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

Moravia

Alfons Mucha: Father of Art Nouveau and Proud Czech

Alfons Mucha: Father of Art Nouveau and Proud Czech

Alfons Mucha was an illustrator and the originator of the Art Nouveau movement. After being expelled from school for doing poorly, he decided to become a professional artist but still had trouble getting accepted by the Acadamy of Fine Arts in Prague, meaning he had to begin with a modest career. With the aid of a wealthy benefactor, Mucha worked as an illustrator in Paris, where he found his first lucky break when being commissioned to work on the commercial advertisement of Sarah Bernhardt’s Gismonda. This was the moment when his career prospects and celebrity skyrocketed.

Czech Dogs and their History

The Czech Republic is home to seven different dog breeds with a storied history. The Bohemian Shepherd, for example, is the oldest breed, developed to guard the Kingdom of Bohemia. Most of these breeds were developed for rescue missions and hunting, either with a human companion or on their own. These Czech dog breeds have shaped the nation and continue to provide companionship and support to this day.

Eliska Junkova: Queen of the Steering Wheel

Take a drive through the exciting life of Eliska Junkova: The Queen of the Steering Wheel, where you will learn how she became the first woman to win a Grand Prix Event and why she is an inspiration to many women racers.

Jan Kotěra: Founder of Modern Czech Architecture

Jan Kotěra was an important figure in Czech architecture for his use of modern elements in his works, earning him the title of “founder of modern Czech architecture.” Kotěra’s career began with the renovation of Červený Hrádek, using both neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau elements outside and inside, respectively. Despite being controversial in terms of culture and architectural style, Kotěra’s life and career continued in success, culminating in the creation of his 1913 “masterpiece” the Museum of Eastern Bohemia. Throughout his life, Jan Kotěra continued to create and build works of great architecture.

Czech National Revival

A response to increased Germanization, the Czech National Revival revived Czech literature, language, history, and politics. Increased nationalism marked this period of cultural revival. The movement started before the 19th century with Czech intellectuals such as Josef Jungman and Josef Dobrovský becoming more discontent with the decrease in Czech culture, language, and national identity. Czech national identity also involved realism, rejecting the romanticism of the past, which was considered “anti-nationalist.” With the end of the Great War, the goals of the National Revival movement were successfully met.

Rudolf II: The Intellectual yet Disastrous Emperor

Rudolf II desired to unify Christendom in the Empire and tried to take a tolerant stance on religious issues. Though he was an ineffectual ruler, he had a love for academics that helped spur the Scientific Revolution. He was known as “the greatest art patron in the world,” and philosophers, painters, alchemists, astronomers, architects, and mathematicians came to Prague to work under his patronage.

Czech Wine: A Brief History

From legends to wine festivals, Czech wine has a rich history. Various rulers implemented regulations for viticulture, and it eventually grew to a large scale operation in the Czech Republic. Although many vineyards were left abandoned after the revolution, through the 19th and 20th centuries, Czech viticulture bounced back to the point of becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Czech Beer : A Brief History

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.

Eliska Junkova: Racing into History

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.

Beginnings of Bohemia: Borivoj I and the Premyslids

Beginnings of Bohemia: Borivoj I and the Premyslids

Bohemia's beginnings started with Svatopluk I of Great Moravia giving Borivoj I control of the of the soon-to-be Bohemian lands. Even early in his career as the first duke, his kingdom faced war as he supported Svatopluk I during his war against Louie the German and the Eastern Franks. Also early in his career, he faced controversy from fellow elites and had to involve himself in more war to maintain his power and position. Beginnings aren't easy!

Great Moravia: Mojmir I and Rostislav (830-870)

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.

Samo and his Empire (631 – 658)

Samo and his Empire (631 – 658)

In the mid-seventh century, the "first Slavic State" came into existence, ruled by Samo, thus named Samo's Empire. It began with Samo as a Frankish merchant who aided the Slavs in their revolt against the ruling Avars. Samo was such a major contributor to the effort that he was chosen as the leader. The rest is history...

Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich

Assassination of Reinhard Heydrich

"The Butcher of Prague" Reinhard Heydrich established himself as a ruthless authority among the Nazis, terrorizing Eastern Europe. Czechoslovakian president Eduardo Bene ordered a team of assassins to kill Heydrich. These assassins were Josef Gabcik, a former blacksmith and locksmith, and Jan Kubis, both of whom rose up the ranks in the Czech military. Of course there were others, 7, in fact, and if they were successful is written.

The Czech Flag: A Century of Waving

The Czech Flag: A Century of Waving

Inspired by the American holiday, many nations in the world celebrate Flag Day, including Czechia. Before Czechia, there was Czechoslovakia, whose flag, created in 1918, featured 2 horizontal stripes, white on the top and red on the bottom. The flag changed to include a blue wedge from the left and has remained this way since, including after the separation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

,

Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

,
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.

, ,

Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

, ,
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.

The Kroj - A Connection to Czech Heritage

The Kroj - A Connection to Czech Heritage

Kroje (singular: kroj) are Czech and Slovak traditional costumes. A combination of western and eastern influences shaped by centuries of stylistic shifts, from the Gothic to the Baroque, they are stunning pieces of cultural heritage.

,

Joža Uprka

,
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.

Foundation of Czechoslovakia

Foundation of Czechoslovakia

Tomas Garrigue Masaryk was a sociologist, philosopher, and political activist. He was the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia. Before he was the founder, and President liberator, of the Czech and Slovak people, he lived a humble life in a small, industrial town.

Jan Amos Komensky

Jan Amos Komensky, also known as John Amos Comenius, was a Czech philosopher and theologian who is known as the father of modern education.