The site of the present building used to be occupied by an old Gothic Imperial palace, constructed in the late 14th century by the Emperor Wenceslas IV. Inhabited by the lords of Bohemia for over a century, converted into a seminary, then into barracks, it was gradually abandoned before being demolished in 1902.
In the height of the national Revival and at a time when the German were dominating the area around the avenue Na Prikopě, it was decided to build a multipurpose building that would express with splendor the vividness of the Czech culture. The objective was among others to offer numerous cultural activities open to all and to celebrate the prestige of the city. Besides, the gable above the monumental portal is decorated with an allegoric mosaic which displays the “Prague apotheosis”.
The choice of a very decorative and monumental Art Nouveau style, although quite tardy and even out-fashioned when inaugurated in 1912, is not innocent here. At a time when Art Deco is culminating all over Europe, a complete generation of artists – architects, sculptors, painters, tile setters, stucco setters, cabinetmakers, glassblowers…- combined their talents to construct this triumphant piece of work displaying a mind-blowing decoration. One doesn’t know where to look, for the ornaments abound in brightly colored decorative details.
Even if for a glimpse, don’t hesitate to take a peek inside: the first floor is taken up by an entirely renovated prestigious café and the famous French restaurant, the stairs are decorated with beautiful ceramics that evoke the picturesque Prague Old Town, and on the lower floor you’ll find a country-style traditional Pilsner pub (Plzenska Restaurace) and a welcoming American bar.
The most prestigious place is the huge Smetana concert hall that seats 1300, headquarters of the prestigious Prague Symphony Orchestra (FOK). Its repertoire is dominated by compositions from the 20th century (Ravel, Gershwin…), but also by those of the greatest classics of the 19th and 20th century’s Czech music. This is also the place where each year the Prague Spring Festival is opened with Bedřich Smetana’s masterwork, Má Vlast (“My Country”).
Just as with the Rudolfinum, beware of programs that are organized neither by the Symphony orchestra nor by the big festivals. The Smetana hall is often rented to private companies that offer “Best of” concerts, their quality is generally low…
For true lovers of Art Nouveau it is also possible to visit various Staterooms on the second floor, where numerous famous painters have participated to the decoration, among which Alfons Mucha, who is the author of the allegoric frescos in the mayor’s reception room.
Address and information:
Obecní dům – Municipal House
Náměstí Republiky 5 – Republic square 5
Prague 1 - Old Town
www.obecni-dum.cz
How to get there: subway yellow line B station “Náměstí Republiky”, trams 8 – 14 – 26 stop “Náměstí Republiky”
