Magical, Flying and Confidence Tables: Intimate Dining of the 18th-Century Nobility / International Conference
This international conference explores the fascinating, hidden world of private life and elite sociability among the European nobility in the eighteenth century. It examines how the desire for absolute privacy, political discretion, and informal intimacy reshaped the culture of aristocratic dining and, at the same time, led to the introduction of remarkable architectural and technological innovations.
11–13 October 2026
Český Krumlov Castle, Bellaria Summer Palace
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
The National Heritage Institute, Regional Historic Site Management in České Budějovice, State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov, The Foundation of The Baroque Theatre in Český Krumlov, The Silesian University, Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava, The National Museum of Agriculture in cooperation with Ivan Day, Petra Burianová and Milan Svoboda
At the center of attention are the mechanical wonders of the era—ingenious "flying," "magical," and "confidence" tables. These tables are designed to travel vertically from lower-level kitchens, moving upwards to the dining and dancing halls, where the food is served to guests. This specific design minimised the necessity of servants' presence, allowing hosts and guests to converse privately and undisturbed.
Presentations by leading international curators, art and culinary historians, architects, producers and writers will guide attendees through European noble courts and royal residences. Papers will uncover the principles of French mechanical tables, Denmark’s flying chairs, the mathematical table of Sicily, the exotic atmosphere of Sweden's Chinese Pavilion, and the “wishing table” of Weimar. Beyond court etiquette and Baroque culinary symbolism, the conference highlights the rigorous processes behind restoring these mechanisms, including the authentic magical table at Bellaria Summer Palace in Český Krumlov dating from 1760.
Finally, the event will show how this Baroque illusion and the craving for technologically advanced dining continue to echo in modern design and architecture, using the example of the Swedish Villa Spies from 1969, which features a flying table at its very center.
Cost of three-day conference package: EUR 600 (incl. VAT)
Booking in advance is essential due to strictly limited numbers; only 20 conference packages are available.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@milansvoboda.eu.
