Prague’s Chocolate Art Museum

By Sandra Scott

One of the pleasures of Prague is wandering around the streets soaking up the sights. While John and I were meandering on our way to Old Town Square, what to our wondering eyes did appear but a sign for the Chocolate Art Museum.

Up a flight of stairs we started our tour with a cup of hot chocolate, then toured the museum where there were many paintings created out of chocolate. Most surprising was the one of President Barak Obama, but other heads of state and noted people also had their portraits in chocolate. Other paintings ranged from modern to those that recall the classic painters of the past.

We were invited to try our hand at chocolate painting but afraid that our artistic ability was lacking we decided to watch other people create their own chocolate painting.

The museum was created by Vladomír Cech, sometimes called the Czech Picasso. He is described as a “remarkable artist, philosopher, poet, father of children, descendant of ancient Sumerians, professor of the Fine Arts and of drawing.” Wow! His artwork is amazing and we were told that chocolate is not to paint with. I would keep licking the brush so that would make it difficult for me.

We learned about the history of chocolate from a video and other displays. We knew that chocolate comes from the cacao trees that grow in the tropical rainforest and that the Mayans and Aztecs were enjoying chocolate as far back as 3500 years. They considered chocolate to be the food of the gods. Good thing we paid attention because there was a short test at the end of the tour. And that wasn’t the only test.

We thought the lady who greeted us upon our arrival wearing a white lab coat was wearing one because she was a chocolate worker. It turns out she is the Chocolate Doctor. We had to undergo a short test to make sure we were in good condition to leave. She didn’t want any chocoholics drunk on chocolate wandering around the city.

Holding up two fingers the Chocolate Doctor asked, “How many fingers do you see?” Pleased with our correct answer she continued. “Hold your arms straight out from your sides. Now touch your nose with your middle finger.” It was clear the test was similar as those for other “holics.”

At the completion of the physical we were declared Advanced Chocoholics, for which there is no cure, but we were deemed stable enough to continue exploring Prague. But we already knew that. Besides no chocoholic wants to be cured.

Fortified with another chocolate drink from the Chocolate Bar we continued to our original destination – Old Town Square. We were in time to join the crowd to watch the Astronomical Clock do its amazing hourly performance. On the hour the bells ring, the cock crows, and the statues of the 12 Apostles turn out for the crowds.

For more information check www.cokoladovydum.cz/cs and www.czechtourism.com.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Creators Syndicate
and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.

Photos by J. J. Scott.

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