Potkali se u Kolína

Potkali se u Kolína is a monument to two bears, the beloved characters of a popular Czech animated film, standing at the edge of the Borky forest park in the Zálabí district of Kolín. Unveiled in 2010, it consists of two stone boulders of different sizes representing the two characters, one of them carved with a relief of their likenesses.

Where does the monument's name come from?

The name refers directly to a 1965 Czech animated film directed by Břetislav Pojar, titled "Potkali se u Kolína" ("They Met Near Kolín"). It belongs to a well-known series about two bears — one cunning, the other simple and good-natured — whose adventures became part of Czech popular culture largely thanks to the recurring line "Pojďte, pane, budeme si hrát!" ("Come on, sir, let's play!"). Kolín, a town on the Elbe river in eastern Bohemia, chose to honor this on-screen pair with its own monument, taking the installation's name straight from the film's title.

What does the monument look like and what is it made of?

The composition is built around two boulders of different sizes, standing for the two bears and their contrasting temperaments. One of the stones bears a relief depicting both characters, so visitors can immediately tell who the monument is dedicated to, even without knowing the film. The plain, rugged stone form sits comfortably within the wooded surroundings of the forest park where it was placed.

Who created the monument and when was it unveiled?

The monument was created by Kolín-based sculptor Pavel Rajdl. It was ceremonially unveiled on September 5, 2010, with film director Jan Svěrák attending the event — a detail that underlines how much the two bear characters mean to the local community.

Where exactly is the monument located in Kolín?

The monument stands at the edge of the Borky forest park, in the Zálabí district, on the opposite bank of the Elbe from Kolín's historic center. It is a quiet spot for a walk, popular with families whose children recognize the two bear characters from the screen. The forest park setting makes it easy to combine a visit to the monument with a longer walk along the riverside greenery.

Who will find this stop worthwhile?

The monument is most appealing to visitors familiar with Czech puppet and animated films of the mid-20th century, as well as families looking for an unusual, low-key destination during a walk through Kolín. It is not a grand architectural attraction, but rather a local tribute to characters that have accompanied generations of Czech children.

Frequently asked questions

What does the "Potkali se u Kolína" monument commemorate? It commemorates two bears, the main characters of a 1965 Czech animated film of the same name, directed by Břetislav Pojar.

What is the monument made of? Two stone boulders of different sizes symbolizing the two characters, one of them decorated with a relief showing their likenesses.

Who made the monument and when was it unveiled? It was created by Kolín sculptor Pavel Rajdl and unveiled on September 5, 2010.

Where exactly does the monument stand in Kolín? At the edge of the Borky forest park, in the Zálabí district, on the opposite side of the Elbe from the town center.

Do you need to know the film to appreciate the monument? Not necessarily, but knowing the film and its catchphrase "Pojďte, pane, budeme si hrát!" helps explain why these two characters were given their own monument in Kolín.