Prague, a city renowned for its stunning Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture, is also home to a striking example of modern deconstructivist design: the Dancing House. Officially named the Nationale-Nederlanden building, but affectionately nicknamed “Fred and Ginger,” this architectural marvel stands as a testament to Prague’s evolving cityscape and its embrace of contemporary art. Located on Rasinovo nabrezi (Rasin’s riverbank), the Dancing Building Prague has become an iconic landmark, sparking conversations and captivating visitors from around the globe.
Designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic in collaboration with the acclaimed Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the Dancing Building Prague was conceived in 1992 and completed in 1996. Its very existence is rooted in a fascinating history and vision for a modern Prague.
From Vacant Plot to Visionary Project
The site where the Dancing Building Prague now stands carries a significant historical weight. During World War II, a house on this very spot was tragically destroyed by a U.S. bombing in 1945. For decades, the area remained derelict, a scar in the urban fabric. It wasn’t until 1960 that the ruins were cleared, leaving a vacant plot with a story to tell.
Interestingly, the neighboring property was owned by the family of Vaclav Havel, who would later become the Czech president. As early as 1986, during the communist era, architect Vlado Milunic, a respected figure in Czechoslovak architecture, envisioned a project for this location. He discussed his ideas with his neighbor Havel, then a dissident. Following the Velvet Revolution, Havel’s rise to leadership and subsequent presidency paved the way for the site’s redevelopment. Havel, hoping to create a cultural hub, encouraged Milunic to explore his architectural vision.
The Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden (now ING Bank) stepped in to sponsor the project, providing substantial financial backing. They appointed Milunic as the lead designer and encouraged him to collaborate with a world-renowned architect. While French architect Jean Nouvel initially declined due to the site’s size, Frank Gehry embraced the challenge. In 1992, Gehry and Milunic began their partnership, realizing Milunic’s initial concept of a building composed of two contrasting parts: static and dynamic, symbolizing the transition from communism to democracy in Czechoslovakia.
Deconstructivist Design and “Fred and Ginger”
The architectural style of the Dancing Building Prague is classified as deconstructivist, often described by its designers as “new-baroque.” Its unconventional, undulating forms immediately set it apart from the traditional Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau buildings that define Prague’s architectural heritage. This deliberate contrast was, and to some extent still is, a source of both admiration and controversy.
Gehry originally christened the building “Fred and Ginger,” inspired by the legendary dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The building indeed evokes a pair of dancers gracefully intertwined. The static part, representing Fred, is a solid, rectangular tower, while the dynamic part, Ginger, is characterized by its curved, flowing shape, seemingly caught in motion. While the “Fred and Ginger” nickname is less frequently used today, it perfectly captures the building’s playful and dynamic essence. Gehry himself later expressed reservations about imposing “American Hollywood kitsch” on Prague, downplaying the nickname, yet the visual analogy remains potent.
Image depicting the Dancing House in Prague, nicknamed Fred and Ginger, highlighting its dynamic, dancer-like forms.
The structure is an engineering feat, relying on 99 uniquely shaped and dimensioned concrete panels to achieve its dancing silhouette. Perched atop the dynamic tower is “Medusa,” a large, twisted metal structure, adding another layer of visual intrigue to the building’s crown.
The interior layout further contributes to the building’s unique character. Within a square of 18th and 19th-century buildings, the Dancing House presents two central forms. A glass tower, reaching approximately half the building’s height and supported by curved pillars, stands alongside a parallel structure facing the river. This river-facing section features wavy moldings and non-aligned windows, intentionally designed to create a three-dimensional effect and a dynamic interplay with light and perspective, softening the contrast with its more traditional neighbors.
Controversy to City Icon
Initially, the Dancing Building Prague sparked considerable debate. Its modern, deconstructivist aesthetic was a stark departure from the prevailing architectural styles of its surroundings. Some critics felt it clashed with Prague’s historical character, an unwelcome intrusion into a carefully preserved cityscape. However, over time, public perception has shifted. The initial controversy has largely subsided, and the Dancing Building Prague is now widely recognized as a significant work of art, adding a layer of contemporary vibrancy to Prague’s architectural tapestry.
Its iconic status is further cemented by its feature on a 2,000 Czech koruna gold coin issued by the Czech National Bank as part of the “Ten Centuries of Architecture” series. This recognition underscores the Dancing Building Prague’s place in Czech architectural history and its contribution to Prague’s modern identity. The Dancing Building Prague stands not just as an office building, but as a symbol of Prague’s openness to innovation, its embrace of architectural diversity, and its ability to seamlessly blend the historical with the contemporary.
