Not Only the Star of Bethlehem Announces Joyful Tidings
Answers to questions from MF DNES about the Christmas light park with a space theme, November 2024.
What is the main message of this year’s edition?
As the exhibitions expand, we look for new forms of expression so as to preserve the main intention of our work. We give our exhibitions themes and link them stylistically with the fairy-tale character Zvonek (Little Bell), who has the ability to move through space and time and allows us to draw closer to a child’s wondering view of life. We do not wish merely to tell stories; we would like our exhibitions to connect through light and bring different places in the world closer together. We need light metaphorically too, as a source and a path… We want to make the world kinder.
What is the central theme of the park? What led you to the idea of joining Christmas and the universe?
Not only the Star of Bethlehem heralds glad tidings; the universe is associated with wonder in every respect. Philosophers, physicists and artists have all tried to explain the mystery of life, and this astonishment has been confirmed by many of the astronauts who looked upon our Earth from space. In those very conditions they became aware of the closeness of the miracles of creation. I would so much like us, by glimpsing the space adventure, to realise too how needlessly and senselessly we build obstacles between ourselves, though we have been given as a gift a space for life whose only boundaries are the courses of rivers, mountain ranges and coastlines.
How do the sculptures combine these two themes?
The solar system, which we animate in both a calm and a dynamic form, together with other phenomena and occurrences in the universe, we complement with symbols of Christmas – and, in fact, symbols of the universe as well. The music of the spheres, star clusters in the shape of a Christmas tree and various other forms of stars and galaxies belong, to a certain extent, to the themes of both Christmas and the universe, for they are the mystery of life.
How many sculptures and lights await people this year? Are there more or fewer than last year?
The exhibition is of similar scale and, given the space trail, the larger elements add up to a similar number overall, but its entertaining and educational character, including the interactive trail, is certainly a new enrichment of the exhibition and an opportunity for the whole family to take part actively.
Could you highlight the most interesting pieces this year?
I think there are several interesting elements – the space trail itself, but also the animation of phenomena such as the aurora, a black hole, and, as an inspiration for the youngest, an astronaut. There is no lack of an observatory, nor, for instance, of the “exoplanet” of the fairy-tale Zvonek, and so on.
How long will this year’s edition last, and on which days and at what times can people come?
The exhibition opened to the public on 1 November and will run daily until the beginning of January, depending on visitors’ interest.
Are you preparing any special events, such as boat rides and the like?
Of course, the festively decorated boat has already set out, and it will be joined by Christmas-decorated trams and buses; a Christmas-decorated refuse truck cannot be missing either, and some transport stops in Prague will be added. Besides competitions and an interactive programme, we are considering guided tours about the universe.
What was last year’s attendance? What do you expect this year?
Unfortunately, last year’s attendance was affected by several circumstances: first heavy snowfall and cold, then the tragic events in Prague, and then, regrettably, persistent rain left the Žluté lázně under water. We believe that with an entertaining, educational theme we shall attract further visitors. We are already seeing higher interest in advance sales, despite the growing number of other similar exhibitions.
Will your company again take part in the Christmas decoration of the capital? If so, where?
As in previous years, we decorate city districts as well as shopping centres; at present Nový Smíchov, Slovanský dům, Metropole, Galerie Myslbek, Galerie Nové Butovice, DBK and others are decorated. The transport vehicles mentioned will set out from the Střešovice depot at around the same time as the tree on Old Town Square is festively lit.
What trends will you apply to this year’s Christmas decoration across Prague?
Last year Prague was named the most beautiful Christmas city in the world, and I think the reason for such recognition is, on the one hand, the magic of Prague itself, but also the decoration, which was conceptually coherent, tasteful, playful and kind. Together with the snow, it simply succeeded in creating just the right Christmas atmosphere. I still consider taste and respect for the environment to be the greatest trend. And also the enthusiasm of all those who continually took part in the decoration.