Prague’s Holešovice district is now a symbol of modern, independent thinking. Once an industrial area full of factories, slaughterhouses, and railway halls, it has transformed into a vibrant center of art and creativity. At the heart of this transformation stands DOX – Contemporary Art Hub. A space where community, courage, vision, and experimentation collide.
DOX – Contemporary Art Hub
Where Art Confronts You. DOX is not your typical gallery where you quietly admire paintings. Here, art challenges you. The former factory has become an epicenter of avant-garde ideas – unafraid to provoke. If you haven’t been, prepare for an experience that will clear your mind and maybe even shatter your perceptions of what art can do.
Right at the entrance, you’ll encounter the Gulliver Airship – a futuristic wooden structure floating above DOX, symbolizing creative thought. It’s a space for discussions, literary evenings, and occasional philosophical escapades.
A Space That Keeps Changing
Exhibits at DOX are constantly evolving – from visual art to politically charged installations to projects that make you question the world around you. Even the building itself provokes thought. The best part? It always pulls you out of conventional thinking.
DOX breaks down barriers between disciplines, blending exhibitions with literature, music, design, and philosophy. More than anything, it’s a place for conversations within a community of creative minds.
DOX – the Centre for Contemporary Art
A Gallery That Provokes. If there’s one thing that sets DOX apart, it’s the ability to pull you into its world. You’re not just a passive viewer but a participant in a dialogue between the artworks and their messages. That’s why we had to experience the current exhibitions firsthand.
Deus Artis
Jaroslav Brabec is best known as a cinematographer and director. But fewer people know that he has also brought his filmmaker’s sensitivity into portrait photography. Deus Artis showcases a selection from his 30-year career, capturing renowned visual artists in intimate, authentic moments. These aren’t staged portraits but glimpses of real stories, reminding us that artists can be just as vulnerable as they are brilliant.
Milkov – Sculptures That Tell a Story
Stefan Milkov is a legend in Czech sculpture. His work ranges from postmodern experiments to pieces that echo the sleek elegance of machines. His exhibition is a visual symphony of mythology, irony, and masterful craftsmanship.
DOX’s massive space is one of the few places that could accommodate such sculptures on this scale. Some pieces look like relics from another world, while others feel so modern you can imagine them in a cyberpunk metropolis.
The Consolation of Objects – Pamuk’s Poetic Approach to Objects
Orhan Pamuk, the Turkish Nobel laureate, is best known for his novels, but here he reveals his lesser-known side – as a visual artist. His exhibition is a three-dimensional miniature story where everyday objects take on new meanings.
A mix of nostalgia, dadaism, and powerful storytelling through simple items, the exhibition makes you see the world differently. A short documentary accompanying the show helped us better understand Pamuk’s creative process.
Prometheus – Mythology in the 21st Century
Marek Škubal isn’t afraid to experiment with mythology. His sculptures and drawings have an Art Deco vibe but carry timeless messages. If you have a fragile mind or lean toward melancholy, you might want to skip this one. 🙂 Prometheus here isn’t just an ancient titan but a symbol of the fight for knowledge, freedom, and the relentless desire to push boundaries.
Perspective: Identity
Who am I? How does my body, memory, and culture define me? This exhibition, featuring multiple artists, isn’t just about art – it’s about you. It explores stereotypes, prejudices, and the ways we perceive ourselves. Some pieces will make you laugh, others will unsettle you, but all will make you think.
More Than a Gallery
DOX’s architecture is an artwork in itself. Inspiration is everywhere – on the walls, terraces, staircases, even in the bathrooms. 🙂
If you think contemporary art is just a bunch of random objects arranged in a white room, DOX will prove you wrong. It’s a place to get inspired, to get lost, and to take something unforgettable with you.
Holešovice: Prague’s Soho
While you’re in Holešovice, grab a coffee in one of the hipster cafés or take a walk through streets where art breathes from every facade. This former industrial wasteland has become a creative hotspot.
A few decades ago, Holešovice was an industrial zone of Prague filled with factories, warehouses, and Europe’s largest slaughterhouse. Back then, it was more about hard work than artistic dreams.
Today, the scene has completely changed. Old industrial buildings have been given a second life, and instead of the hum of machines, the air is now filled with conversations about design, innovation, and art. Holešovice is now Prague’s Soho – a place where artists, designers, and startups are shaping the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Must-Visit Spots in Holešovice
- 🔥 Vnitroblock – A café, design store, and art space in one. Perfect for chilling with coffee and a laptop.
- 🎭 La Fabrika – A theater showcasing experimental performances and cutting-edge art.
- 🍷 Bistro 8 – If you’re craving a hipster brunch with a Berlin vibe, this is the place.
- 🖼 Trafo Gallery – A space where street art meets contemporary art.
- 🏭 Prague Market (Pražská tržnice) – A former slaughterhouse transforming into a multifunctional space for food, culture, and design.
DOX – Contemporary Art Hub and Holešovice prove that Prague isn’t just a city of historical landmarks but a place where new things are constantly being born. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration, DOX – the Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague’s Holešovice – is the place to go.
Coming Soon: David Lynch
Karolína Kočí, DOX’s PR and media manager, gave us one more reason to visit. Do you know Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive, or Dune? DOX Czech is preparing a unique exhibition dedicated to the life’s work of David Lynch, and there’s no way I’m missing it.
