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

History

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The History of Krtek (The Little Mole)

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The History of Krtek (The Little Mole)

Krtek, or Mole in English, is an animated character in a series of cartoons created by Czech animator Zdeněk Miler.
Miler wanted to create a children's cartoon that had a strong Disney influence by having an animal as the main character. He decided to pick a mole after stumbling over a molehill during a walk. The first film, called "Jak krtek ke kalhotkám přišel" ("How the mole got his trousers"), was about how Krtek got help from other animals with different skillsets to join efforts and make a pair of pants from scratch. This little film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 1957, where it was awarded two Golden LionsMiler wanted to create a children's cartoon that had a strong Disney influence by having an animal as the main character. He decided to pick a mole after stumbling over a molehill during a walk. The first film, called "Jak krtek ke kalhotkám přišel" ("How the mole got his trousers"), was about how Krtek got help from other animals with different skillsets to join efforts and make a pair of pants from scratch. This little film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 1957.

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Prague's Astronomical Clock

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One of Prague’s most popular landmarks is the Astronomical Clock located in Old Town Square. It is well over 600 years old and is one of the oldest functional astronomical clocks in the world.

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Moon Landscape- Petr Ginz and an Astronauts Legacy

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Moon Landscape- Petr Ginz and an Astronauts Legacy

Born in 1928, Petr Ginz grew up in a Jewish household to half Jewish parents.

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Origin of the word "dollar"

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The word dollar is the Anglicized version of the German word thaler (Czech tolar and Dutch word daalder or daler), a shortened version of the word Joachimthalers.

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Czech History in Mexico City

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Czech History in Mexico City

If you have ever visited Mexico City, you have probably walked along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, or President Masaryk Avenue as you may know it.

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.

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St. Nicholas Day and Christmas Markets

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Did you know?

St Nicholas Day is an exceptional holiday in the Czech Republic and around the world.

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Jan Masaryck's mysterious death

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Jan Masaryk was the son of Tomas Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. He, like his father, was also a well-known and well-loved politician.

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The Defenestrations of Prague

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The Defenestrations of Prague

The “Defenestrations of Prague” were significant events in Czech history where political and religious leaders were thrown out the window in protest to their policies.

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a well-made Czech novel written by Milan Kundera, one of the most prominent names of the Czech and French literature.

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A History of the Czech Republic

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The first settlements in the Czech lands date back as far as the Paleolithic Era.

Father of Genetics

Father of Genetics

The Czech Republic isn't just rich in culture, but also rich in knowledge. Gregor Mendel, a proud Czech, was a monk who founded one of the fundamental laws of nature and science. 

Freud and the Motherland

Freud and the Motherland


Ahoj! Dobré ráno! For our English speakers, if you are curious to what that means, it is a common greeting of “Hello! Good morning!” in Czech.

Communist Party of Czechoslovakia Vs Communism in Vietnam

The term "communism" was first coined and defined by the French philosopher and writer Victor d'Hupay in his “ Projet de communauté philosophe” (Project for a Philosophical Community) book.