Explore the extraordinary history and visit the magnificent architecture.
When to visit the exhibition
Prague Castle Ballroom
from 20 September to 30 September 2023
Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00
free admission
Visit of the Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Prague 2002
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Prague in July 2002. His Majesty the Emperor Akihito (current His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus) and Her Majesty the Empress Michiko (current Her Majesty the Empress Emerita) spent four days in Prague. Their state visit was hosted by President Václav Havel.
During their stay in Prague they visited Wenceslas Square, the Municipal House, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the Old Town Hall, where they were presented with the symbolic key to the capital.
At that time Prague welcomed several thousand tourists from Japan, who came just to have the opportunity to see Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.
A gala dinner on the occasion of the visit took place at the Prague Castle Ballroom in the Royal Garden. This allowed President Havel to offer Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress the opportunity to tour the Royal Garden.
Through the eyes of photographer Alan Pajer
Alan Pajer spent 13 years at the Prague Castle alongside Václav Havel. He was the chief photographer of the last Czechoslovak and the first Czech president. His photos capture countless visits of statesmen, artists, prominent personalities in Prague, as well as Czech ones abroad. He is also the author of photographs from the official state visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Prague in 2002.
Thanks to the exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Japan in the Czech Republic in partnership with JTI, visitors can both commemorate this historic event and visit a part of the Prague Castle, Ballroom, that is otherwise closed to public.
Discover the great history and marvel the magnificent architecture.