Minorite Friary of St. James, Malá Štupartská 6, Prague, Czech Republic.

At the beginning of October, the MINORITE FRIARY entered a new phase in its history, one connected with education, culture, and support for Czech entrepreneurship. Since then, exhibitions, guided tours, and educational events have been held simultaneously in its spacious premises. 800 years of history have been opened to the public, and with Advent, the monastery comes alive with traditions and the story of Christmas.

THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS IN ROMANESQUE CELLARS

In the Romanesque cellars, cloisters, and gardens, guests and visitors to the monastery can enjoy the festive atmosphere of Advent with everything that belongs to the Christmas holidays. Thanks to a comprehensive Christmas exhibition, they can travel around the world and learn about the traditions of our neighbors. They will learn what the first nativity scene looked like and where the tradition of building nativity scenes comes from. They can admire a Christmas tree decorated with Czech KOULIER glass ornaments with a gingerbread motif in national colors, as well as a tree with original wooden ornaments based on illustrations inspired by the history of the place. Guests will also be put in a pleasant mood by the scent of Christmas spices and the delicacy and beneficial effects of original teas and coffees created for the monastery under a special brand inspired by herbs from the angelic garden. Eternal by Helena also offers original Christmas decorations and educational materials inspired by the history of the monastery. The Christmas exhibition is complemented by an exhibition of light paintings.

THE MINORITE FRIARY AS A CZECH PHENOMENON

The Helas business platform, which was invited to manage and implement the restoration of the unique premises of the MINORITE FRIARY IN PRAGUE, strives, among other things, to give the widest possible public the opportunity to learn about the history of the place and understand its significance through experiential tours. The monastery was founded in 1232 by King Wenceslas I, and today, for the first time in its history, it is open to the public. The space is gradually becoming a social, business, cultural, and spiritual center that has retained its genius loci. After 400 years, the Přemyslid dynasty ended and the Luxembourgs took over. Czech rulers ruled from here, and at the same time, the largest botanical garden in Central Europe stretched from the monastery, which almost no one knows, even though it functioned until the 18th century. The monastery stood right next to the royal customs office, or Ungelt, and therefore this entire location has always been one of the most important places in Prague, where secular and spiritual power merged with the center of business. This history and the work of many people across generations and centuries is part of the legacy of our program Building a Proud Czech Republic. We see caring for the monastery as part of our social responsibility.

 

CAPACITY FOR EVENTS

The capacity of the premises available for rent at the MINORITE FRIARY IN PRAGUE, i.e. the part administered by the Helas Business Platform, is impressive. With its two large halls, the CORONATION HALL and the HALL OF JAN LUCEMBURSKÝ, two smaller halls, the ROYAL HALL and the HALL OF ELIŠKA PŘEMYSLOVNA, the LUCEMBURSKÝ, PŘEMYSLOVSKÝ, MUSIC and PETRARCA lounges, Romanesque cellars and three gardens, it can accommodate from 10 to 1,000 people. The premises are ideal for social gatherings, conferences, product and service presentations, exhibitions, advertising and film shoots, concerts, workshops, celebrations, and much more. The aim of all these activities is to raise funds for further reconstruction of the premises, development, and operation of the friary.

TOUR ROUTES

BASIC TOUR
Paradise Garden • Gothic Cloister • Romanesque Cellars • Hall of John of Luxembourg • Hortus Angelicus Garden • Exhibition

 

EXTENDED TOUR
Basic Tour + 1st Floor • Coronation Franciscan Hall
ETERNAL COFFEE & TEA COLLECTION tasting

"We appreciate that we were approached by the Minorite monastery to design a concept that would connect history, the present, and the future in one place that will serve the development of culture, social events, and business," says Helena Kohoutová, founder of the Helas Business Platform, which now manages the historic premises of the MINORITE FRIARY IN PRAGUE. Helena Kohoutová adds, "The goal is to support children's education and create a place for authentic encounters with the history of our nation. At the same time, we are creating a space for entrepreneurs and interesting personalities to meet. When people walk through the same corridors and halls as famous Czech rulers, they will always see something more than just unique spaces. Although we opened less than six weeks ago, we have already been able to organize an exhibition of light paintings called Lumia Frequency Art, an exhibition by sculptor Vojtěch Šandera, and we are currently opening a two-month exhibition called The Story of Christmas." 

In cooperation with the Czech Mint, special commemorative silver coins have also been created for the MINORITE FRIARY IN PRAGUE.

The Czech Mint is a long-standing partner of the Helas business platform. It is clear that we share an enthusiasm for Czech business, but coincidentally, we are also connected by our ties to distant Czech history. At the Czech Mint, we are currently preparing for an important anniversary. In 2025, it will be exactly 700 years since John of Luxembourg decided to start minting the first Czech gold coins. The famous florins were not used for payment at the market. They served mainly for international trade and were also a representative symbol – they were meant to show off how powerful, influential, and wealthy the Czech king was. Helas also honors the legacy of John of Luxembourg. It was in the Minorite Monastery in Prague, where the platform runs a center for culture, business, and social events, that the Czech king celebrated his marriage to Eliška Přemyslovna. Together, we draw inspiration from the Czech past so that, like the rulers of old, we can help build a proud Czech Republic," says a representative of the Czech Mint.

We greatly appreciate the support of the companies that contributed to the restoration and reconstruction of the premises. We would like to thank the ambassador of the project, RESPECT, a.s., an insurance broker for entrepreneurs and companies.

"It is a great honor for us that our company has become the proud ambassador of the historically significant Minorite Monastery complex in Prague. In the past, Ungelt was a key commercial hub, a place where merchants from all over the world crossed paths, and today we have the opportunity to build on this rich tradition. I believe that together with Ms. Helena Kohoutová, we will succeed in restoring and reviving this space not only as a commercial and cultural venue, but also as an inspiring place that will be an oasis for visitors. Our goal is for this place to regain its reputation as a "commercial crossroads pulsating with life." RESPECT, a.s., as an insurance broker for entrepreneurs and companies, does not focus solely on business insurance, even though that has been our bread and butter for 30 years. We also strive to support Czech projects that extend into the areas of culture and history. We are a Czech family business that prides itself on its values, which is why we care about the future of the Czech Republic," said Zdeněk Reibl, founder of RESPECT, a.s. and philanthropist.

"Our company is built on traditions and values that we live by, which is why we believe it is important to think long-term and support projects that will have a positive impact on future generations, whether commercially or educationally. We want our country's history and economic knowledge to be an integral part of education, not only in schools but also through beneficial projects for society as a whole. We firmly believe that opening these spaces to the public and using them for education can stimulate our children's interest in Czech history, culture, and monuments. Our goal is to build a proud Czech Republic, and personally, this brings us great honor, but also a commitment to be part of this effort. RESPECT is a responsible company, RESPECT is betting on the future," added Ing. Adéla Babišová, Director of Communications and Social Responsibility at RESPECT, a.s.

We would also like to thank all our partners. Namely: Jan Zítek from ALUKOV a.s., Cyril Svozil from the FENIX group, Věra Komárová from Leonardo da Vinci Academy s.r.o., Jiří Soukup Jr. from KERAMIKA SOUKUP a.s., Pavlína Janů from Barvy laky Janů s.r.o., Vojtěch Dorňák from Kloboucká lesní s.r.o., Michaela Peštová and Jana Jiráčková from IF FACILITY a.s., Jan Stahl from Stahl – stěhovací služba, spol. s r.o. We would also like to thank our donors: Jiří Dvořák from AIR POWER s.r.o. and Pavla Zálešáková.

Why did you decide to support the restoration of the Minorite Friary in Prague? What does it mean to you personally?

"My decision to support the activities of the Minorite Monastery was motivated by positive factors. This historic building not only lives on through its past, but also plays an important role in our present and, above all, our future. I believe that the Minorite Monastery is an important part of our cultural heritage, and its restoration contributes to the preservation of architectural and historical elements that bear witness to our history and traditions."

Zdeněk Kohák, M.B.A., Marketing Director, ALUKOV a.s.

"Cultural heritage is the greatest treasure of every nation, and it is the duty of every generation to contribute to its preservation. That is why we, too, are doing our best to contribute to its improvement and pass it on to future generations. The Minorite monastery is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable legacies of our ancestors."

Cyril Svozil, Member of the Board of the FENIX Group

The Minorite Monastery is linked to the glorious history of the Czech Republic, which must be lovingly passed on to future generations..."

Věra Komárová, founder and director, Leonardo V. Academy Elementary School and High School

"We decided to support the restoration project of the Minorite Monastery in Prague because we value the cultural and historical heritage that this monastery represents. The restoration of this place contributes not only to the preservation of history, but also to the revitalization of an area that is of great importance to the community and visitors. Personally, it makes us proud to be able to contribute to the restoration of such an important cultural site, which will serve both the local population and tourists and future generations."

 

Jiří Soukup Jr., Keramika Soukup a.s.

 

"As a family, we have a connection to traditions. For us, the monastery is a place that unites us all. It is not only a historical monument, but also a place of peace, quiet, and spiritual strength. It gives us a sense of fulfillment to be part of something bigger than our everyday business. It has personal meaning for us to contribute to the spiritual future."

Pavlína Janů, Barvy laky Janů, s.r.o. - A family store with tradition

 

We were inspired by the history of the entire monastery. We were intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to a renovation that would not only improve one of the monastery's gardens, but also benefit children. We are delighted to have been able to participate in a place where they can play and develop their knowledge and skills.

Vojtěch Dorňák, owner of Kloboucká lesní.

 

"In connection with our title of Leader of the Year 2023 for the Capital City of Prague, I met Ms. Helena Kohoutová and discovered that we share many common values. Among other things, we are united by our support for sustainable development and Czech entrepreneurs and companies. It is not often that our company has the opportunity to participate in a project that makes such meaningful use of a historic building, elevates its historical value to that of a cultural sanctuary, and has the potential to become a community gathering place. We definitely wanted to be "part of it" within our modest means and help at least a little."

Ing. Michaela Peštová, company director and member of the board of directors, IF FACILITY a.s.

 

Our ancestors once created many architectural gems.

We have a choice: either let their work, including the testimony of the past, fall into disrepair and disappear, or take care of it and share its beauty.

I feel it is my duty to my ancestors to take up the baton and pass it on.

To support enthusiasts who give up their comfort and get to work, investing their time, skills, and energy. They have my admiration and respect.

Let's open similar spaces to the public; there are never enough positive things in life.

The Minorite Monastery in the center of Prague will thus come alive with people for people.

Our present is the history of the future. Let's leave behind a legacy we won't have to be ashamed of.

Pavla Zálešáková, founder and former owner of TROX Tech-Trade

 

Media partners

AMAZING magazine
EDUCA magazine

www.klaster-minoritu.cz