The Dvořák Room welcomes in-person visits once again as part of Open House New York, the free Annual OHNY Weekend – an unparalleled citywide cultural event that showcases hundreds of NYC’s most architecturally and culturally significant spaces and places, many not usually open to the public.

The entire Bohemian National Hall – a New York City Landmark dating from 1896 – will be open for whirlwind tours of this remarkable historic center of Czech and Slovak life in New York City.

The Dvorak Room was created by the Dvorak American Heritage Association to commemorate and celebrate Dvorak’s influential American years, which inspired his world famous “New World” Symphony, “American“ Quartet and Quintet, and many other beloved works. Memorabilia from the composer’s American years are exhibited in a 19th- century period room setting with graphic panels telling the story of Dvorak in America.

Highlighting the event will be a rare viewing of the original copy of the contract that brought the celebrated Czech composer Antonin Dvorak to America for his renowned three-year residency from 1892-95. This fall marks the 130th anniversary of Dvorak’s arrival in America to assume directorship of the National Conservatory of Music of America, the New York-based institution founded by visionary music patron Jeannette M. Thurber, who offered Dvorak a fortune to take the position.

The tour will be led by DAHA curator Majda Kallab Whitaker.

Free and open to the public, no reservations required. First come, first served.

For more information about Open House NY Bohemian National Hall tours, visit Czech Center New York website.

This event is organized by the Dvorak American Heritage Association (DAHA) with support of BBLA.