CRYSTAL GARDEN – Light and Glass in Fantastic Installations

WHAT CAN YOU LOOK FORWARD TO?

This winter, the botanical garden's outdoor expositions will be illuminated by atypical glass flowers, plants, and animals, all created by Jiří Pačinek and his colleagues from Pačinek Glass.

During the day, you can admire the beauty of glass shimmering in the sunlight. During an evening visit, immerse yourself in the spectacular play of light, shadow, and music. Daytime tours are available Monday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, while evening tours run from Thursday to Sunday between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm.

Arriving from Kunratice u Cvikova village to the city of Prague, the extraordinary glass creations include dazzling blooms such as the radiant marble plant, sharp anemoglass, shiny cobalt leaf, and the notorious carnivorous plant Adéla —the Czech equivalent of Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. Colorful flamingos and lizards accompany the glass plants. You'll also see a breathtaking glass ikebana arrangement and Prague’s largest illuminated tree with a crystal nativity scene—the perfect spot for taking photos, where you can become an angel momentarily.

Selected light installations feature interactive elements. You can participate by playing melodious tunes or enjoy special audiovisual shows at scheduled times. Both light and sound will accompany individual installations as well as the entire exhibition. A special highlight is the sound of the glass harp played by Petr Špatina, which will complement select installations with its enchanting tones, adding a unique atmosphere to the glass artworks.

The Crystal Garden exhibition beautifully merges two artistic realms in a harmonious symbiosis – Jiří Pačinek’s glass installations, glowing with light, accompanied by music from Petr Špatina. This harmonious blend of light, sound, and glass will capture your imagination and transport you to a world where the boundaries between these art forms dissolve, creating an unforgettable experience.

KEY INFORMATION AND DETAILS

When and Where

The exhibition will occur in the Ornamental Garden and its surroundings from 29 November 2024 to 2 February 2025.

During daytime visits, the Fata Morgana, Bohnice, and Kovárna entrances provide access to the garden. For evening tours, entry is only permitted via the Nádvorní 134 (usually an exit next to our Exhibition Hall).

You can visit the garden during the following times:

DAYTIME TOURS

Monday–Sunday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
Entry through Fata Morgana, Bohnice, or Kovárna entrances.

EVENING TOURS

Thursday–Sunday from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm (ticket office open from 4.45 pm to 8.30 pm)
Entry via Nádvorní 134 (usually an exit).

If you plan to visit both the daytime and evening sections of the exhibition on the same day, you can wait in the garden between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm. The café, refreshment stand, and trdelník stall will be open during this time. Starting Friday, the teahouse, part of the Seventh Cup of Tea exhibition, will also welcome visitors from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Special Holiday Opening Hours:

24 December: 9.00 am–2.00 pm (daytime only)
25 December: 9.00 am–4.00 pm (daytime only)
26-30 December: 9.00 am–4.00 pm (daytime) and 5.00 pm–9.00 pm (evening)
31 December: 9.00 am–2.00 pm (daytime only)
1 January 2025: 9.00 am–4.00 pm (daytime only)

Admission

Admission for both daytime and evening tours is included in the standard botanical garden ticket, which covers access to all expositions, exhibitions, and ongoing events (unless otherwise specified).

15% discount on admission when purchasing an e-ticket (Czech language only).
* ZTP/P visitors have the option of free accompaniment.
**Dogs are only allowed in Outdoor Expositions.
Annual passes and VIP tickets are valid for this event. Neighbour passes are not valid for evening or guided tours.

How to Get to Us

The Crystal Garden is stroller-friendly. You can reach us by public transport or car, with parking available near the botanical garden at the Troja Chateau and Prague Zoo for free. Follow the navigation to the Crystal Garden entrance.

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAMME

Visitors can enjoy refreshments and purchase glass products and gifts from the Pačinek Glass workshop.
The event is accompanied by the exhibition The Seventh Cup of Tea, dedicated to the story of tea.

JIŘÍ PAČINEK

Jiří Pačinek is one of the most renowned glass artists in both Czechia and the world. His extensive experience, along with collaborations with leading figures like artist René Roubíček and architect Bořek Šípek, inspired him to found his brand, Pačinek Glass, in Lindava in 2007.

In 2015, he opened his glassworks in Kunratice u Cvikova village, which continues to attract glass art enthusiasts from around the world.

In 2020, he introduced the Crystal Cathedral project, located in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Kunratice, which uniquely combines glass art with sacred architecture.

The Crystal Garden exhibition at the Prague Botanical Garden is another unique project that continues his lifelong work.

PETR ŠPATINA

For nearly three decades, musician Petr Špatina has mastered the extraordinary instrument known as the glass harp, composed of 33 glasses.

His vast repertoire spans classical, folk, and even pop genres. His virtuosity has earned him an international reputation as a master in this field.

At the Crystal Garden exhibition, his music will accompany select installations.

We look forward to seeing you in this magical world of light, music, and fantastic glass creations!

The exhibition was made possible in collaboration with Pačinek Glass, to whom we extend our gratitude.

Currently, you can come across three exclusive artworks in the garden, as shown in the gallery below, serving as a preview and invitation to the upcoming exhibition. You can view them during your walk through the garden, either in front of the Fata Morgana Greenhouse or by the pond in the Ornamental Garden. We will be updating the photo gallery regularly.