Alternative Prague classic: A dancing street house that’s a tap-dancing expert with a twist

▲ Prague’s Dancing House.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You T-Ru / Prague

Prague in the Czech Republic has long been known as a fairy-tale city, with architecture mostly in classical styles such as Neo-Baroque and Neo-Gothic. But on the streets of Prague stands the eye-catching “Dancing House,” which defies visual norms and brings an alternative, fantastical flair to the red-brick cityscape.


▲ The building nicknamed the “dancing house” was designed to resemble dancers mid-movement.


COSMOS’ general agent, Bigfoot Travel Agency, notes that Prague’s “Dancing House” is its nickname. Originally, the building served as the headquarters for the Dutch National Life Insurance Company, and it is also known as “Fred and Ginger’s House,” named after the famous American tap-dancing duo. It was co-designed by Canadian avant-garde architect Frank Gehry and Czech architect Vlado Milunić. Design began in 1992, and the building was completed in 1996, after which it became one of Prague’s renowned tourist attractions.

The exterior of the Dancing House is wonderfully peculiar, with a swaying, leaning appearance that looks as if one figure is leaning against another. The building, formed by two connected structures, is said by locals to represent the female dancer Ginger on the left, leaning diagonally against her dance partner Fred on the right. The protrusion at the center of the building symbolizes Fred holding Ginger’s waist, while the dome above is meant to resemble Fred’s top hat.




▲ The building also houses a Glass Bar on the upper floor, with a completely mirrored floor offering views of Prague.


Though it may appear just like a street-side architectural design, the “Dancing House” is also affectionately called the “Drunk House” because of its tilted, whimsical shape. Notably, the rooftop of the Dancing House features a Glass Bar with a fully mirrored floor. Coffee here isn’t expensive, and visitors can enjoy the unique, postmodern atmosphere of sipping drinks while overlooking the classic streets of Prague from this unconventional architectural space.

Address: Rašínovo nábř. 80, Vyšehrad