The TikTok Phenomenon: A Surge of Visitors to Prague’s Book Tower

Prague, a city renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage, has recently seen an unexpected surge in tourists drawn to a unique attraction: a book tower that gained fame on TikTok.

The 'Idiom,' created by Slovak artist Matej Kren, is a cylindrical structure crafted from 8,000 books, featuring a tear-shaped entrance and mirrors that create an illusion of infinity. Installed in the entrance hall of the Municipal Library in 1998, it remained relatively unnoticed until three years ago when it became a social media sensation.

Tourists from around the globe, like Pattapol Thongsaard from Thailand, have flocked to the library, queuing for up to an hour just to snap photos with the tower. 'I found it on social media and wanted to take a photo,' Thongsaard shared after waiting in line.

Library spokeswoman Lenka Hanzlikova noted that during peak tourist seasons, the 'Idiom' can attract up to 1,000 visitors daily, many of whom are motivated by TikTok trends that skyrocketed in popularity in late 2022. 'Most readers find it amusing, but we have had people who simply want to return books and are caught in the queue,' Hanzlikova explained.

In response to the overwhelming crowds, the library has designated one entrance for tourists and is considering implementing a fee system along with hiring staff to manage the influx. Kren, who originally intended the 'Idiom' to symbolize the endless pursuit of knowledge, expressed surprise at its newfound fame, stating, 'I never designed it to become a mass attraction.' Meanwhile, tourists like Ghazal Nour from Iran appreciate the art but question the long wait times.

As the 'Idiom' continues to attract attention, officials are left to ponder how to balance the demands of tourism while preserving the library's primary function as a hub of learning.