Support for Culture
The VáclavART and Two Faces of Prague projects presented the work of young artists and highlighted both the beauty and the current challenges of Prague’s city center from 2005 to 2024.
The heart of Prague
The center of Prague and Wenceslas Square are the most important public space in the Czech Republic, and our mission is to care for this place and help it develop further.
About us
Founded in 2005, the Association of the New Town of Prague, z.s. represents residents, companies, shops, hotels and restaurants on Wenceslas Square and in its surroundings.
Our mission is to care for this unique place and coordinate care for public spaces in the center of Prague. We focus on cleanliness, safety, aesthetics and a cultivated urban life in the historic core. Caring for Wenceslas Square means not only coordinating maintenance, but also its revitalization and long-term development that respects the needs of everyone who lives here, works here or comes here. We want the square to be pleasant, inspiring and open to new possibilities.
One of our core principles is unity of opinions and attitudes. We joined forces to achieve specific goals and believe that our vision of a better Wenceslas Square also meets the needs of the wider public.
Key milestones on our journey
Since 2005 we have worked to improve the quality of public space in the center of Prague.
2005
Association founded
We were founded in response to the growing need for coordinated care of public space in the center of Prague.
2005
Association founded
We were founded in response to the growing need for coordinated care of public space in the center of Prague.
2011
First major cultural events
Photo contest “Two Faces of Prague” in cooperation with FAMU, Wenceslas Christmas and Easter, exhibitions “The Story of Wenceslas Square” and “Wenceslas Square – the Showcase of the Metropolis”.
Photo contest “Two Faces of Prague” in cooperation with FAMU, Wenceslas Christmas and Easter, exhibitions “The Story of Wenceslas Square” and “Wenceslas Square – the Showcase of the Metropolis”.
2011
First major cultural events
2014
Association registered
The Association of the New Town of Prague, z.s. has been a registered association since January 1, 2014.
2014
Association registered
The Association of the New Town of Prague, z.s. has been a registered association since January 1, 2014.
2016
Wenceslas Square without stalls
We helped remove vendor stalls from Wenceslas Square.
We helped remove vendor stalls from Wenceslas Square.
2016
Wenceslas Square without stalls
2021
Growth and expansion
Our activities expanded to new areas.
2021
Growth and expansion
Our activities expanded to new areas.
2022
Official establishment of contractual cooperation with Prague 1
We established our first official cooperation with Prague 1 and became the contractual coordinator of public-space management for Wenceslas Square and the surrounding area.
We established our first official cooperation with Prague 1 and became the contractual coordinator of public-space management for Wenceslas Square and the surrounding area.
2022
Official establishment of contractual cooperation with Prague 1
Our priorities
Wenceslas Square connects history with modern life. Our goal is to improve its atmosphere and ensure it is attractive not only for tourists, but also for local residents and workers.
Safety
We ensure active police patrols are present and cooperate with municipal and state police to reduce crime, drugs and prostitution in the center.
Cleanliness
We regularly coordinate care for public space, communicate with relevant institutions, and initiate solutions where improvements are needed.
Traffic calming
We support limiting through-traffic in the center, building parking garages and underground parking.
Our activities
Revitalization of Wenceslas Square
Pedestrian Zone: We helped implement the pedestrian zone in the lower part of the square.
New Look: We collaborated with Jakub Cigler’s architectural studio and the construction company Hochtief on the revitalization of the lower part of the square. The renewed environment has attracted more young people and families with children.
Public Space Measures
Regulation of Street Art: We provided feedback on the amendment to the busking ordinance.
Reduction of Kiosks: We actively worked on removing non‑compliant kiosks.
Advertising Regulation: We succeeded in introducing an ordinance that restricts the distribution of flyers, especially those promoting erotic businesses.
Thanks to these measures, the square has become clearer, more orderly, and more pleasant for all visitors.
Partnership with Local Authorities and the Police
Cooperation with Prague 1 District and City Hall: We actively participate in committees and working groups, presenting proposals to address current issues in the city center.
Cooperation with the Police: We communicate daily with both municipal and state police when dealing with issues related to homelessness, drug addiction, and petty crime.
Thanks to this cooperation, we are able to improve safety and the overall quality of the environment for everyone.
Community Initiatives
We organize pre‑election debates with candidates from all political parties.
We host workshops and conferences on topics such as city centers, trams, parking, urbanization, and public‑space management.
We organize exhibitions on the history and development of Wenceslas Square.
Our activities help increase public awareness and encourage active civic engagement.
Our Association & ESG
Since 2005, our projects have aligned with the principles of social responsibility (ESG).
We bring together the community, property owners, businesses, developers, residents, and visitors to encourage a considerate approach to the environment in which they live and work.
The quality of public space influences living standards and shapes our everyday experiences.
Our projects
Easter and Christmas Markets – Charity Projects
We organize traditional Christmas and Easter markets, support non-profit organizations, children’s choirs, and projects such as the St. Nicholas celebration and the Bethlehem Light. Since 2012, we have raised more than CZK 5 million for the non-profit sector. We also collaborate with local schools and communities, strengthening neighborhood relations in the city center. Our events attract many visitors each year and contribute to bringing public spaces to life. We are committed to connecting traditions, culture, and charity, which give our activities meaning.
Benches on Wenceslas Square
Thanks to the bench patrons from among our members, local businesses, and residents, we have been taking long-term care of the wooden benches on Wenceslas Square. We ensure their maintenance and renovation so that they contribute to a more pleasant appearance of the public space and provide people with a place to rest.
In connection with the ongoing revitalization of the upper part of Wenceslas Square, the bench restoration project is being gradually phased out, following the removal of benches from the area as part of the construction works.
Code of Ethics
Openness and trust are essential to us. That’s why we share our Code of Ethics and statutes so the public can stay informed about our work.