Congrats to those of you who knew where this is located:
House at The Golden Ring (Dům U Zlatého prstenu) is located on Týnská Street in Old Town (very close to Old Town Square), and no, it isn't the former residence of a jeweler...not as far as we know. The gold ring was was probably created on the building in the early years of the 17th century. One charming legend (are you surprised that there's a legend associated with it? Come on, you should know by now that we Czechs love a good legend!) is that the ring was lost by one of the Old Town's many ghosts during its nocturnal strolls, and found by one of the residents of the quarter, who installed it above the gates of his house as protection against the forces of evil.
In the late 20th century, the building was restored for the use of the Gallery of the City of Prague, which is what it is today. The gallery hosts a permanent exhibition of Czech art of the 20th century with particular emphasis on the Czech passion for surrealism and just plain oddness.
One of the current long-term exhibits is entitled AFTER VELVET / Contemporary Czech Art with Past Connotations. It contains works by members of several generations of artists.
I have to admit, I quite like this piece called "Red is coming" by Krištof Kintera. A lot. It's odd, but I really do like it. I guess Czechs do truly have a passion for the odd.
Red is coming, 2007, Krištof Kintera
City Gallery Prague
Týnská 6, Old Town
Getting there: Metro "A" to Staroměstská, Tram 17 or 18 to Staroměstská
Hours: Open 10 am - 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday
Admission: Adult 120 CZK, free with Prague Card
