Prague, April 6 (CTK) – Prague’s Charles University (UK) plans to hold the major celebrations of the 700th birth anniversary of Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, including an international conference and an academic assembly to be attended by top state officials, in May, UK Rector Tomas Zima said on Wednesday.
In addition, an exhibition The Other Life of Charles IV will be opened and a number of further events will be organised by individual UK faculties, Zima told journalists.
Charles IV was born on May 14, 1316. He was Czech King from 1346 until his death in 1378.
The foundation of the Prague university, which bears his name now, in 1348 as the first university established north of Italy and east of Paris, is one of a number of his achievements.
Two days before Charles’s birth anniversary, an assembly of academics will be held in Karolinum, the UK’s historical seat. The speakers are to include Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka (Social Democrats, CSSD).
President Milos Zeman will be invited to the assembly as well, Zima said.
On May 13, representatives of three international university associations will meet at UK.
“A total of 68 rectors and vice-rectors, not only from Europe but also from South Korea, Japan and the USA, are to come,” Zima said.
The conference is to pass a Prague Declaration focusing on the role of university education in present society.
The exhibition The Other Life of Charles IV is being prepared by UK in cooperation with the National Gallery in Prague.
Exceptional artifacts may appear on display. “We are negotiating with our Italian colleagues on loaning Charles IV’s attire for the exhibition,” Zima said.
The preparation for the celebrations started 2.5 years ago. Apart from UK, they will be co-financed by the Culture Ministry, the City of Prague and sponsors. Zima estimated the budget at up to 14 million crowns.
The celebrations will also include an open-air festival in Prague’s Charles Square on May 7 and a children’s day in Karolinum on May 21. The complete programme is available on a special website.
