“When the railway directorate and I were choosing how to decorate the underpass, Cinderella and Libuška Šafránková were a clear choice for us. We have received a large number of beautiful responses to it, for which we are very grateful,” said artist Jakub Nemček from the Barvou proti šedi group to Novinkám.
Photo: Color against gray archive
The subway was decorated by three artists for about a week.
He and his colleagues have decorated about 40 underpasses in this way over the past ten years. Cinderella was their first fairy tale character. They created it based on the photos of the Šafránkovás from the legendary film Three Nuts for Cinderella from 1973, and added not only Jurassic Park and Rosemary, but also painted the three nuts, Cinderella’s slipper, and for fans of animated fairy tales, they also created a cartoon Cinderella.
Photo: Color against gray archive
Cinderella is also not missing her owl Rozárka.
They did not forget the representative of Cinderella
“Cinderella in the subway was a nice surprise for us. We didn’t know they were going to paint her. Mrs. Šafránková is certainly our most famous native. We don’t have a street yet, but considering that Šlapanice is expanding, that may change,” said Michaela Trněná, mayor of Šlapanice.
Photo: Color against gray archive
In addition to Libuša Šafránková’s Cinderella, Walt Disney’s animated Cinderella was also created.
Although Libuše Šafránková moved to Prague after her studies, where she had a theater engagement, she never forgot Šlapanice, she often and happily returned to it. She is also buried in them. Although it has been three years since the famous actress of the film Cinderella died, her supporters regularly bring flowers and light candles to her grave.
Cinderella visited the Strahov Monastery. The unique exhibition offers a look back at the life of Libuša Šafránková
culture
The fairytale water castle Švihov also attracts boaters to Cinderella
Tips for trips
Cinderella in the Subway: A Fairy Tale Transformation
You know, when I first heard about the railway directorate’s decision to decorate an underpass with Cinderella, I thought, “Finally, a fairy tale that actually addresses all the foot traffic!” I mean, who wouldn’t want to stroll through an underpass where you might just bump into a talking mouse or, I don’t know, an evil stepmother asking for directions to the nearest ball?
Artist Jakub Nemček, part of the aptly named Barvou proti šedi (Color Against Gray) group, made a statement: “Cinderella and Libuška Šafránková were a clear choice for us.” Honestly, anything that beautifies the gray misery of commuting deserves a gold star, or in this case, a glass slipper!
Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
Over the span of a week, Nemček and his team decorated the subway, breathing life into approximately 40 underpasses over the last decade. They kicked off their artistic journey with none other than Cinderella herself, grabbing inspiration from the 1973 film Three Nuts for Cinderella. Talk about nuts! They didn’t stop there, because why only have Cinderella when you can throw in a bit of Jurassic Park and a sprinkle of Rosemary? It’s like a fever dream where fairy tales meet classic cinema—everything but the kitchen sink!
If you thought that was a bit on the wild side, Cinderella also plays host to her owl, Rozárka. Yes, folks, it’s not just a fairy tale; it’s a whole owl-lywood experience!
Local Celebrities and Their Hometown Love
Michaela Trněná, the mayor of Šlapanice, couldn’t contain her delight, expressing that Cinderella’s presence in the subway was “a nice surprise.” Let’s just hope they don’t end up with a street named after her—imagine the traffic jams every time someone gets lost in fairytale lore! She also pointed out, quite proudly, that Libuša Šafránková, the actress behind Cinderella, is Šlapanice’s most famous native. It’s like if Brad Pitt decided to take a permanent vacation to a small town—can you even imagine the chaos?
The Legacy of a Beloved Star
Although Šafránková moved to Prague for her illustrious theatre career, she always returned to her roots. Her connection to the town is alive and well, even after her passing three years ago. Locals regularly pay respects at her grave, bringing flowers and lighting candles. Now that’s the kind of love story that doesn’t end with a fairytale ending; it turns into a beautiful tapestry of memories, woven with the fabric of everyday life.
Something for Everyone
This isn’t just about poor ol’ Cinderella, either! The subway art also features the animated version of Cinderella—because if we’re going to do this, let’s really do it! Imagine commuters gazing up at a whimsical mural, forgetting for a moment that they’re late for work and that their morning coffee is probably now a distant memory.
Final Thoughts
So here we are, folks: a subway that might just be more magical than your average theme park, brought to life by artists with a vision as glorious as the Golden Carriage. It’s a playful reminder that beauty can thrive in the most unexpected places, even beneath the city where the mice and owls come out to play. And in a world that often feels colorless and gray, perhaps all we need is a bit of fairy dust and a shoe that fits!
“When collaborating with the railway directorate on the underpass’s decoration, the enchanting figures of Cinderella and the beloved Libuška Šafránková emerged as our top choices,” shared artist Jakub Nemček from the Barvou proti šedi group in an interview with Novinkám. “The overwhelming number of beautiful responses we have received regarding this project has truly touched us, and we are immensely grateful,” he added, highlighting the community’s positive reception.
Photo: Color against gray archive
For a dedicated week, a trio of talented artists transformed the subway, infusing it with vivid creativity.
Over the past decade, Nemček and his team have brought life to approximately 40 underpasses in this manner, with Cinderella being the first fairy tale character they portrayed. Their inspiration came from iconic photographs of the Šafránková sisters captured during the legendary 1973 film *Three Nuts for Cinderella*. Their artistic vision further extended to include playful touches such as Jurassic Park scenes, a nod to “Rosemary,” the three magical nuts, Cinderella’s iconic slipper, and a depiction of the animated Disney Cinderella, delighting fans of classic fairy tales.
Photo: Color against gray archive
To complete the enchanting scene, Cinderella is accompanied by her charming owl, Rozárka.
They did not forget the representative of Cinderella
“Cinderella in the subway was a delightful surprise for us. We had no idea they were going to depict her,” remarked Michaela Trněná, the mayor of Šlapanice. “Mrs. Šafránková remains our most celebrated native figure. While we don’t have a street named after her just yet, the ongoing expansion of Šlapanice might change that in the near future,” she expressed, reflecting on the community’s pride.
Photo: Color against gray archive
The artistic tribute does not solely celebrate Libuše Šafránková’s version of Cinderella; it also features Walt Disney’s animated interpretation, underscoring the beloved nature of this character across generations.
Despite moving to Prague for her theatrical career after her studies, Libuše Šafránková maintained a deep connection to her roots in Šlapanice, returning frequently and joyfully to her hometown. She is laid to rest there, and even three years after the beloved actress’s passing, devoted fans consistently visit her grave, leaving flowers and lighting candles in her honor, testifying to her enduring legacy in the hearts of many.
Cinderella visited the Strahov Monastery. The unique exhibition offers a look back at the life of Libuša Šafránková
culture
The fairytale water castle Švihov also attracts boaters to Cinderella
Tips for trips
**Interview with Jakub Nemček: Breathing Life into the Subway with Cinderella**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jakub. Your recent project to decorate a subway underpass with the beloved character of Cinderella, inspired by Libuška Šafránková, has captured a lot of attention. What prompted you to choose Cinderella for this project?
**Jakub Nemček:** Thank you for having me! When the railway directorate and I were brainstorming ideas for decorating the underpass, Cinderella and Libuška Šafránková were an obvious choice. She represents joy and nostalgia for many in our community. The overwhelming positive responses we’ve received since the artwork went up have truly been heartwarming.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear! Can you tell us about the process of creating this artwork? How did you approach the design?
**Jakub Nemček:** Absolutely! We spent about a week transforming the subway, and I teamed up with two other artists from the Barvou proti šedi group. For inspiration, we looked at iconic images from the 1973 film *Three Nuts for Cinderella*. We wanted to make it feel magical, so we even included elements like Jurassic Park and animated fairy tales alongside the Cinderella theme. It was a fun blend of fantasy and creativity!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like quite an imaginative mix! You’ve mentioned that Cinderella is the first fairy tale character you’ve depicted in your subway art. What other characters or themes have you explored in your past projects?
**Jakub Nemček:** Over the past ten years, we’ve decorated about 40 underpasses with various themes, ranging from whimsical landscapes to vibrant characters. Cinderella was a great starting point for this fairy tale focus, but we’ve also dabbled in other pop culture references, playing with the idea of bringing joy to what’s often seen as mundane spaces.
**Interviewer:** Local residents seem to have a strong connection to Libuška Šafránková. How do you feel about the impact this artwork has had on the community?
**Jakub Nemček:** That’s something I’m very proud of! Michaela Trněná, the mayor of Šlapanice, mentioned how Cinderella in the subway was a pleasant surprise for them, and I hope it brings back fond memories for those who grew up watching the film. Despite her moving to Prague for her career, Šafránková always returned home, which speaks to the enduring love for her in the community.
**Interviewer:** It’s touching to hear how her legacy continues to resonate with people. As a final question, do you think this project might inspire other cities to bring art into public transportation?
**Jakub Nemček:** I truly hope so! Art has a unique ability to transform everyday spaces and can create connections within communities. When people experience beauty in their daily routines, even in an underpass, it can bring joy and spark conversations. I believe we could do even more of this across the country and beyond!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jakub, for your time and insights. It’s inspiring to see how you and your team are making the everyday remarkable!
**Jakub Nemček:** Thank you! It was a pleasure sharing our vision with you.