“I cannot participate in practices I disagree with.” Here, etched into the side of this seemingly simple bench. This quote offers a glimpse into the story of the lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka.
The lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka is more than just a place to sit. It is a tribute to Václav Havel. Havel lived in Prague 6. He was an honorary citizen there. This location is a fitting tribute.
Installed in December 2017, the lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka commemorates the sixth anniversary of Havel’s death. You can find it in the Dejvice campus. It sits right in front of the National Technical Library.
This red bench is named after Ferdinand Vaněk. Vaněk was a central character in many of Havel’s plays. The bench was selected in an art competition. The Prague 6 council realized it. This was in cooperation with the Václav Havel Library.
Architects Lea Dostálová and Petr Pištěk designed the lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka. The bench features a plank. One side is anchored to a beer barrel. This gives it a unique look. The plank is steel.
The bench’s red color symbolizes the totalitarian regime. The seat is 1989 millimeters long. This refers to the pivotal year in Czech history. The quote comes from Havel’s play “Audience”. It reflects Vaněk’s struggles.
The lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka sparked controversy because it cost 850,000 Czech crowns. The artwork itself cost 500,000 crowns. This included the prize for winning the architectural competition. It also covered documentation, production, and the artists’ fees.
The remaining 350,000 crowns paid for anchoring the bench. It also paid for adjusting the surrounding area. These adjustments were necessary before installing the bench. Some argue it is an artistic piece. It also provides seating. This adds value to the artwork.
Some feel the small bench gets lost in the large space. The inscription can be hard to read. The nameplate is on the ground. It is easily overlooked. The concrete base shows how much work was done.
Despite the controversy, the lavička Ferdinanda Vaňka serves as a reminder. It honors Havel’s legacy. It encourages reflection on freedom and resistance. It stands as a functional piece of art. It invites you to sit and contemplate its message. Take a moment. Consider the principles Vaněk stood for. Consider the cost of freedom.