Obecní Dům — Attraction in Prague

The Municipal House is one of the most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Prague. It was built in 1905-1912 on the basis of a victory in architectural competition according to the plans of architects Antonín Balšánek and Osvald Polívka. The most important Czech painters and sculptors of the beginning of the 20th century participated in the decoration: Mikoláš Aleš, Max Švabinský, František Ženíšek, Ladislav Šaloun, Karel Novák, Josef Mařatka, Josef Václav Myslbek, Alfons Mucha and Jan Preisler. The facade is dominated by a semicircular mosaic made according to Karel Špillar's drawing.

Interesting fact: On the site of today's Municipal House was originally the residence of the Czech kings called "Králův dvůr" (King´s Court). The first monarch, who left the Prague Castle and moved with his court to the Old Town, was Václav IV. Luxembourg. First he settled in the Dlouhá třída house "U černého orla" (at the Black Eagle No.1/922), but at the beginning of 1383 he moved to a house near the fortification wall separating Old and New Town, which he costly rebuilt and made it a town royal residence equipped with all the comforts of the times.

Obecní dům je jednou z nejznámějších secesních staveb v Praze. Byl vystavěn v letech 1905–1912 na základě vítězství v architektonické soutěži podle plánů architektů Antonína Balšánka a Osvalda Polívky. Na jeho výzdobě se podíleli nejvýznamnější čeští malíři a sochaři počátku 20. století: Mikoláš Aleš, Max Švabinský, František Ženíšek, Ladislav Šaloun, Karel Novák, Josef Mařatka, Josef Václav Myslbek, Alfons Mucha a Jan Preisler. Průčelí dominuje půlkruhová mozaika sestavená podle kresby Karla Špillara.

Na místě dnešního Obecního domu stála původně rezidence českých králů, Králův dvůr. Prvním panovníkem, který opustil Pražský hrad a odstěhoval se se svým dvorem na Staré Město, byl Václav IV. Lucemburský. Nejprve se usadil v dnešní Dlouhé třídě v domě U černého orla (1/922), začátkem roku 1383 se ale přestěhoval do domu nedaleko hradební zdi oddělující Staré a Nové Město, který nákladně přestavěl a učinil z něj městskou královskou rezidenci vybavenou veškerým...

The venue itself is nice. But the concerts they host are pretty much tourist traps.

We went to a Vivaldi concert by the so-called "Dvorak Symphony Orchestra". The tickets were sold at similar prices to the exceptional shows in the nearby "State Opera" (to which we had gone the day before), so we were expecting similar standards... but the two were several leagues apart: The "orchestra" is a miniature one with only 10 people. And they didn't even have a conductor The whole event lasts 60 minutes. The shortest concert we have ever seen for such a fancy venue They were playing tiny parts of music from famous composers (Vivaldi, Mozart, Dvorak). Each part was typically around five minutes, which felt like we were listening to some free trailers -- it felt as if they were trying to pack as many names as possible into a single hour The ad advertised that they had performers from the National Theatre of Prague and from the Czech Philharmonic. But they were more like guests that they invited (and presumably paid well) to boost the ticket sales (the other performers were far less talented)

As expected, the show was 2/3 empty, despite they were selling heavily discounted tickets in front of the venue the day before.

If you are looking for a proper show in Prague, consider other venues such as the State Opera. For the same price, you get a 3h professional ballet performance with a full-fledged orchestra, in an...

This is the best example of an Art Nouveau building that you can visit in Prague. The stunning exterior is only a taste of the fabulous interior. On the ground level, you have the beautiful elegant Pilsen restaurant dressed with opulent chandelier lights that run the length of the cafe. You can have a meal, or just have cake and coffee, which are delicious and reasonable, given the setting. Their is a grand theatre with top class shows every night on the ground floor. On another occasion I went to the American Bar which is situated downstairs on your right, after you go through the main doors. Don't miss this gem of a place. If you want to experience total immersion in Art Nouveau design, this is the authentic experience. Look at the beautiful tiles and the intricate brasswork on the lift as you decend the stairs. Lovingly carved & painted panneling, seating and tiling are in abundance, even the clock is a work of high Art as is the coat rack ! I had cake & coffee but other diners had the dinners, which they seemed to eat with relish. Prices were reasonable and the cake was delicious. The waiter was very pleasant & attentive. To make the experience even more memorable, a sweet little old man was playing a medley of tunes throughout the evening. If you want Art Nouveau immersion, this is the...