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Idiom, the book sculpture — Mariánské nám. 1/98
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Art, Theaters and Museums 📍 Mariánské nám. 1/98, Czech Republic 225 views

Idiom, the book sculpture

If you happen to go to Prague, find five minutes to enter the Municipal Library, which is located on Platnéřská, just a short walk from the Clock and all the major tourist circuits. Just cross the threshold and climb a few steps to find yourself in the presence of Idiom, a beauti...

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Idiom, the book sculpture — Mariánské nám. 1/98, Czech Republic.

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Mariánské nám. 1/98
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Art, Theaters and Museums
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About Idiom, the book sculpture

Idiom, the book sculpture - Mariánské nám. 1/98 | Secret World Trip Planner

If you happen to go to Prague, find five minutes to enter the Municipal Library, which is located on Platnéřská, just a short walk from the Clock and all the major tourist circuits. Just cross the threshold and climb a few steps to find yourself in the presence of Idiom, a beautiful installation by Slovak artist Matej Kren.It is a cylindrical tower composed of an immense number of books that, thanks to a tear-shaped opening located on one side of the installation and a magnificent optical effect created by two mirrors placed inside, manages to create the sensation of plunging into an infinite vortex.An irresistible rainbow of colors able to establish a bond with every visitor, even if he or she is not fond of reading.Idiom was created by Slovak artist Matej Kren, who is famous for creating his gigantic environments made up exclusively of books.These include the little house of books entitled "Book Call Project" placed in the Modern Art Center in Lisbon and "Passage," a wall of volumes installed in the Bratislava City Gallery.Idiom's installation, before finding its permanent home at the entrance to the Prague Library in 1998, was exhibited at the 1995 São Paulo International Biennial.Books constitute and construct this work of art, but at the same time, taken one by one, they invite to be opened and known. And, I assure you, walking out of the Library, one has the feeling of diving into the well, almost like Alice in her Wonderland.

Idiom, the book sculpture - Mariánské nám. 1/98 | Secret World Trip Planner
Idiom, the book sculpture - Mariánské nám. 1/98 | Secret World Trip Planner
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Frequently Asked Questions

Idiom is permanently installed at the entrance of the Municipal Library on Platnéřská street, just a short walk from the Prague Astronomical Clock and major tourist attractions. You can easily visit it by crossing the threshold and climbing a few steps inside the library.
Idiom is a cylindrical tower made of countless books with a tear-shaped opening on one side that, combined with two strategically placed mirrors inside, creates an optical illusion of an infinite vortex. This mesmerizing effect produces a rainbow of colors that appeals to visitors regardless of whether they enjoy reading.
Idiom was created by Slovak artist Matej Kren, who specializes in creating gigantic art installations exclusively made from books. His other notable works include the Book Call Project in Lisbon's Modern Art Center and Passage at the Bratislava City Gallery.
The Idiom installation was first exhibited at the 1995 São Paulo International Biennial before finding its permanent home at the entrance of Prague's Municipal Library in 1998. It has remained a fixture there ever since.
When you visit Idiom, you'll experience a mesmerizing visual journey similar to falling down Alice's rabbit hole in Wonderland, with an irresistible play of colors and light. Each individual book in the installation invites you to open and explore it, making it both a visual spectacle and an interactive art experience.

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