Municipal House

The Municipal House of Prague (Obecní dům) is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau located in the heart of the city, next to the Powder Tower. This building, with its extraordinary architecture and rich cultural heritage, represents one of the most iconic symbols of Prague. Built between 1905 and 1912, the Municipal House is a witness to the city’s golden age, a period when art, politics, and culture converged in a spectacular way. The site where the Municipal House stands has a long and significant history. Previously, it was occupied by the Royal Palace of the Court, the residence of the kings of Bohemia from the 14th to the 15th century, before Charles IV decided to move to Prague Castle. Over the centuries, the palace fell into ruin and was eventually demolished in the late 19th century to make way for the construction of the current Municipal House. The design of the building was entrusted to a team of prominent architects and artists, including Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek. The exterior of the building is a triumph of Art Nouveau, with elaborate decorative details, stained glass windows, sculptures, and reliefs. The main facade, facing Republic Square, is dominated by a huge semicircular mosaic titled “Homage to Prague,” created by Karel Špillar. This mosaic represents an allegorical vision of the city as a cultural and political center. The interior of the Municipal House is equally impressive, with a series of rooms decorated by some of the greatest artists of the time, such as Alfons Mucha, Jan Preisler, and Max Švabinský. Each room has a unique theme and style, reflecting the diversity of Czech art at the beginning of the 20th century. The Smetana Hall, the largest and most prestigious, is named after the composer Bedřich Smetana and hosts concerts, cultural events, and official ceremonies. With a capacity of over 1200 seats, the hall is famous for its excellent acoustics and its splendid decorated ceiling. One of the distinctive features of the Municipal House is its Art Nouveau-style café, Kavárna Obecní dům, which offers an elegant and retro atmosphere. The café is decorated with original furniture and artistic stained glass, creating an environment that transports visitors back in time. It is a popular spot for lunches, afternoon teas, and social gatherings, both for residents and tourists. On October 28, 1918, the declaration of independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed from the balcony of the Municipal House, marking the end of Austro-Hungarian rule and the birth of the new nation. This historic event is commemorated by a plaque on the building’s facade. In addition to the Smetana Hall, the building houses numerous other rooms and exhibition spaces, including the Rieger Hall, the Grégr Hall, and the Sladkovský Hall, each with its own history and unique decoration. These spaces are used for a variety of events, from art exhibitions to congresses, from gala balls to symphonic concerts, making the Municipal House a vibrant and dynamic cultural center. The role of the Municipal House in Prague’s cultural life is further emphasized by the numerous cultural associations and organizations based in the building. Among these is the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, which regularly holds concerts in the Smetana Hall, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world. The Municipal House is also an extraordinary example of architectural restoration and conservation. Over the years, numerous interventions have been made to preserve and restore the building, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and historical significance. Restoration efforts have focused on both the exterior and interior, with particular attention to preserving the original details of Art Nouveau.