Kafka’s Centenary Commemoration in Prague Since Death: From Special Tram to Festivals in Honor

Fans of Franz Kafka can rejoice over the diverse activities planned to mark Kafka’s centenary since his death in June 1924. The City of Prague, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has organized various ways to bring to life the legacy of this literal legend.

To kick off these celebrations, passengers in Prague were treated to a special tram cruising the city streets decorated with a portrait of Kafka and quotes from his works. The tram was launched on April, 9,2024.

The commemorative tram will serve various routes around the city. Passengers will encounter Kafka’s narrative through his famous quotes from inside and outside the tram in both English and Czech languages. “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us,” is visible on one side of the tram’s exterior. “Do not waste time looking for an obstacle – maybe there is none,” and “He who sees does not need to ask,” are other quotes visible from the outside. While inside the tram, passengers will come across more quotes and information about Kafka’s life.

Other planned tributes will be exciting news for art enthusiasts. Such as the “Franz Kafka-Elevation,” a stunning illustration to grace the New Mill Water Tower (Novomlýn) in Prague 1. The masterpiece is the work of Magdalena Jetelová.

“The diverse activities planned for this anniversary year highlight Franz Kafka’s enduring influence as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century,” remarked Culture Minister Martin Baxa (ODS).

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There are also theatrical productions underway like “Kafka Has Left the Building” to be staged at the Na zábradlí Theatre over time. “Kafka’s Cause” will be another stage performance by the Prague Chamber Ballet that fans can look forward to in June.

Exhibitions and Publications’ Participation

The German Adalbert Stiffer Society has partnered with the Municipal Library. They have rolled out an English-language online platform dubbed Festival – Kafka 2024. The platform will document Kafka-related events in Prague throughout the year. The Municipal Library will also host lectures, discussions, and an art competition to celebrate the author starting in June.

Prague.eu has set apart a section covering details about Kafka’s life and events linked to his legacy that will be happening in Prague.

Franz Kafka’s legacy celebrations started early in the year, with exhibitions like KAFKAesque at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art – already open and running until September. The World of Franz Kafka display in the basement of Prague City Hall is also ongoing.

The Book World Festival (Svět Knihy), which will take place from May 23 to 26 at the Exhibition Grounds in Prague’s Holešovice district will draw heavily from Kafka’s legacy. The Goethe Institute will have Kafka-themed events starting in May and going until September. Visitors can expect exhibitions like “The Photo Album of the Kafka Family,” by the institute.

The Ministry of Culture has shown support for this commemoration by championing 14 projects worth CZK 1.4 million in different sectors. From productions, and exhibitions, to publications. Organizations such as the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Community, and Prague’s literary houses are part of the frontline partners of these Kafka celebrations.

These activities aim to increase tourism according to industry experts. Through research, tourism professionals cite that tourists from German-speaking countries visit to see Kafka-related institutions. Tourists from other regions have also shown interest in learning about the author.

František Cipro, chairman of the board of directors of Prague City Tourism, says, “Franz Kafka is inextricably linked to Prague and is often the reason for visiting the city. Thanks to research, we know that tourists from German-speaking countries primarily visit Kafka-related institutions, but American and – not least, domestic – are also interested in learning about the author.” Quoted by Expats.cz.

Franz Kafka was only known to a small group during his lifetime. He became very famous after his death when most of his works were published. Born in Prague on July 3, 1883, to a Jewish family, he only published six novels including The Metamorphosis during his lifetime. He succumbed to tuberculosis near Vienna on June 3, 1924. His friend oversaw most of his writing posthumously published.