The Prague hotel impresses with its distinctive design, combining historical
elements with the work of modern Czech artists
The well-known Prague hotel Alcron, located in the center of one of the most beautiful European
metropolises, underwent a complete renovation and reopened its doors earlier this year as Almanac
X Alcron Prague.
The icon of the European hotel industry belongs to the luxurious collection of prestigious hotels
Almanac Hotels, which is owned by the Viennese Haselbacher family. The complete renovation
involved all rooms and social spaces, and the result is truly impressive. The design is the work of the
Spanish studio Tres Cinco Uno and was created in collaboration with Czech architects from the
studio Tres Cinco Uno and was created in collaboration with Czech architects from the studio
Marani.
The original Hotel Alcron, inaugurated in the 1930s, was an eye-catching treasure trove of Art Deco
style. Some of the original elements were incorporated into the sensitive renovation and can still be
found in the hotel today. But Almanac X is not afraid of innovation, so the historical legacy is
sophisticatedly mixed with contemporary design. Modern works by several talented Czech artists are
an important part of the original concept. They underline the overall atmosphere of the place and
give it a unique genius loci.
When you enter the hotel, you will be attracted by the eight-meter mural located at the back of the
reception, which was custom-made, especially for these spaces. Its author Lucie Jindrák Skřivánková,
is among the outstanding talents of the contemporary domestic art scene. She is dedicated to
abstract structural painting. On the formal side, it leans toward expression with a tendency to
abstract form. It ranges in a relatively wide range defined on the one hand by a fine texture or
structural layering, and on the other by distinct deformations. It also has a general accent on
spaciousness. Other originals by this artist can be found in the hotel lobby and in the presidential
suite. Interesting prints by Lucie also decorate the Almanac X and Deluxe rooms, these are 3D works
that come to life through the app. A video documenting the creation of the mural can be viewed
here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CphdEcUPHho/.
There are works in the Alcron Restaurant, along the legendary marble staircase, and in the Executive
Suites by Patrik Kriššák. These are originals from the artist’s collection dedicated to corals. In his
work, Patrik reflects on current climate problems, and the paintings, therefore, carry an ecological
message. They depict a coral reef ecosystem that is critically affected by current global climate
change. The paintings show us not only the beauty but also the vulnerability and transience of the
underwater world. Environmental issues are really close to the hotel, as sustainability is one of the
key valuesof the Almanac X brand.
Almanac Castle View Suites are decorated with original artwork by Alžběty Josefy. In her work, the
author focuses on objectivity – not because of the objects themselves, but rather because of the
causes that lead to their creation. Through painting, he finds additional layers in the created shapes,
and in those, he searches for their seams and patterns. The organic, cellular formations that he
depicts in this way are based on his fascination with the human organism and are woven from many
small parts that together make one whole. Even the depiction of inorganic forms in her presentation
radiates a certain liveliness and physicality. The search for form in the process of painting itself is
characteristic of her. It creates an absorbing illusion by using the principle where the image shines
through – it washes away the applied layer of paint. The result is an image that clearly contains all
these phases.
In the Junior Suites, we can find paintings from Michaela Červená. The author’s work is based on a
gentle, feminine approach. She works with inner themes and automatic drawing/painting, in which
she deals with the effect of the environment and its components on herself. Michaela usually paints
on a blank canvas and works intuitively. However, the records are inspired by specific situations and
places. It explores topics related to our everyday life and the reflection of our own identity. The
character of her paintings is very subtle. Her diary entries and automatic artworks are easily
recognizable due to their unique poetic style and original concept.
The Czech Republic has a rich glassmaking tradition, so of course the hotel cannot be without works
of art made of glass. A limited collection of 20 glass vases, planters, bowls, and other objects for the
hotel restaurant and lobby was created by Studio Salanský. The studio was founded in 2012 and
continues the long collaboration between the brothers Jan and Ondřej Salanský. Together they
create crystal works of art, lamps, and used glass. The comprehensive collection for Almanac X
Alcron Prague is shaped by techniques combining traditional densely blown glass with a distinctive
author’s approach. The artists were inspired by nature, crafts, and materials as such.
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