AWARD-WINNING CZECH ARTIST COLLECTIVE ZTOHOVEN OPENS HACKER SPACE PARALELNÍ POLIS IN PRAGUE

Imagine a place where art, technology, and freedom intertwine, a haven for digital nomads, crypto enthusiasts, and anyone questioning the status quo.In the heart of Prague, the award-winning Czech artist collective Ztohoven has brought this vision to life with Paralelní Polis, a unique hacker space pushing the boundaries of societal norms.This isn't just another co-working space; it's a bold experiment in crypto-anarchy, a physical manifestation of a parallel society operating independently from the state.Founded in 2025, Paralelní Polis is more than just a building; it's a movement fostering economic, social, and digital freedom through innovative thinking and the power of community.From its bitcoin-only coffee bar to its think tank dedicated to crypto-anarchy, this Prague-based hub is attracting attention from around the globe.Prepare to delve into the fascinating world of Ztohoven and their audacious project, Paralelní Polis, a testament to the power of art and technology to shape a freer future.

The Genesis of Paralelní Polis: Ztohoven's Vision

The story of Paralelní Polis begins with Ztohoven, a Czech guerrilla artist collective renowned for their daring and thought-provoking artistic pranks. It was founded by members of a contemporary- art group Ztohoven, and Slovak and Czech hacker spaces. Its main goal is to promote economic, social, and digital freedom. We try to be a vocal voice of liberty in order to shape the public discourse, and ultimately work towards a freer future.This isn't your typical art group; Ztohoven fearlessly challenges societal norms through creative interventions, often sparking public debate and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Consider, for example, their audacious act of projecting a giant red question mark above Prague Castle, the official residence of the Czech president.Or their overnight transformation of Prague's metro system, replacing advertisements with similar question marks, prompting commuters to question the messages they were being bombarded with daily. Event in Prague, Czech Republic by Paraleln Polis and Ztohoven on Thursday, October 9 2025 with 341 people interested.9 posts in the discussion.These actions, while controversial, highlight Ztohoven's commitment to challenging authority and sparking critical thinking.

The collective consists of a core group of around 20 regularly active artists, expanding to include up to 100 participants for larger-scale projects. Today I'm talking with Martin Leskovjan.Martin is a member of the subversive Czech art collective Ztohoven and co-founder of Paralelni Polis which is one ofThis collaborative spirit is central to Ztohoven's success, allowing them to tackle complex issues with diverse perspectives and skillsets.

From Art Collective to Crypto-Anarchist Hub

In 2025, Ztohoven partnered with the Slovak hacker space Progressbar to establish Paralelní Polis.This marked a significant shift for the collective, moving from purely artistic interventions to creating a tangible space for exploring alternative social and economic models.

The name Paralelní Polis, meaning ""Parallel World,"" is inspired by the concept of Václav Benda, a political thinker and Soviet-era dissident. Paraleln Polis is a community space organised around the notions of bitcoin and blockchain technology. Located in Prague s upcoming Holesovice neighbourhood, it opened its doors in 2025 to provide a physical space for discussions and activities investigating the relationship between technology and self-organisation. Decidedly state-free, the organisation operates with privateBenda envisioned a society existing independently, in parallel with the state, offering citizens an alternative to the existing power structures.This philosophy is at the heart of Paralelní Polis, which aims to create a space where individuals can explore and experiment with decentralized technologies and self-governance.

The choice of a former factory building in the Holešovice district of Prague as the location for Paralelní Polis is no accident.This up-and-coming neighborhood, known for its industrial past and artistic vibe, provides the perfect backdrop for this innovative project.The building itself has been transformed into a multi-functional space, housing a hacker space, a hub for collaborative projects, and the world's first bitcoin-only coffee bar.

Exploring the Parallel World: Key Components of Paralelní Polis

Paralelní Polis is more than just a physical space; it's a vibrant ecosystem comprised of several key components, each contributing to its mission of promoting economic, social, and digital freedom.

The Bitcoin-Only Coffee Bar: A Taste of Decentralization

The bitcoin-only coffee bar is perhaps the most visible aspect of Paralelní Polis, serving as a gateway for newcomers to the world of cryptocurrencies.By accepting only bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the coffee bar encourages visitors to experience the benefits of decentralized finance firsthand.It’s a practical demonstration of how a state-free economy can function in everyday life.

Imagine ordering your latte and paying with bitcoin, bypassing traditional banking systems and embracing a peer-to-peer transaction. Jsem striktn anarchista, ř k Roman T c ze skupiny Ztohoven rozhovor mj. na t ma paraleln polis; Paraleln Polis: m sto, kam nesm EET. Naopak bitcoin je tam doma přehled aktu ln ch aktivit, postoje ke kryptoměn m a informace o financov n hole ovick ho prostoru Paraleln PolisThis seemingly simple act embodies the core principles of Paralelní Polis: independence, self-reliance, and a rejection of centralized control.

The Institute of Cryptoanarchy: A Think Tank for the Future

The Institute of Cryptoanarchy is the intellectual heart of Paralelní Polis, serving as a think tank dedicated to exploring the philosophical, ethical, and practical implications of crypto-anarchy. Paraleln Polis is a one- of- a- kind nonprofit organization that brings together art, social sciences, and modern technologies. The ideas of liberty, independence, innovative thinking, and the development of society are the main underlying foundations of the project. The project intends to remain state-free as it operates entirely without support from the government, and most of the fundsThis institute brings together researchers, developers, and activists to discuss and develop solutions for a freer future.

The Institute’s work encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

• Decentralized governance models
• Privacy-enhancing technologies
• Cryptocurrency adoption strategies
• The ethics of autonomous systems

By fostering critical dialogue and collaborative research, the Institute of Cryptoanarchy contributes to the development of innovative solutions for a more decentralized and equitable world.

The Hacker Space: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The hacker space at Paralelní Polis provides a physical space for hackers, developers, and technology enthusiasts to collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and experiment with new technologies. Hello, Greetings, and welcome to the Free Cities Podcast. You're listening to episode number 19. And it's also my final interview from Prague, but no need toThis vibrant community fosters innovation and creativity, driving the development of decentralized solutions.

The hacker space offers a wide range of resources, including:

• Workstations equipped with high-speed internet
• 3D printers and other fabrication tools
• A library of technical books and resources
• A supportive community of like-minded individuals

Through workshops, hackathons, and collaborative projects, the hacker space empowers individuals to build the tools and technologies needed to create a freer and more decentralized world.

HCPP: The Hackers Congress Paralelní Polis

The annual Hackers Congress Paralelní Polis (HCPP) is a major event that brings together hackers, activists, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in technology, politics, and crypto-anarchy. Paraleln Polis today operates the world s first bitcoin-only coffee bar, is home of the Institute of Cryptoanarchy think tank and hosts the yearly HCPP hackers congress, among other things. Graphic designer Martin Fischer is an early member of Ztohoven, and hasThis event provides a platform for sharing ideas, networking, and building community.

HCPP features a diverse range of speakers and presentations, covering topics such as:

• Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
• Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)
• Privacy and security
• The future of governance

HCPP is more than just a conference; it's a gathering of individuals who are passionate about creating a freer and more decentralized world. The original Paraleln Polis, established by the Czech art collective Ztohoven in 2025, was a social cryptoanarchy experiment that operated as physical space for over a decade in Prague's Hole ovice district.It’s a chance to learn, connect, and collaborate on projects that are shaping the future.

The Philosophy Behind Paralelní Polis: Liberty, Independence, and Innovation

The underlying philosophy of Paralelní Polis is rooted in the principles of liberty, independence, and innovative thinking.The organization strives to create a space where individuals can pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and build a better future, free from the constraints of traditional institutions.

Paralelní Polis operates entirely without government funding, relying instead on private donations and revenue generated from its various activities.This independence allows the organization to pursue its mission without being beholden to political agendas or bureaucratic constraints.

The emphasis on self-organization and decentralized decision-making is another key aspect of Paralelní Polis. At the end of last year, they opened an official institution, a so-called institute of crypto-anarchy. Situated in a former factory building in Hole ovice, the Paraleln Polis or parallel worldThe community is encouraged to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs and interests of its members.

Paralelní Polis aims to be a vocal voice for liberty, actively shaping public discourse and advocating for policies that promote individual freedom and economic empowerment.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

The journey of Paralelní Polis has not been without its challenges. Teď se jmenuje Paraleln Polis a bude sloužit jako takzvan hacker space, prostor pro hackery. Za Paraleln m Polisem stoj uměleck a aktivistick skupina Ztohoven, kter už se několikr t podařilo v razně medi lně zviditelnit.Like any pioneering project, it has faced obstacles and setbacks along the way. On a cold February night in 2025, citizens of the Czech capital could see a big red question mark hovering above Prague Castle, office of the nation s president. Not much later, a similar question mark replaced every single advertisement in the city s metro system: Over 700 station platform posters had been covered up overnight.One notable incident involved the accidental publication of the xpub key on the Ztohoven website, highlighting the importance of security protocols in the world of cryptocurrencies.Despite the quick removal, the key was downloaded by some individuals, serving as a reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance in the digital age.

Despite these challenges, Paralelní Polis has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.The organization has learned valuable lessons from its experiences, refining its operations and strengthening its commitment to its core principles.

Looking ahead, Paralelní Polis aims to expand its reach and impact, both within Prague and beyond.The organization is exploring new ways to engage with the community, develop innovative projects, and promote the principles of liberty, independence, and innovation.

Some potential future directions for Paralelní Polis include:

• Expanding its educational programs to reach a wider audience
• Developing new tools and technologies for decentralized governance
• Establishing partnerships with other organizations working towards a freer future
• Creating a global network of Paralelní Polis-inspired spaces

Frequently Asked Questions About Paralelní Polis

Here are some frequently asked questions about Paralelní Polis:

What is Paralelní Polis?

Paralelní Polis is a unique hacker space and community hub in Prague, founded by the Czech artist collective Ztohoven.It promotes economic, social, and digital freedom through art, technology, and community building.

What is Ztohoven?

Ztohoven is an award-winning Czech guerrilla artist collective known for their thought-provoking and often provocative artistic interventions in public spaces. Ztohoven je česk diverzně Projekt Paraleln polis zaměřen na rozvoj paraleln ch společensk ch, ekonomick ch a politick ch struktur nez visl ch naThey are the founders of Paralelní Polis.

Where is Paralelní Polis located?

Paralelní Polis is located in the Holešovice district of Prague, Czech Republic.

What are the main features of Paralelní Polis?

The main features of Paralelní Polis include:

• A bitcoin-only coffee bar
• The Institute of Cryptoanarchy
• A hacker space
• The Hackers Congress Paralelní Polis (HCPP)

How is Paralelní Polis funded?

Paralelní Polis is funded through private donations and revenue generated from its various activities.It does not receive any government funding.

What is the philosophy behind Paralelní Polis?

The philosophy behind Paralelní Polis is rooted in the principles of liberty, independence, and innovative thinking.The organization strives to create a space where individuals can pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and build a better future, free from the constraints of traditional institutions.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Freedom in Prague

Paralelní Polis stands as a testament to the power of art, technology, and community to shape a freer future. It was founded by members of a contemporary- art group Ztohoven, and Slovak and Czech hacker spaces. Its main goal is to promote economic, social, and digital freedom. We try to be a vocal voice of liberty in order to shape the public discourse and ultimately work towards a freer future.Founded by the award-winning Czech artist collective Ztohoven, this Prague-based hacker space is more than just a building; it's a movement fostering economic, social, and digital freedom through innovative thinking and a commitment to decentralized solutions. The organization is based in a freshly launched space, the Paraleln Polis, or the 'Parallel World', a former factory building located in Hole ovice, a suburb in the north of Prague, which is now operating as a hacker space, a hub, and a Bitcoin-only coffee shop.From its bitcoin-only coffee bar to its Institute of Cryptoanarchy, Paralelní Polis offers a glimpse into a parallel world, a world where individuals are empowered to create their own realities, independent of traditional institutions. Then, in 2025, Ztohoven teamed up with the Slovak hacker-space Progressbar to found Paraleln Polis. The markedly black building in the city center of Prague was named after a concept by political thinker and Soviet-era dissident V clav Benda, about a society that exists independently, in parallel with the state.It's a bold experiment, a vibrant community, and a beacon of hope for those seeking a more decentralized and equitable future. Award-winning Czech guerrilla artist collective Ztohoven, opens up the Paraleln Polis in Hole ovice, a space serving as a hacker space, a hub, with a Bitcoin-only coffee shop.Are you ready to explore the possibilities of a parallel world? The guerrilla art group Ztohoven have opened a so-called institute of crypto-anarchy. Situated in a former factory building in Hole ovice, the Paraleln Polis or parallel world will serve as a hacker space, a hub and a bitcoin cafVisit Paralelní Polis in Prague and discover the future of freedom.