'Imaginarium' offers old-fashioned fun and interactive play at Prague brewery

The Forman Brothers Theatre’s interactive installation Imaginarium has arrived in Prague’s Troja district, where it will be on display until April 13. The installation, which has toured across the Czech Republic and several European countries, invites visitors into a whimsical world of puppetry and interactive play inside the historic hall of a former brewery near the Prague Zoo.

Created by artist Matěj Forman and his team, Imaginarium transforms the space into a winter landscape filled with a labyrinth of artistic installations, hidden corners, and immersive experiences.

“When visitors step inside, they enter a raw but beautiful hall where we have created a labyrinth that we call the winter landscape,” Forman said at the opening event. “Inside, they will find various scenes that tell a story or invite them to engage with the environment."

Kolovna ZOOna, the venue hosting Imaginarium at the Trojský pivovar (Troja Brewery), has been a gathering spot since 1928. Newly revitalized it now features a bicycle shop, rentals, and a café serving Únětické beer. The 2,000-square-meter space, reopened in 2022, has dedicated areas for children, workshops, and outdoor relaxation.

For younger visitors, the exhibition features a “game with rides through the landscape” in collaboration with the ensemble Loutky bez hranic. Other highlights include moving dioramas called hybohledy, created by artist Pavel Macek, which come to life when cranked by hand, and a giant memory game with circus-themed motifs.

A heated yurt has also been set up to provide a cozy retreat where children can participate in creative workshops.

Imaginarium has evolved over the past 12 years, expanding with each new installation to include contributions from artists and craftsmen. “We have traveled with it across the Czech Republic and to countries like Italy, Germany, Denmark, and France. Each time, our collection of objects and interactive toys grows, offering new experiences to audiences,” Forman said in a press release.

Previously, the installation was showcased at the Ostrava World of Technology and attracted nearly 30,000 visitors with its Bethlehem Yurt at Prague Castle over the holiday season. After its Prague run, Imaginarium will move to Pardubice Chateau from March 7.

The Forman Brothers Theatre is known for its unique blend of puppetry, visual art, and interactive storytelling. The company also operates the theatre ship Tajemství on the Vltava River and has organized the international Forman Brothers Theatre Arena festival since 2018.

Imaginarium is open on weekdays in the afternoon and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See more details here.