DANCING HOUSE
Prague, Czechia
Volovodovska Valeriia
A-31
Ginger & Fred
The Dancing House, also known as Tančící dům or Ginger and Fred, is one of the most
striking examples of modern architecture in Prague. Located on the Rašín Embankment,
this iconic building was designed by Czech-Croatian architect Vlado Milunić in
collaboration with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. Construction began in 1992
and was completed in 1996, with the Belgian company BESIX leading the building works.
It stands out vividly among the classical architecture of Prague,
representing a new chapter in the city’s architectural identity.
Historical
Background
For decades, the site
The idea for the building emerged after remained empty. After the
World War II, as the original house on the Velvet Revolution in 1989,
site was destroyed during American Czech President Václav
bombing in 1945. Havel—who lived next door
—supported architect Vlado
Milunić’s vision of a new
cultural and symbolic
structure. In 1992, Canadian-
American architect Frank
Gehry joined the project, and
the final design was
completed in collaboration.
Architectural Style:
Deconstructivism
The Dancing House is a prime example of Deconstructivism, a movement within Postmodern
architecture. This style challenges traditional forms and rejects symmetry, order, and classical
harmony. Instead, it embraces fragmentation, dynamic volumes, and unexpected geometries.
In this building, these features are
expressed through asymmetrical
facades, irregular windows, and non-
linear forms. Deconstructivism often
reflects instability and transformation—
perfectly suiting the Czech Republic’s
transitional era.
Concept & Symbolism
The glass tower, curving inward
and outward, is the "female" form
in motion, while the rigid concrete
tower is its stable "male" partner.
The structure metaphorically
represents a dancing couple—often
referred to as Fred and Ginger, after
the famous dancers Fred Astaire and
Ginger Rogers.
This dialogue between static and dynamic
reflects both movement and balance—
echoing the cultural revival of the Czech
people after decades of totalitarian
rigidity.
Structural
Design &
Materials
The building has nine floors above ground and two
underground. The main materials include reinforced
concrete, glass, and steel. The facade is composed of 99
uniquely shaped concrete panels, and windows are set
irregularly to enhance visual distortion. The “dancing”
illusion is intensified by the curved glass facade and the
metal dome called “Medusa” on the roof.
Legacy & Architectural
Significance
Despite receiving international acclaim, including Time
magazine’s 1997 design award, the Dancing House stirred
controversy among Prague’s locals. Critics say it clashes with
Baroque and Gothic surroundings, but it also marks a bold
break from tradition. Today, the Dancing House stands not
only as a remarkable piece of architecture, but also as a
symbol of bold creativity and a new chapter in Czech
architectural history.
THANK
YOU!
