Vivat Comenius - Štěpán Rak - closing of the National celebrations of J. A. Comenius
On Wednesday 7 December 2022, the National Pedagogical Museum hosted a concert Vivat Comenius with Professor Štěpán Rak, an internationally renowned guitarist. This cultural evening concluded the National Celebration of J. A. Comenius held between 2020 and 2022. On this occasion, there was also a presentation of the new book "Jan Amos Comenius and his legacy in the Czechoslovak Hussite Church" by the authors Patriarch Tomáš Butta, Markéta Pánková and editor Martin Jindra.
You can watch the video from the concert HERE.
The idea of the Vivat Comenius programme was conceived by the actor Alfred Strejček in 1990, when he approached the guitarist Štěpán Rak. Markéta Pánková, the director of NPMC, was also at the birth of the project. With the show, the actors travelled to 4 continents and 33 countries, where they reaped extraordinary success in spreading the ideas of J. A. Comenius. They also performed the programme at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence alongside Rembrandt's original painting Portrait of an Old Man (probably a portrait of Comenius himself). In total, 725 performances were staged.
Concert Vivat Comenius with Štěpán Rak on 7 December 2022
On Wednesday 7 December 2022, the concert Vivat Comenius will take place at the National Pedagogical Museum (Valdštejnská 20, Prague 1) with Štěpán Rak, an internationally renowned guitarist. On this occasion, a presentation of the new book "Jan Amos Comenius and his legacy in the Czechoslovak Hussite Church" will take place.
Podcast With Comenius at the Microphone: Interview with Dr. Markéta Panková
This interview was conducted with Dr. Markéta Panková, director of the National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Comenius, historian and sociologist. In the podcast, you will learn about the completed National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius’ anniversaries, which lasted three years, and about M. Pánková's life with J. A. Comenius. Who in the history of the Czech Republic was similar to Comenius in their message or what idea of Comenius helps in M. Pánková's everyday life? You will hear more than that in the ninth episode of the podcast "With Comenius at the microphone".
You can watch the interview HERE.
MEYS issued the Komenský Declaration on the Russian aggression in Ukraine
Prague, 1 December 2022 - The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports today issued an important document commemorating the legacy of humanist and teacher of nations Jan Amos Komensky and at the same time condemning the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Komensky Declaration. It is a declaration of the Czech Republic recalling the main values and principles that Komenský stood for, namely humanism, respect for human rights and education available to all, and also calling on democratic countries and their citizens to realise their duty to defend the values on which our civilisation has stood for centuries. Slovenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Netherlands and Portugal supported the declaration. Countries that join will be added. This text was welcomed by Ukrainian authorities. The text of the Declaration will be presented to EU Member States at today's European Education Summit by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Vladimír Balas.
The full text of the Comenius Declaration can be found HERE
The Minister of Education, prof. Vladimír Balas, has terminated National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius’ anniversaries
On Tuesday 15 November 2022 National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius’ anniversaries were officially closed in the concert hall of the Prague Conservatory. The young generation of musicians accompanied the celebrations with their performance, which commemorated the 350th anniversary of the death (15 November 2020) and the 430th anniversary of the birth (28 March 2022) of the pedagogue, theologian, philosopher, humanist and teacher J. A. Comenius. The three-year period of national and international conferences and seminars organised by major scientific and cultural institutions, as well as activities for the general public, children and young people, has shown how timeless is the legacy of the work and ideas of J. A. Comenius. On the threshold of the modern age, he emphasised themes that are still unprecedentedly topical in today's post-modern globalised society: the availability and importance of modern education, social reform of society, political cooperation in Europe and the world, and especially the value of tolerance and openness towards other people, culture and religion as a way of preventing conflicts (not only war).
At the beginning, the guests listened to Comenius' thoughts performed by the actor Alfred Strejcek. The evening was officially opened by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Professor Vladimír Balaš. Afterwards, Professor Jiří Drahoš, first Vice-Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Republic, and former Minister Professor Stanislav Štech, who actively participated in National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius’ anniversaries, recalled the power of Comenius' ideas. Prof. Jindrich Vybiral spoke on behalf of the rectors, Prof. Tomáš Kasper who commemorated the 130th anniversary of the National Pedagogical Museum, and Drs. Jan Landsaat from Stichting Comenius Museum v Naardenu also took the floor about Comenius' legacy. The evening was also attended by the President of the Comenius Academic Club Prof. Karel Raska, Prof. Jana Rasková and other members of this organization.
The director of the National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Comenius, Dr. Marketa Pankova, whose institution was the main guarantor of the celebrations and the scientific or cultural events associated with them, then summarized the activities of the coordinating group of the National Comenius Celebrations and pointed out the importance of this extraordinary event, which in times of war rampage and trampling of human values recalls the "task" that Comenius set for humanity - to solve social, cultural, social issues through education. During the evening, the winners of the children's art competition Comenius in the classroom! were announced and prizes and honourable mentions were awarded to pupils who presented the legacy of Comenius in an original, enthusiastic and collaborative way. The event ended with a concert Tribute to Comenius, performed by the Prague Conservatoire. Excerpts from the most important works of Comenius were performed.
Labyrinth of the world and paradise of the heart – 400 years – a new calendar
The artist Miroslav Huptych has decided to publish a narrative wall calendar with new collages for the round anniversary of J. A. Comenius' Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart. Proceeds from the sale are donated to the project of building housing for people with autism in Měšice near Prague.
More information can be found HERE
I want to be human: Arnošt Lustigs message to the world and the stars.
This international travelling exhibition, co-organised by The National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Comenius, is on display in Brussels from 23 September 2022 to 20 November 2022. The exhibition is a call for self-reflection and education of young and old for a better, fairer world. It emerges from the life of one man, a Jewish boy from Prague still in his teens during the Second World War, and stems from his dearly paid experience and humiliation in the face of death, while escaping from a death transport, fighting in the Prague Uprising against the Nazis. It stems from his grasp of life and death as sisters. He experienced the best and worst in people firsthand.
Read more HERE.
International Scientific Conference ICOLLE 2022: "Omnes, omnia, omnio" for the 21st century?
Director Markéta Pánková participated on 7 September 2022 at Hotel Vista Brno in international conference, which addressed the current problems of teachers in the context of teaching in schools. M. Pánková gave an introductory lecture on J. A. Komenský, to whom the conference was symbolically dedicated. The conference was also intended for all those who in their professional activities deal with issues related to education or schooling, or work with human resources and are interested in the above mentioned topic. Other speakers were Kateřina Lojdová, Marcela Verešová, Silvia Barnová.
NPMK endorsed the Amos’s Brandýs Festival
On June 3 to June 6, 2022, Comenius National Pedagogical Museum and Library (NPMK) took part in the Amos’s Brandýs Festival in Brandýs nad Orlicí, which was held under the auspices of the NPMK Director PhDr. Markéta Pánková. She also delivered the main speech focused on the message of Jan Amos Comenius, before the main programme on Saturday evening (June 4) which featured a stage oratorium the Labyrinth.
NPMK provided to the festival three thematic exhibitions: Comenius in comics, Learn to be wise! Orbis Pictus over the ages, and Building the bridges. Daniel Arnošt Jablonský in Europe of early Enlightenment period.
On Friday, June 3, Comenius Pedagogical Library offered a lectured programme entitled Live Orbis Pictus for elementary schools, and a programme entitled Comenius’ Map for lower secondary schools.
On Saturday (June 4) morning a series of small tasks inspired by the work Orbis Pictus took place, which could be carried-out within a short period of time (15-20 minutes). From 10 a.m. winning participants in a competition Comenius to classrooms! from the Pardubice region were announced. They received a gift bag with a diploma.
Press news on the whole venture is to be found HEREE.
Web: amosuvbrandys.cz
„Meeting Comenius – Alfred Strejček - Vivat Comenius“
In this documentary film by NPMK and film director Ivana Křenová, Alfred Strejček narrates about a project called Vivat Comenius, which together with Štěpán Rak, they presented in 33 countries all over the world (4 continents) and gave 725 repeat performances.
See HERE
Via Lucis exhibition as seen by children from the town of Přerov
An exhibition entitled the Way of Light Through the Eyes of Children is still on in the town of Přerov till the end of May. Fine art works by pupils and students of the B. Kozánek Basic Art School in Přerov were inspired by the work Via lucis by Jan Amos Comenius, concretely by the part in which Comenius describes the proliferation of wisdom between people. The works came into existence under the leadership of teachers MgA. Anna Sypěnová, Mgr. Světlana Lašáková and Radovan Pořízka. The fine arts department of the Přerov basic art school was concerned with the works by Comenius for more than half a year and produced remarkable works. You can see the photos from the opening ceremony here and watch a spot about the exhibition here.
Komenský in Comics in the Czech school in Duesseldorf!
Within the framefork of providing loans to schools, we offer to lend our exhibition Komenský in Comics to the whole of Czech Republic and also abroad. As of March 5, 2022 it is to be seen in the Czech school in Duesseldorf.
Photos in the gallery
„Comenius – the messenger of understanding“
Czechoslovak Hussite Church cordially invites you to a spiritual-cultural meeting marking the occasion of the 430th birth anniversary of Jan Amos Comenius. The meeting takes place within the framework of a project entitled Legacy of Czech Reformation, under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Comenius National Pedagogical Museum and Library in Prague.
Term: March 31st, 2022 (10.00 am – 5.00 pm)
Place: Comenius Hall, body of Czechoslovak Hussite church in the Prague 6 district – Dejvice
Registrations to be sent by March 20th, 2022 to: prihlasky@ccsh.cz, more information at oldrich.novacek@ccsh.cz
Programme to be found here
Comenius in Přerov again
Comenius Museum in Přerov is preparing several ventures as part of a project called Comenius in Přerov Again, to mark Comenius‘ 430th birth anniversary on March 28, 2022.
New permanent exposition in Comenius Museum in Uherský Brod
On March 28, 2022, a festive opening of a new exposition will be held in Comenius Museum in Uherský Brod, marking Comenius‘ 430th birth anniversary. Under the motto „On the stage of the World. Jan Amos Comenius and his times“ the exposition will reveal difficulties and possibilities, thinking and conflicts of early modern history, the time when Comenius lived.
„Comenius – a messenger of understanding“ – spiritually cultural meeting
On March 31, 2022, to mark the 430th birth anniversary of Jan Amos Comenius, this meeting will comprise of three parts: historical, theological and practical. It will also feature songs from Amsterdam hymn book and recitation of texts from Comenius‘ works. Read will be speeches of theologists, historians, pedagogues and artists, including the Director of Comenius National Pedagogical Museum in Prague, PhDr. Markéta Pánková with a lecture “Jan Amos Comenius in fine arts“.
The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart. Scenic oratorium composed by Jarmila Beková
Performance „Labyrinth“ was inspired by the work of Jan Amos Comenius, The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart. Scenic oratorium composed by Jarmila Beková, performed by soloists of the Municipal Theatre in Brno, symphony orchestra Camerata Moravia and singing choir Chermon under the batton of Joel Hán, guided you through a labyrinth of music styles and genres. Its modern concept and language make it convenient for a whole family. Jiří Mach, Radek Novotný and the composer herself, Jarmila Beková, were in the main roles. A special guest, Jan Sklenář, was also be on stage. The festive premiere took place in the Sono Music Club in Brno on March 8, 2020, immediatelly before the first wave of the pandemic. Other performances in Olomouc, Prague and Ostrava were postponed due to the corona virus crisis.
Prague, Municipal House – Friday, October 22, 2021
Ostrava - 2022
A new publication issued by Comenius Museum in Přerov represents its contribution to Comenius anniversaries
During long years of acquisition activities, Comenius Museum in Přerov has built up an extensive and variable collection of documents with the motives of Comenius from various collection branches. Now, the Museum presents its collections to the general public in a new catalogue entitled Comenius in Collections: a catalogue of selected comeniana from the collections of the Přerov Comenius Museum (post stamps, old postcards, match boxes, small prints).
It is the very first publication which brings a systematic review of post stamps, occasional prints, postcards, match box stickers and advertisement texts depicting Comenius. The catalogue was published to mark two anniversaries of Jan Amos Comenius commemorated in the years 2020-2022.
The first part presents post stamps related to Comenius which, over one whole century, were released in Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic and other eight European countries. Also presented are the first day covers (FDCs) and occasional postmarks. Besides it, the Museum succeeded to obtain several trial prints of non-realized drafts of post stamps (Alois Mudruňka, Jaroslav Rijáček, M. Matouš) and quite a lot of so-called cinderella stamps – fee stamps, duty stamps, stickers etc.
Most frequently featured in the catalogue are post cards with copies of Comenius portraits, popular depictions of historical events and genre collages. Also shown are topographic post cards from the places linked to Comenius’ life and photos of his memorials.
The catalogue also contains match box stickers and miniature memory sheets showing the stickers‘ copies. Comenius was also depicted on so-called Matrix Matches, and issued were stickers bearing an inscription “Comenius’ Matches”. The final part of the publication is devoted to other miniature prints, which are often sought for by collectors. Let’s mention here at least school timetables, advertisement fairy tales (small picture sheets with stories), paper bookmarks or school exercise books.
The catalogue is available at the ticket office of Comenius Museum in Přerov (Přerov, Horní nám. 1)
It can be ordered for sending at: kalabova@prerovmuseum.cz
Or on the phone number: 581 219 380
Price: 180 Czk
New permanent exhibition THE WORLD OF COMENIUS
Official opening of the new permanent exhibition The world of Comenius was held on september 3, 2021.
Photos here
More info
International konference Between the Labyrinth and the Way of Light: Early Modern Metaphors of Knowledge and Johannes Amos Comenius
1.-4. 9. 2021 a conference Between the Labyrinth and the Way of Light: Early Modern Metaphors of Knowledge and Johannes Amos Comenius took place. More info.
Recenze prof. J. Kumpery na výstavy v Akademii věd a v Jízdárně Pražského hradu
Professor Jan Kumpera has written two extensive reviews of exhibitions held within the framework of National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius and organized in coordination with Comenius National Pedagogical Museum and Library. He expanded on the exhibition in the Academy of Sciences: J.A.K. Comenius in the Cultures of Comemmoration, and on the exhibition in Prague Castle Riding School Comenius 1592-1670. Time Between Reason and Madness. Jan Amos Comenius and His World.
The Comenius Kindergarten and Primary school in Nivnice commemorate Comenius’ anniversary
The Comenius Kindergarten and Primary school in Nivnice took action to mark Comenius’ life anniversaries. The first-graders had painted pictures to accompany Comenius’ texts, and then sent their creative piece of art to a competition „The best fairy-tale book“, organized by the „Let Czechia Live“ initiative...
Online debate: Comenius’ legacy
A debate marking the birth anniversary of Jan Amos Comenius (March 28, 1592) will symbolically close the exhibition at the Moravian provincial library, called „Comenius in Pictures“ („Komenský v obrazech“).
The debate, which strives to answer the question „What was left from Comenius for us“, was led by the doyen of Czech historiography, professor Vít Vlnas, with the Director of Comenius Pedagogical Museum and Library, PhDr. Markéta Pánková, and professor Tomáš Knoz from the Historical Institute of the Philosophical Faculty of Masaryk University, participating.
You can follow the debate in recorded broadcast on:
https://www.facebook.com/mzk.cz/videos/352450462758441
The publication „Wandering the Labyrint of the World“
The book is based on two works by Jan Amos Comenius. The Labyrint of the World and the Paradise of the Heart is Comenius’ work that ranks among his most popular and most frequently read philosophical opuses. It is necessary to say, that Comenius is an unjustly neglected Czech genius. Almost all generations learnt about him at school, but not many have ever read any of his books. Wandering the Labyrint of the World by Michal Vaněček loosely follows up Comenius’ work, used as inspiration for an adventure story for children and youth. A traveller from a far-away planet is coming to the Earth with the task to explore our world. Going through the time he finds out that since the era of Comenius, our world has not at all changed. Unlike in the original work, the modern Wanderer bears much more responsibility a begins to understand that what makes the greatest sense in a human life is everybody’s work on himself/herself and also, work for other people.
The story is accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Lenka Kurovská.
Markéta Pánková answers questions in Římské listy (Roman newspaper)
Roman newspaper brings an interview with the Director of the Comenius National Museum and Library, PhDr. Markéta Pánková, about the National celebrations of anniversaries of Jan Amos Comenius.
A new film about J. A. Comenius
Do you know that Mr. and Mrs. Hlavsa had succeeded to shoot a full-length feature film about Comenius, entitled As Summer Snow? It was shown on Czech TV’s channel 2 (ČT 2) on Monday, January 4th, 2021.
Mgr. Martina Halířová, PhD., too, joined the Marathon of Reading from Comenius’ works
Comenius National Pedagogical Museum and Library (NPMK), too, participated in a special event organized by the Philosophical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, devoted to the reading from Comenius’ works. Due to the complicated situation around the Corona virus, on November 15th, 2020 the whole world connected „online“ to hear the readings, following each other in 15 minutes intervals, across the continents, for 24 hours. Mgr. Martina Halířová, PhD., from NPMK read from Informatorium for Kindergarten, a handbook for education of pre-school children.
Vivat Comenius – Alfred Strejček and Štěpán Rak
Vivat Comenius is a literary-musical project of Alfred Strejček and Štěpán Rak compiled from texts by J.A. Comenius. Thanks to this concerto for a human voice, guitar and Orff instrumentary, the two Czech artists have won international acclaim. The programme features texts from Comenius‘ great work, „General Consultation on an Improvement of All Things Human“.
In Comenius National Pedagogical Museum, this programme, as part of a cycle „Back to the Roots“, was presented for the last time on October 5, 2017.
Now, on the occasion of the 350th death anniversary of Comenius, you can watch a documentary film Vivat Comenius from the cycle entitled The Ways of Faith.
Association of Evangelical Theologians: J.A. Comenius – bishop, theologian and preacher: his legacy for the 21st century
The postponed 31st Theological forum will he held online under the auspices of the Comenius Institute on November 23rd, 2020. It will be addressed by ThDr. Pavel Černý; Th.D., Associate professor Jan Hábl, Ph.D.; Professor Pavel Hošek, PhD. and Associate professor Tabita Landová, PhD.q
Programmes marking November 15, 2020 - the 350th death anniversary of Jan Amos Comenius
Czech Television prepared a cycle of programmes devoted to the 350th anniversary of the death of Jan Amos Comenius. You can find them all on www.ceskatelevize.cz/.../jan-amos-komensky-350-let, including journalistic „Historie.cs“ with its host, historian Marie Koldinská, who invited Director of Comenius National Pedagogical Museum and Library, PhDr. Markéta Pánková and historian Tomáš Knoz.
On November 14th, Czech Radio’s Dvojka programme will broadcast an interview of the host of „Around Czechia“ feature, Václav Žmolík, with Markéta Pánková, entitled „Tracing Comenius, visits to the places linked to Comenius’ life.“
The Suchdol nad Odrou township invites you to a few ventures
Suchdol nad Odrou is one of the places in Europe where Comenius’ legacy is most palpable, and it is mainly due to Comenius’ spiritual descendants, the Moravian Brethren. Thanks to this fact, Suchdol nad Odrou can be considered a cradle of the renewed Unity of the Brethren, whose heritage is strongly felt here.
A Wanderer Who Comes Back
The exhibition held from September 15th to October 31st, 2020 is organized by the State Gallery of Fine Arts in Litoměřice in cooperation with the Artistic Association, to mark the 350th death anniversary of Jan Amos Comenius. The basic motive of the exhibition is a collection of poems of the same name written by Josef Tkadlec (Samuel Verner), dating back to the year 1942. For more information see:
galerie-ltm.cz/2020/09/13/poutnik-jenz-se-vraci/
Exhibition Comenius in pictures at Moravian provincial library
An exhibition Comenius in pictures in Moravian Provincial Library, held from September 29th to November 11th, 2020, will present Comenius not just as an author of texts but also as a guide through visual information. It will acquaint visitors with Comenius’ principal textbook, Orbis pictus, which served not only as a linguistic handbook, but helped develop systematic knowledge of individual aspects of the world and the life in it. The second part is devoted to a map of Moravia through which Comenius influenced a cartographic language which is valid to date. The National revival movement in the 19th century breathed new life to Comenius. The picture of him, not only in the figurative sense of the word, keeps staying in the general cognizance up to now. How Comenius was depicted and of what importance his portraits are now, will be shown in the third part of the exhibition.
The opening ceremony will be held on September 29th, 2020 in the Conference hall at Moravian provincial library in Brno
The Comenius Academic Club - a debate
A debate of renowned Czech personalities will be held at National Pedagogical Museum on October 23rd, 2020. Prof. PhDr. Jaroslav Pánek, DrSc. will deliver a speech about the 400th anniversary of the Battle of the White Mountain, Prof. Karel Raška, M.D., Ph.D. will talk about the current Covid-19 pandemia and Prof. Ing. Jiří Málek DrSc. will discuss the evaluation and funding of science in the Czech Republic
National Pedagogical University
Colombia, too, namely National Pedagogical University in Bogota, reminds National celebrations of the anniversaries of Jan Amos Comenius.
Tribute to Jan Amos Comenius – The Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart
A composed programme linking parts of the opus mentioned with singing choir music had been planned for October, 2020 in Anthony, the Great church in Liberec. Due to the spread of Corona-virus pandemia, the concert is postponed until further notice.
Animated documents on life and work of Jan Amos Comenius
The life story and the most famous work of Jan Amos Comenius, Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart, has also been dealt with in modern animated documents.
Comenius Commemoration Day cancelled
Comenius Museum Naarden Foundation announces that regarding preventive measures against the spread of Corona virus, Comenius Commemoration Day, planned for March 28, 2020 has been cancelled. We will inform about other activities organised as part of Comenius Year 2020 as soon as it is possible to realize them.
LEARN TO BE WISE! THIS TIME IN COMENIUS PEDAGOGICAL LIBRARY…
On March 11 - June 30, 2020 Comenius Pedagogical Library presents in its building a follow-up of a successful exhibition “Learn to Be Wise! Orbis Pictus in the Course of Ages II.”
Festive opening of a permanent exhibition Mundus Comenii – the World of Comenius
On Saturday, March 28, 2020, the very day when the birth anniversary of scholar Jan Amos Comenius is commemorated, a festive opening of a new permanent exhibition Mundus Comenii – the World of Comenius will take place in Comenius Museum in Naarden.
Conference of Waldorf School teachers
A nationwide conference of Czech Waldorf school teachers will be held in the Waldorf school in Příbram. The theme discussed will be Human dignity.
Conference EVEN VANQUISHED ARE SOMETIMES RIGHT.
For June 2020, an international conference was planned to be held in Prague. The Comenius Academic Club, chaired by Professor Karel Raska, Jr., M.D., PhD. and seated in New York City, was to organize an international conference under the motto „The defeated, too, can sometimes be right“ , focused on the upcoming 400th anniversary of the battle of the White Mountain, a period tightly linked with Jan Amos Comenius. Due to the spread of the Covid-19 illness, the conference has been abolished
The 350th death anniversary of Comenius as a UNESCO anniversary
At the 40th session of its General conference, the UN Education, Science and Culture Organization, UNESCO, included Comenius’ 350th death anniversary in a list of anniversaries over which it will take patronage in the years 2020-2021.
Comenius and pansophia – call for papers
In collaboration with other institutions, Comenius Museum in Uherský Brod is preparing the 32nd international comeniological colloquium Comenius and pansophia – Search for System, Method and Harmony of All Things. It will be held in November 2020.
The opening of national celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius (2020 - 2022)
National celebrations of Jan Amos Comenius were festively opened in the Pantheon of the National Museum Historical building. Part of it was a press conference. In the course of the following three years a series of ventures will take place, some of them international. Comenius celebrations will be in the spotlight till the end of 2022.