Kutná Hora celebrates 30 UNESCO years, with Foxconn by its side.

More than 30 cultural events of all kinds — from exhibitions and concerts to lectures, theatre performances, sports competitions and even a fashion show. All of this is part of UNESCO CONNECTS, a year-long series of events taking place in Kutná Hora to celebrate this important anniversary. The main partner of the project is Foxconn Czech Republic.

Exactly thirty years ago, in 1995, one of the most significant moments in the modern history of Kutná Hora took place. The historic centre of the town, together with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Sedlec, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To mark this important anniversary, Kutná Hora has prepared a rich year-long programme full of events for both locals and visitors — with something for everyone to enjoy.

The first of the major events took place on 21 and 22 March under the title Connected by Light, offering five sites featuring light or laser installations and interactive projections. Extraordinary cultural performances connected the town in a shared experience that left the audience deeply impressed. “As expected, the video mapping on the Church of St Barbara and the interactive projections proved to be among the most popular attractions,” confirmed the success of the event Deputy Mayor of Kutná Hora, Kateřina Špalková. Connected by Light followed on from other events, such as an exhibition mapping the different stages of Olga Havlová’s life, or the journey of a sunbeam through the presbytery of the Sedlec Cathedral during the spring equinox. “We joined the celebrations because we recognise the significance of Kutná Hora’s 30 years as a UNESCO site, but also because of the diversity of events — there truly is something for everyone to enjoy,” explains Radka Svobodová, Compliance, PR and Communications Manager at Foxconn, the main partner of the event.

One of the highlights of the anniversary year will undoubtedly be Zastavení (“The Pause”) — an exhibition project running throughout the summer holidays, which blends contemporary art with the historic and sacred spaces of Kutná Hora and its surroundings. Nine Czech artists will present works that invite visitors to slow down and reflect. Sculptures, installations, paintings and photographs will be on display for all to admire. On 3 May, MINT Market will bring over 50 creative makers and designers from across the country to Barborská Street, right by the iconic Church of St Barbara. The May edition of the market will offer delightful delicacies, unique design and original jewellery. At Kutná Hora Silver Festival on 21 and 22 June, visitors will witness the royal arrival of King Wenceslas IV with Queen Sophia and enjoy thrilling knightly tournaments. Days full of crafts, jugglers and entertainers will be capped off with a Saturday night fireworks display and a traditional “silver” mass on Sunday. The St Wenceslas Wine Festival, a long-standing autumn tradition, will be extended this year as part of the UNESCO celebrations. In addition to the pop and rock music stage on Palacký Square, visitors can look forward to a folk and singer-songwriter stage in Šultysova Street. This area will also host a special beer zone, while the wine offerings will remain on Palacký Square, as in previous years. “We’ve really gone all out with this year’s celebrations — and it wouldn’t have been possible without our partners. We’re looking forward to seeing the joy of all the visitors who come to Kutná Hora,” says Dagmar Ostřanská, Head of the Department of Tourism, Education and Culture.