Street art. Does it belong in a museum or on the streets? Here at Vltavska metro station, you can decide for yourself. The Vltava Mural is one of Prague’s many places where you can admire graffiti-sprayed walls.
Vltavska metro station street art is worth checking out. The station is on the red line C. It is also a busy tram junction. Some might say it is neglected and ugly. It is a place no one wants to be unless they need transport. Yet, Vltavska is unique because it has some of the best street art in Prague.
However, the street art at Vltavska metro station has changed due to reconstruction of the area.
Street art embellishes the walls of Vltavska metro station. Famous artists like Mode 2 have sprayed graffiti here. Mode 2 painted people doing everyday things. These included a woman reading a newspaper. Also, there was a kissing couple. A girl caressed a kitten. Another girl listened to music with earphones. All were in pastel colors. These paintings are still there but have faded slightly. Another part of the wall had graffiti in chrome and black paints. It was a statement showing that commerce has taken over street art.
Digging metro tunnels under the river was quite a technical feat in 1984. That was when Vltavska metro station opened. That is why two decorations symbolize a watercourse. Next to the entrance staircase is a round stained-glass artwork. It is called Vltava, resembling a porthole. Next to the metro entrance is an 8-meter high cascade. It is called Faun and Vltava. It has lost a bit of its former glory. However, it is still impressive.
The nearby Tesnov wall is the only legal graffiti wall in Prague. It is under elevated fly-overs. It is next to a parking lot. It is a deserted place. Yet, it is safe at night. This is because of the good street lighting. Come during the day to see the artwork. Come early in the morning or at weekends. Then you can leave your mark in Prague. Later in the day, parked cars will be in your way. Every time you come by, the works of art are different. Graffiti is Art on the Move.
Also nearby is the Bohumil Hrabal Wall. Bohumil Hrabal was a Czech writer. The wall is a colorful collage depicting his life and work. It graces the outer wall of the Palmovka metro station on Na Hrazi Street. The mural depicts excerpts from his most famous works. It also depicts his portrait, his typewriter and his cats. Hrabal wrote humorous, surreal stories. They were about poor workers, eccentrics and social misfits.
Street art gives us insight into a city’s soul. The Vltava Mural is no exception. It captures the spirit of Prague’s ever-evolving artistic expression.