Czech Radio - tour of the building
A century-old tradition and the present of radio broadcasting
Czech Radio is an institution that has been broadcasting a stream of news, music, interest and entertainment for more than 100 years.
The first broadcast took place on May 18, 1923 from a tent in Kbely, Prague. At the time, it was only the third radio broadcast in the world (after the USA and Great Britain).
Czech Radio has been located in Prague at Vinohradská 12 in a large functionalist building since 10 December 1932.
Historic events
On the facade of the building there are commemorative plaques commemorating historical events that took place in the radio building and the names of the heroes who defended the radio. It is about the beginning of the uprising of the Czech people against the German occupiers in 1945 and the broadcast during the August occupation in 1968.
Entrance reception
Just behind the entrance to the building is a large reception area with original marble panelling.
Radio cafe
A cafe is open to the public on the ground floor.
Programs broadcast from the cafe
An interesting fact is that popular programs are sometimes broadcast from this cafe, for example the program „Close Encounters“ moderated by Terezá Kostková.
Exhibition of historical instruments
In the basement of the building there is a gallery and an exhibition of historic radio receivers and radio equipment open to the public (every Thursday).
Historical studio
The original equipment of the Karlín studio can also be viewed in the exhibition. Even the biggest stars of our popular music recorded their hits on it.
Time center
This device was installed in 1941 and controlled the transmission of all radio stations. Although it was damaged in the floods in 2002, it is still functional.
Paternoster
In the historic building, you can see the oldest working circular elevator in the Czech Republic. It was manufactured in 1920 and put into operation only in 1929. It has 18 cabins and passes through a total of eight stations in one direction. It overcomes a height of almost 33 meters at a speed of 0.25 meters per second. Unfortunately, it is currently out of order.
New building
A modern studio building opened on May 18, 2000 was added to the historic building in the rear part, leading to Římská Street.
They are filming here - a number of studios
In the new building, there are a number of studios, divided into individual floors according to the respective stations. It is necessary to keep quiet here and not enter the rooms above which the red „On Air“ banner is lit, because that is where the broadcast is taking place.
Studies
Modern studios are equipped with the necessary digital technology and you can see the director through the glass.
Direction
The direction is controlled and controlled by the sound from the studio. The director has the opportunity to watch the events in the studio through a sound-proof glass wall.
