Message for future generations: Time capsule beneath Wenceslas Square contains coins, newspapers and a beer glass
A newspaper, banknotes, coins and –inevitably – a beer glass are among the items sealed inside a time capsule that was buried beneath the future tramline on Prague's Wenceslas Square this week. Intended as a message for future generations, it is meant to serve as a testimony of life today.
There are hidden capsules in many parts of Prague –some have been unearthed, others are still waiting to be uncovered.
During the restoration of Prague's Astronomical Clock in June 2018, conservators discovered a hidden time capsule inside the statue of the Apostle St. Thomas. The metal container, dating from 1948, contained an 18-page message, newspapers and records documenting the restoration of the clock following the fire that damaged it at the end of World War II.
The discovery of time capsules always causes a stir. And as we receive messages from the past, we also leave them for future generations.
The reconstruction of Wenceslas Square provided such an opportunity and the ceremony of burying the time capsule beneath the square attracted many passers-by. Marie Vaňasová, walks across Wenceslas Square to work every day, passing the spot where the capsule is now buried.
"It's a nice idea to leave a message from our time for future generations. If I had the chance, I would add something of my own. What should definitely be there is photos showing what Wenceslas Square looked like before the reconstruction and during the work. And also a copy of today's newspapers, so people would know what was happening here at this time," she says.
In fact all those articles and more are already inside the capsule. They were assembled by Monika Vlková, director of the New Town of Prague Association.
"We're trying to preserve a piece of the present day. There are around 30 different objects in the capsule. There are lots of messages, coins, various insignia, logos, T-shirts, small items and even a beer glass. And of course, we included a letter to future generations," Vlková says.
The capsule also contains a 20-page long letter entitled Message from Wenceslas Square 2026.
"We also included a document of about 20 pages in which we describe the present day. That means how we live, what the political situation is, what things cost, how we entertain ourselves, what we read, how we buy everything online—in short, what this era looks like," Vlková explains.
The plastic box – which is revealing in itself – now lies buried about one and a half metres below the future tram line. The place was selected so that people would not tamper with it prematurely, but the likelihood of it being found at some point in the future is high.
The reconstruction of the square is expected to be completed in 10 months. The upper part of Wenceslas Square should reopen to the public next year and the launch of tram services is scheduled for the end of June 2027.
