials to carry out presidential duties.

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Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

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Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

The history on rock music in Czechoslovakia begins with its introduction in the early 1950s, beginning apolitically. By 1968, the apolitical aspect changed, in response to the 1968 Soviet bloc invasion, causing rock music to finally rebel and criticize the government, through satire and cryptic messaging, as the lyrics and content of rock songs were monitored.

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Czechoslovakia and their only naval battle

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Czechoslovakia and their only naval battle

Despite being a landlocked nation, Czechoslovakia had a naval army, one which fought a single battle. This singular battle took place on Lake Baikal in Russia during WWI. Being that Czechoslovakian soldiers fought so far away from their own nation and that they seemed unwelcome in Russia, the situation of their naval military grew more complicated.

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Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

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Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

Ten small breweries in the Czech Republic that you should Czech out!

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Ride of the Kings

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Ride of the Kings

Each spring, people in the Czech Republic celebrate many different events and holidays. The Ride of the Kings is one of the Czech Republic’s many unique customs. It is so deeply rooted in the history and culture of the area that it was placed on the UNESCO heritage list and has been painted, photographed, and filmed to preserve its tradition.

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Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

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Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

In 2019, over 2 million people in the United States reported being of Czech or Slovak heritage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many of these individuals are descendants of Czech immigrants that have developed their own unique culture that blends their Czech heritage with American traditions.

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The Czech Republic and its’ Contribution to Cinematography

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The Czech Republic and its’ Contribution to Cinematography

Europe is known for its beautiful scenery and panoramas of its countryside used for movies. However, one country in central Europe takes the cake in picturesque landscapes, and it is named the Czech Republic.

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Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

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Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Czechia is home to twelve different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each one with something different to offer visitors. One of these sites, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk, has a uniquely designed and beautiful building and a fascinating history.

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Czech Street Food

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Czech Street Food

Food is one aspect of culture that is almost universally accessible. For many traveling, trying different cuisines, especially street foods, is an exciting part of visiting a new country. The Czech Republic has its own unique kitchen, and although the popularity of street foods is still growing, there are some dishes that are well-known in the country.

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The Czech Republic's Communist-Era Architecture

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The Czech Republic's Communist-Era Architecture

For the Communist countries in Eastern Europe, the necessary rebuilding following World War II was accomplished in the construction style that the Soviet Union popularized. As a result of this period, the Czech Republic has many buildings and monuments that differ significantly from the historic ones surrounding them, serving as a reminder of its Communist era.

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10th Anniversary of Krtek in Space

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10th Anniversary of Krtek in Space

Today, March 5th, 2021, marks the 10th anniversary of the little mole's flight into space with American astronaut Andrew Feustel onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour's mission STS-134.

Five Czech Towns to Visit

Five Czech Towns to Visit

With twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four awe-inspiring national parks, and literally thousands of castles, there is much to see in the Czech Republic beyond the beautiful city of Prague. Today, we’ve compiled a short list of five towns that definitely warrant the trip next time you visit the country.

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Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral

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Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. This complex is the largest in the world, and people from around the world visit to marvel at the site. Inside the castle complex lies St. Vitus Cathedral, the biggest cathedral in the Czech Republic and a wonder of Gothic architecture.

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Joža Uprka

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Joža Uprka

The traditional folk costumes worn in Czechia are one aspect of the country's cultural heritage perhaps most well-known. These clothes vary from region to region, and one artist, Joža Uprka, is particularly famous for his paintings capturing his home's unique style.

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Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

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Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

Athletes have long been using their high-visibility platforms to comment on social issues and raise awareness. Věra Čáslavská, a gymnast from the now Czech Republic, is not only famous for her unparalleled success at the Olympic Games but her strong stance against the Soviet invasion of her country.

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Prague Spring

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Prague Spring

In January of 1968, a season of reformation had begun to blossom in a country located in the Iron Curtain's shadow. This movement in Czechoslovakia where government leaders pushed for greater freedom for its citizens came to be known as Prague Spring.