Prague approves new zoning plan, Jakub Menšík storms into Roland Garros semifinals, Mucha poster collection on display, Czech Academy of Sciences' song archive

Radio Prague International - latest broadcast in English28mJune 3, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

Prague has finally passed a long-delayed zoning plan that could unlock tens of thousands of new homes, marking a major shift in the city's housing crisis. The plan, developed over years and backed by Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček, aims to boost construction in districts like Prague 4, 5, and 9 while addressing concerns about public amenities. Meanwhile, Czech tennis sensation Jakub Menšík has made history by becoming the first Czech man in 16 years to reach the Roland Garros semifinals at just 20 years old, fueled by a powerful return game and mental resilience. His upcoming clash with world number three Alexander Zverev promises to be a defining moment. In cultural news, the Regional Museum in Hrudim is showcasing a rare, comprehensive collection of Alphonse Mucha’s original Art Nouveau posters—some of which launched his international fame in the 1890s—now on display after decades in storage. And on the academic front, the Czech Academy of Sciences has launched 'Písňovna,' a free digital archive of nearly 15,000 folk songs from across Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia, complete with tools for teachers and even a 'whistle-to-song' feature. The project, led by musicologist Matej Kratochvýl, preserves cultural heritage while making it accessible to students and researchers worldwide.

Key Takeaways
1

Prague's new zoning plan could deliver tens of thousands of new apartments, with construction focused on districts 4, 5, and 9, marking a major step in solving the city's housing shortage.

2

Jakub Menšík became the youngest Czech male Grand Slam semifinalist in the Open era at 20, reaching Roland Garros after defeating Joao Fonseca with a dominant return game.

3

A rare collection of Alphonse Mucha’s original 1890s posters—some of which caused a sensation in Paris—is now on display in Hrudim, representing one-third of all posters he ever created.

4

The Czech Academy of Sciences launched 'Písňovna,' a free digital archive of 15,000 folk songs from across the country, with tools to search by melody, lyrics, region, or even whistling.

5

Teachers can now access ready-made classroom activities and karaoke-style recordings from Písňovna to teach music, language, history, and even botany using traditional folk songs.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:30
1 min

Prague's New Zoning Plan and Housing Crisis

It's a big moment. It's operating for new building law which must be solved.

Highlight
10:05
4 min

Mucha's Art Nouveau Masterpieces on Display

The poster became so sought after in Paris that according to contemporary accounts, collectors sometimes bribed Debil posters to obtain copies.

Highlight
14:00
4 min

Jakub Menšík's Historic Roland Garros Run

The return was one of the main weapons, one of the key ingredients for today. I was really pleased that right from the start things were working both on my serve and on the return.

Highlight
17:30
10 min

Czech Academy of Sciences Launches Digital Folk Song Archive

The Institute of Ethnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences unveils 'Písňovna', a free online library of 15,000 folk songs with advanced search tools, including melody recognition via whistling.

High-Impact Quotes
The poster became so sought after in Paris that according to contemporary accounts, collectors sometimes bribed Debil posters to obtain copies.
Daniela Lazarova12:57
Yes, there is the tap or button called Zapískej Halidej, Whistle and Find, and you just need to activate your microphone and you can whistle like so.
Matej Kratochvýl24:08
The return was one of the main weapons, one of the key ingredients for today. I was really pleased that right from the start things were working both on my serve and on the return.
Jakub Menšík15:10
Speakers

Host

Ruth Fraňkova

Guests

Petr HlaváčekMatej KratochvýlClara HabartováDaniela LazarovaVit Bohanka
Topics Discussed
czech folk songs archive92%prague zoning plan90%jakub menšík tennis88%písňovna digital library87%alfonse mucha posters85%czech academy of sciences80%art nouveau exhibition75%public media funding crisis70%
People & Brands

Alphonse Mucha

person

12xPositive

Písňovna

organization

10xPositive

Jakub Menšík

person

10xPositive

Regional Museum in Hrudim

organization

8xPositive

Matej Kratochvýl

person

7xPositive

Czech Academy of Sciences

organization

6xPositive

Petr Hlaváček

person

5xPositive

Czech Television

organization

5xNegative

Prague Council

organization

4xNeutral

Alexander Zverev

person

4xNeutral

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