Architecture for All 1956-1989

Architecture is an omnipresent medium that reflects the changes in society. These coincide with technological and societal revolutions and transformations. At the same time, architecture is a very slow medium, as the construction of a building often lasts years, even decades. The permanent exhibition and catalogue 1956-1989: Architecture for All aims to capture the synchronicities and asynchronicities of late modernism, marked by the transition to a post-industrial society, the growth of the tertiary sector, services, and significant advances in technology, communication, and audiovisual media. The Czech (Czechoslovak) situation appears to be a special case study with some unique moment in time and space and international understanding are utterly important. 

The exhibition and catalogue were conceived in the Architecture Collection of the National Gallery in Prague under the curatorial lead of Helena Huber-Doudová. They are primarily based on archival material from the collection, which provides a unique overview of architecture of the second half of the 20th century. The exhibition concept was built in dialogue with Czech and international experts in the field. The exhibition makes the controversial architecture of this period accessible in an attractive way and from the perspective of lifestyle. 

Alicja Knast , General Director, National Gallery in Prague.