The surface of the upper part of Žižkov Square has undergone a major transformation: the original interlocking pavers, which already had numerous cracks, have been replaced by a crushed stone surface that effectively absorbs rainwater. “We installed streetlights there, which were previously missing. Thanks to this, people can feel safer in the square. The lighting can be dimmed at night so it isn’t disruptive and to save energy,” explains Jan Bartko, Prague 3 Councilor for the Environment. As part of the landscaping, new trees, shrubs, and perennial beds were planted on the square. Outdated benches have been replaced with new ones, and a new public restroom has also been built right on the square.

Based on public participation, five panels have also been installed in the renovated section of the square. One of them provides the public with information about the history of the site, while the others will serve as exhibition spaces for the School of Applied Arts, which is located on the square. “We are pleased that, in cooperation with Prague 3, we can publicly showcase the artistic disciplines we teach, as well as our students’ work. It’s a way to bring applied arts closer to a wider audience. I’ll be happy if our exhibitions become one of the reasons people stop by Žižkovo Square and spend some pleasant moments here,” says Pavel Kovářík, director of the Higher Vocational School of Applied Arts and the Secondary School of Applied Arts.

The outdoor gallery on Žižkov Square now commemorates the school’s more than 100-year history and showcases examples of works in fields such as woodcarving and promotional graphics.

The renovation of the upper part of Žižkov Square was originally scheduled to be completed in October 2019. However, due to the extensive root systems of the local trees, the municipal district had to make design adjustments. Thanks to this, it was possible to preserve the trees on the square. Further delays were then caused by longer lead times for material deliveries. The municipal district invested nearly 15.8 million crowns (including VAT) in the square’s renovation.