Exterior - Municipal House
Prague, Czech Republic
Erected: 1905-1911
Style: Art Nouveau
In the years 1994-1997 the Municipal House underwent a technically and financially demanding restoration. When it was reopened, it once-again became a significant social and cultural center.
Companion page: Interior photos |
Art Nouveau style |
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Center pavilion |
Karel Spillar's Homage to Prague |
Mosaic detail |
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Art Nouveau style |
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Art Nouveau style |
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Roof shingles |
Wood cartouche |
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Paired wooden brackets with Classical details |
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Municipal House (Obecni Dum) is the premier Art Nouveau building in Prague and was completed in 1911.
Situated on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, the King's residence between 1383 and 1485. Abandoned for centuries, what remained was used as a seminary and later as a military hospital. it was demolished in the early 1900s to be replaced by he present cultural center (1905-1911) with its exhibition halls and auditorium, designed by Antonin Balsanek assisted by Osvald Polivka.Municipal House is the main attraction on Republic Square. It is just a few minutes walk from both the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square.
The exterior is embellished with stucco and allegorical statuary.On October 28, 1918, the historic proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia took place here.
Municipal House is home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and at its heart is the Smetana Hall, one of two main concert halls in Prague.