Pilsen to become European Capital of Culture 2015
Pilsen has long been known for the beer of the same name, which has carried the name of this city in western Bohemia far beyond the borders of the Czech Republic and around the world. In future, Pilsen will be able to call itself not only the (unofficial) capital of beer, but also adorn itself with the prestigious title of “European Capital of Culture.” An international jury chaired by Briton Robert Scott chose Pilsen as European Capital of Culture 2015 by the narrowest of margins, with a 6–5 vote, allowing it to prevail over its national rival, Ostrava. In 2015, the Czech Republic and Belgium will each host the European Capital of Culture. In Belgium, Mons had already been selected.
Pilsen to become European Capital of Culture 2015
Date: 30/09/2026
The jury’s deputy chair, Roman Belor, explained just how close the national selection had been and how difficult the jury had found its decision, describing both Pilsen and Ostrava as having “a perfect bid” for European Capital of Culture. For Marcela Krejsová, Pilsen’s deputy mayor, it goes without saying that her city and Ostrava will work closely together as part of the Czech Republic’s European Capital of Culture programme in 2015, and that some of the ideas put forward by their former rival will also be implemented in western Bohemia.
Being chosen as European Capital of Culture brings the selected cities not only considerable prestige and a positive impact on tourism, but also has a lasting effect. Under this title, awarded since 1985—when it was still called “European City of Culture”—the EU supports cultural projects in the cities concerned. It is not yet clear which projects are planned for Pilsen, particularly as the EU has yet formally to approve its designation as European Capital of Culture 2015. Pilsen and Mons will follow Essen, Pécs, and Istanbul (all in 2010); Turku and Tallinn (2011); Guimarães and Maribor (2012); Marseille and Košice (2013); and Umeå and Riga (2014) as European Capitals of Culture. With Prague, the Czech Republic had already hosted the European Capital of Culture in 2000.
Kai Rebmann
