Experience History in Prague: The New Poesiomat Features Havel’s Iconic Speech

A brand new Poesiomat has recently been placed in the lower section of Wenceslas Square, providing visitors with an exceptional mix of literature and historical insight.

This unique device, which looks like a submarine periscope, features 20 distinct recordings that are connected to Prague’s rich history, including poetry, significant speeches, and crucial historical events.

Included in these recordings are notable items such as a speech delivered by Václav Havel, the final words of Jan Palach, and the important declaration of Czechoslovakia from 1918.

The initiative was launched by Ondřej Kobza, a cultural activist known for his work on public pianos and chess tables in Prague. This machine was funded at a total cost of 280,000 CZK, mainly by the city of Prague (250,000 CZK), with an additional contribution of 30,000 CZK from the Prague 1 district.

Unlike a conventional jukebox, this Poesiomat offers a wide range of recordings beyond just poetry. Visitors can enjoy famous moments such as Klement Gottwald’s speech from 1948, which opens with the well-known phrase, “I am just returning from the Castle,” as well as Marta Kubišová’s first public performance in 1989, occurring after two decades of being banned from the stage.

The diverse selection of recordings also features:

• Poems by renowned poets such as Vítězslav Nezval, Karel Šiktanc, and František Halas
• A captivating short story by Jaroslav Hašek
• Well-loved children’s songs from the Semafor Theater
• An engaging narration about Wenceslas Square in the 1920s by director Josef Vomáčka
• A thorough historical narrative regarding the architectural changes of the square, shared by historian Richard Biegel

Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) commended the project, describing it as an ideal combination of literature, technology, and cultural education within a public setting. “Wenceslas Square stands as a landmark of Czech history, and this Poesiomat will ignite curiosity while educating visitors about the past through artistic expression,” he remarked.

From Prague to the Globe

This marks the 80th Poesiomat in the Czech Republic, with similar devices available in numerous cities. Beyond Prague, poetry machines can also be found in cities such as Paris, Dublin, and even Buffalo, New York.

To operate the device, users simply turn a handle to choose a recording. When played, the voices of historical figures resonate throughout the square, reviving the words of poets, statesmen, and revolutionaries from the past.