The Dancing House

The Dancing House (Czech: Tančící dům) is the nickname given to the modern building in downtown Prague, Czech Republic at Rasinovo nabrezi 80, 120 00 Praha 2.

It was designed by Yugoslavian-born Czech architect Vlado Milunić in co-operation with famous Canadian architect Frank Gehry on a vacant riverfront plot, where the previous building had been destroyed during the Bombing of Prague in 1945.

The house is located on the corner of the embankment Rasinovo nabrezi and the street Resslova, within walking distance from the underground station Karlovo namesti.

Dancing House was built in 1996. The very non-traditional design was controversial at the time. Czech president Václav Havel, who lived for decades next to the site, had supported it, hoping that the building would become a center of cultural activity.

The plans for a cultural center were not realized. The consturction had an almost unlimited budget, because ING wanted to create an icon in Prague. The construction started in 1994 and the house was finished in 1996.

The building is an example of deconstructivist architecture, with an unusual shape. It reflects a woman and man (Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair) dancing together. Construction is from 99 concrete panels each of different shape and dimension, each therefore requiring a unique wooden form. It was regarded as very controversial several years ago, but on the other hand it is one of the most acclaimed modern buildings in Prague: it was awarded the Design of the year 1996 award from the American Time magazine.

Although the building isn't open to the public, on the 7th floor there is an expensive and one of the best Prague’s restaurants - La Perle de Prague. It is a nice place for dinner with magnificent views over Vltava River and Castle.