Get a taste of Prague 5’s culture

Prague is a city full of culture and vibrant energy!
Pension Kern is located in the attractive district of Prague 5 – Smíchov, an area that invites you to explore countless cultural experiences. We have prepared an overview of the most interesting cultural centers in this neighborhood so you can enrich your stay with unforgettable moments and discover Prague from its creative and inspiring side. 

Theatres

Fans of theatrical art don't necessarily have to visit the National Theatre — Prague is full of smaller, high-quality stages worth exploring.

Švanda Theatre is located just 20 minutes from Pension Kern and is one of Prague's main cultural venues. Its repertoire focuses mainly on performances by its permanent drama ensemble, along with various productions that are part of regular thematic cycles dedicated to different genres and artistic disciplines.

You can find the theatre's current program on its official website here. Tickets can be purchased directly at the theatre box office, online, or through the Ticketportal network. Alternatively, you can also reserve tickets by phone or online.

MeetFactory

MeetFactory is a non-profit international center for contemporary art, founded in 2001 by artist David Černý. Its program is shaped by four main dramaturgical lines:

• The music program focuses primarily on presenting the international independent music scene.

• The theatre program explores contemporary prose and experimental, interdisciplinary projects that often involve visual artists, musicians, or non-actors.

• Two galleries provide a space for critical encounters between the local and international art scenes.

• The international artist-in-residence program is the largest studio program in the Czech Republic for foreign artists.

You can find the current program and more information on the official website here.

Orfeus Theatre

Orfeus Theatre is run by an independent chamber ensemble that has been active since the mid-1960s and is uniquely located in a former civil defense shelter. The theatre offers an original and distinctive approach to intimate stage performances.

You can find the current program here, where you can also purchase or reserve tickets. Orfeus Theatre is located just 15 minutes from Pension Kern.

Cinemas

Movie lovers have plenty of options to enjoy big-screen entertainment in Prague. In Prague 5 alone, there are four cinemas to choose from.

For fans of blockbusters and the latest releases, there are two multiplexes conveniently located right at the Anděl metro/tram/bus station — Cinema City, situated on the top floor of the Nový Smíchov shopping center, and CineStar Prague – Anděl, just around the corner on Stroupežnického Street.

Those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere will love Kino Kavalírka, which offers classic film screenings. However, the space is highly versatile and also hosts theater, dance, and music events. The cinema includes a bar where you can enjoy local draft beers and support small craft breweries.

During the summer months, starting in June, you can also visit the Kinská Summer Cinema, which screens films projected onto the façade of the Ethnographic Museum.

Museums & Galleries

In the same place where you'll find the Kinská Summer Cinema — in the Kinský Gardens below Petřín, housed in the classicist Kinský Summer Palace — you can visit the Ethnographic Museum. The museum offers exhibitions showcasing unique elements of folk culture from the Czech lands and Europe, along with folk ensemble performances, traditional craft workshops, folk dance classes, and creative art workshops.

At Bertramka Estate, you can explore the W. A. Mozart and Dušek Family Museum, which preserves Mozart's legacy and his connection to the Czech lands.

The Barrandov Film Studios offer guided tours of the studios to the public (when available — more information here). All year round, visitors can enjoy the Filmpoint exhibition space, where they can view iconic film costumes, learn fascinating facts about Czech film history, and explore technical equipment used in the studios.

In the Portheimka Summer Palace, built in 1728 by architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer for his family, you'll find the multicultural Portheimka Gallery. The gallery usually hosts several exhibitions at a time — you can find the current calendar of events here. The palace is set in Portheimka Garden, designed in a French park style, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing walk in the fresh air.

Altán Klamovka Gallery is located in a neo-Gothic pavilion in Klamovka Park. Its mission is to create an autonomous exhibition space for visual artists, supporting their professional growth. Although small, the gallery's unique feature is the ability to work with both the interior space and the surrounding park environment, making it ideal for site-specific projects. Over the years, Altán Klamovka has established itself as an important venue for international visual communication projects.

Music Clubs

Music lovers have countless options in Prague to enjoy a wide range of genres. In Prague 5, we've selected a few standout venues for you:

🎵 MeetFactory — The concerts here reflect the latest trends on the global independent scene and also support various music phenomena, ranging from underground and avant-garde to jazz, noise, rap, indie, metal, and pop. Check out the music program here.

🎷 Jazz Dock — In this unique riverside venue, you can enjoy genres like jazz, funk, soul, world music, and blues in a truly special atmosphere. Program available here.

🎸 Futurum Music Bar — A modern music club that hosts concerts and dance parties. Here you can enjoy music from the 80s and 90s, as well as reggae, electronic, modern pop, and indie rock. Find the program here.

Final Tip

For those who love fun and socializing, we've picked two lively spots close to the pension — places "where the action is."

In a former freight building, you'll find Radlická kulturní sportovna, a creative cultural and sports venue perfect for hanging out and enjoying yourself. The space also hosts various concerts, workshops, and talks — you can find the current program here.

Just a short walk from Radlická kulturní sportovna, you'll find Manifesto Market Anděl — a covered outdoor space (heated in winter) where you can enjoy a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and various cultural events.

In this relatively compact area, you can choose from more than ten different restaurants offering world cuisines from around the globe.

Enjoy your stay in Prague!