Havel’s Place

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Oxford’s University Parks, near Lady Margaret Hall and overlooking the River Cherwell, sits Havel’s Place. It’s a quiet spot, designed for reflection. Havel’s Place isn’t your typical park bench. It’s a memorial, a place dedicated to Václav Havel, the playwright, dissident, and former president of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. Dedicated in November 2014, Havel’s Place in Oxford is one of several such installations around the world. Each one consists of two simple chairs, a small round table, and a linden tree growing right through the middle. The table bears an inscription, a powerful message from Havel himself: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” The original Havel’s Place was installed in Washington D.C. in 2013. The idea, conceived by Czech Ambassador Petr Gandalovič, was to create spaces for dialogue, inspired by Havel’s belief in the power of conversation. The design, by architect Bořek Šípek, symbolizes this democratic ideal. The two chairs represent different perspectives, coming together at the table for discussion. The linden tree, the national tree of the Czech Republic, represents growth and resilience. Now, the Oxford installation initially faced a challenge. The original wooden chairs and table, exposed to the elements, deteriorated quickly. But a solution was found. They were replaced with furniture made of Accoya, a specially treated wood designed to withstand rot for at least 50 years. So, as you sit at Havel’s Place in Oxford, take a moment to appreciate the quiet strength of this memorial. It stands as a testament to the power of words, the importance of dialogue, and the enduring legacy of a man who championed truth and love.