Prague Castle hosts DesignBlok from 7 to 11 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 04:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Prague Castle hosts DesignBlok from 7 to 11 October 2026, bringing the public festival to the Riding School and Chapel of the Holy Cross. The Prague venue joins a city-wide programme in Czechia under the theme Light.
DesignBlok brings Light to Prague Castle from 7 October
The 28th edition of DesignBlok opens to the public on 7 October and runs through 11 October 2026. The organiser lists the Prague Castle Riding School and the Chapel of the Holy Cross among the festival venues, alongside the Trade Fair Palace, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Industrial Palace at the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
The festival programme includes exhibitions, talks, workshops and family activities. The organiser says the professional programme and conference begin on 6 October, while public access to the festival starts on 7 October. Festival venues are scheduled to open from 10am to 9pm, with an earlier 7pm closing on Sunday, according to the organiser. The public programme is described in the DesignBlok visitor programme.
Prague Castle setting connects design with its presidential history
The Riding School gives the festival a direct link to the Castle's architectural and political history. A separate exhibition, Design for Václav Havel, opens there on 7 October 2026 and examines design projects connected with Havel's presidency and the transformation of the Castle interiors.
The exhibition includes Havel's presidential office, designed by Borek Sipek in the early 1990s, together with objects and spaces associated with the Castle. It is organised by DesignBlok and Prague Castle. During the festival it is open to the public from 7 to 11 October 2026, before a later exhibition period begins on 21 October 2026.
Prague Castle was founded in the ninth century and became the seat of Bohemian kings before becoming the seat of Czech presidents. The complex covers 45 hectares, contains three courtyards and includes the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus Cathedral, St George's Basilica and Golden Lane. Its long development explains why the festival's design programme is spread across historic buildings rather than a single modern venue. The confirmed Prague Castle history and visitor information records the complex's origins and principal buildings.
DesignBlok uses the Riding School and Chapel of the Holy Cross
For visitors, the Castle element of DesignBlok is concentrated in two named locations. The Riding School presents the main exhibition setting, while the Chapel of the Holy Cross adds a second historic space within the complex.
The arrangement places contemporary design beside buildings representing different periods of Prague Castle's development. It also gives the festival a clear relationship with the site: exhibitions and installations are not merely in Prague, but inside named Castle buildings and courtyards.
Visiting Prague Castle: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- DesignBlok takes place at Prague Castle from 7 to 11 October 2026, with the Riding School and Chapel of the Holy Cross named as venues.
- The festival opens to the public on 7 October 2026. The organiser lists daily venue access from 10am to 9pm, with Sunday closing at 7pm.
- Prague Castle stands above the Vltava River in Prague. The complex is served by tram stop 22, named Prague Castle, and the visitor information lists access through the main courtyards.
- The site includes courtyards, historic buildings, gardens and elevated approaches. Visitors should expect walking between buildings and uneven historic surfaces.
- The official language is Czech and the national currency is the Czech koruna.
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Frequently asked questions about Prague Castle
When does DesignBlok take place at Prague Castle?
DesignBlok is open to the public at Prague Castle from 7 to 11 October 2026. The professional programme begins on 6 October 2026.
What is Prague Castle?
Prague Castle is a historic complex founded in the ninth century and covering 45 hectares. It contains religious, residential, fortification and office buildings.
Where is Prague Castle and how do you get there?
Prague Castle is in Prague above the Vltava River. Tram stop 22 is named Prague Castle, and the complex is entered through its main courtyards.
