Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is set to unveil the world’s first Poetry Jukebox, showcasing the rich cultural contributions of the Czech Republic.
The unique installation resembles a submarine periscope and features a crank. When turned, it will recite and sing about the local culture, important figures, and notable events.
Passengers waiting for their flights will have the opportunity to listen to poems, songs, and stories that celebrate significant aspects of Czech culture. Ondřej Kobza, the creator of the project, has been installing Poetry Machines in public spaces since 2015. While these machines engage people in cities across the Czech Republic and abroad, this will be the first time one will operate in an airport setting.
“Airports serve as gateways to a country, acting like modern squares where travelers pause to observe their surroundings. We thought it would be a great idea for them to fill that time by listening to Dvořák’s symphony or Seifert’s poem,” Kobza explained.
The Poetry Machine will feature 20 pieces highlighting important Czech figures from culture, politics, and sports. Travelers will learn about influential personalities such as Václav Havel, Milan Kundera, and Karel Čapek.
“While the primary language will be English, the Poetry Machine will also recite or sing in French, German, and Spanish. Our aim is to make Czech culture accessible to foreign visitors,” Kobza added.
This installation will follow the introduction of pianos at the airport’s Terminals 1 and 2, which have been available since 2013.
The Poetry Machine will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, October 15, at 10 a.m. in Terminal 2. The event will feature remarks from Ondřej Kobza and Jakub Puchalský, a board member of Václav Havel Airport Prague.
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