Municipal house in Prague. Not where they expect me The municipal house witnessed turning points

Public house(Czech: Obecní dům) is a wonderful example of architecture and art, the main attraction of Prague in the Art Nouveau style. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Public House was the center of cultural life of the Czech community and the site of important historical events. Nowadays, a building built in 1905–1912, includes the Primate's Hall with paintings by the famous Alphonse Mucha, the large Berdzhich Smetana hall for concerts and dance evenings, as well as about ten other halls and salons, each of which is interesting with its unique interior. The second name of the attraction is Municipal house.

On October 28, 1918, it was in the Public House that the most important state event took place - the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed. After this, the National Committee (provisional parliament and government) met here for two weeks.

The peak of fame of the Prague Representative House (formerly the Public House) dates back to the 20s and 30s of the 20th century. It hosted balls, celebrations, conferences, exhibitions and expositions.

Exterior of a Public (Municipal) House

The facade of the building is decorated with sculptural compositions on the theme of national stories of the Czech people, legendary personalities and the most important historical events. Some of them have allegorical meaning. The exterior is also decorated with floral patterns in the Secession style.

Above the main entrance there is a huge mosaic “Glory to Prague” by Karl Spillar, which is framed by the golden inscription “Good luck to you, Prague! Resist the evil of time, just as you resisted all thunderstorms” (quote from Svatopluk Cech). On the sides of the mosaic are the sculptural groups “Humiliation of the People” and “Resurrection of the People” by Ladislav Shaloun (the author of the main Prague monument in honor of Jan Hus on Old Town Square). On the massive columns of the central entrance there are two Atlases carrying the “Magic Lantern”.

In the openings of fifteen windows on the second floor you can see mascarons - allegorical stucco heads, symbolizing areas of art, fields of science and branches of economic activity. At the same level with them there is a chain of medallions with relief images of figures in national costumes that represent different regions of the Czech Republic.

The public (Municipal) house is connected to the Powder Tower using a neo-Gothic bridge. A statue of the tower's architect, Matvey Reisek, installed on the corner of the house, looks at his creation. Below it, on the ground floor level, there is a memorial plaque with two allegorical figures.

At the corner of the right wing of the Public House there are four figures: an allegory of Writing, Construction, Painting and Sculpture. On the northern facade, the sculptures “Drama” and “Music” are especially interesting, representing a naked reclining man and woman. On the southern façade above the windows there are figures of “The Sower” and “The Reaper”.

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Interior of a Public (Municipal) House

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Public House was seriously different from other similar buildings in Prague due to the most modern, at that time, equipment. It had central heating, remote-controlled air conditioning, ice-making refrigerators, laundry and drying facilities, pneumatic mail, telephone, 28 electric and hydraulic elevators, and many other technical innovations. Nowadays, the Public (Municipal) House is interesting primarily for the high artistic level of decoration of beautiful halls and salons in the style modern(Art Nouveau).

The front entrance leads to lobby, lined with marble, with rich mosaics on the floor. The door that allows passage from the vestibule to the halls is decorated with reliefs symbolizing flora and fauna. To the left of the lobby is located Art Nouveau Cafe(its main feature is the walls lined with mahogany). To the right of the lobby is French restaurant, retaining its original appearance. The restaurant premises are decorated with allegorical paintings; To the left of the entrance there is an allegorical image of traditional Czech hop growing, and to the right - viticulture. The arch at the front of the restaurant, decorated with a brass clock with glass crystals, leads to a small salon, which contains the original wallpaper and the painting “Hradcany and the New World”. The staircase from the lobby, depicting views of old Prague, leads to the semi-basement floor. It includes american bar, wine restaurant And Pilsen folk restaurant(Plzeňská lidová restaurace).

(Smetanova síň) - a luxurious state hall for concerts and public events. The dominant feature of the room is the organ, decorated with a round gilded bronze relief. On the sides of the stage there are sculptural groups “Visegrad” and “Slavic Dances”, and on the parapets of the balconies there are medallions with portraits of Czech composers. In the niches of the balconies there are allegories: Music, Dance, Poetry and Drama. The hall has been the main concert venue of the Prague Symphony Orchestra since 1942.

(Primátorský sál) is also known as the hall of the mayor of Prague. Its design was carried out by the famous Alphonse Mucha. On the ceiling you can see the fresco “Slavic Unity”, and eight sails (elements of the dome structure) are decorated with images of civic virtues in the form of famous personalities:

• “Loyalty” is symbolized by John Amos Comenius;
• “Strength” - Vojtech from Pernstein;
• “Integrity” - Jan Rogacz from Dube;
• “Independence” - Jiří from Poděbrady;
• “Justice” - Jan Hus;
• “Mother’s wisdom” - Elishka Przhemyslovna;
• "Militancy" - Jan Zizka.
• “Vigilance” - moves (residents of the southwestern border regions of the Czech Republic).

Other paintings in the Primate's Hall are also made on patriotic themes. On the walls you can see the following phrases: “Holy mother of the people, accept the love and admiration of your son”, “With strength for freedom, love for fidelity”, “Humiliated and tortured - you will be resurrected, vast homeland.” If you liked the works of Alphonse Mucha, you can visit his museum, which is located very close - on Panska Street, 7.

- a walk through little-known but interesting corners of Prague away from tourist routes to feel the real spirit of the city - 4 hours, 30 euros

- bus tour for those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Czech Middle Ages - 8 hours, 30 euros

In Prague. The building in the Neo-Renaissance style was built in 1894 according to the design of the architect Antonin Turek. The building was erected using the most advanced technologies of the time: it is one of the first houses in Prague with electric lighting and central heating.

From the first years of its existence, the house became a major cultural center of the city. Here in 1899, the first film in the Czech Republic was shown, exhibitions of artists were held, concerts of soloists of the Czech Philharmonic of the National Theater, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, etc. At the beginning of the 20th century, the house for some time housed the opera Pistek, the cabaret Červená sedma ("Red Seven "), and on the ground floor of the building there was a library. In 1913, one of the first cinemas opened, and in 1914, on the initiative of the writer Karel Macek, a puppet theater was created. In 1959, a well-known choreographic school in the Czech Republic was founded, in which about 2,500 people are trained annually. In 1994, the building was reconstructed, during which its original architectural appearance was returned. Since 1997, the National House has annually held an international music festival of swing music.

On four floors of the house there are more than forty rooms, including three large main halls for organizing large public and cultural events (exhibitions, concerts, conferences), capable of simultaneously hosting 1,200 visitors.

The largest and most beautiful hall of the National House, accommodating 750 spectators, is named after the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, who performed here in 1927. The main motive in the decoration of the hall is the grape harvest festival. The painting was done by the artist Adolf Liebherr. On the ceiling of the hall there are three large frescoes depicting scenes of the creation of the royal vineyards by order of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Royal crowns and bunches of grapes are repeatedly reproduced in the interior of various parts of the hall. On one of the walls there is a fresco depicting St. Wenceslas holding a grapevine. According to legend, he personally prepared the church wine. One of the most valuable examples of decorative and applied art of the 19th century. are the huge 8-meter chandeliers of the hall. Also interesting are the twenty-three sculptures created by J. Strahovski and A. Popp related to the theme of the national revival of the Czech Republic.

The hall also has a large balcony of 100 square meters. m., for decoration of which decorative rosettes were used. One of the stairs descends from the balcony into the foyer of the adjacent hall. From the lower level of the hall you can also access four balconies facing the street.

The average hall has an area of ​​362 sq. m accommodates 320 people. It is named after the Czech writer and teacher Karel Vaclav Rais. The hall's foyer is made in the same style as the Mayakovsky Hall, while the design of the hall itself is completely different. An interesting forged spiral staircase leads from the foyer to the balcony of the Mayakovsky Hall. The hall itself was originally intended to show performances and films. Along the walls there is a series of blind arcades decorated with antique theatrical masks.

The hall has both artificial and natural lighting, although it can be completely darkened. The decor of the hall uses plant motifs: a frieze with images of flowers and fruits runs along its perimeter. The hall hosts chamber concerts, performances, film premieres, exhibitions, as well as seminars and private evenings.

This is the smallest hall of the three main rooms of the National House. It is designed for only 240 visitors, the area of ​​the hall is 266 square meters. m. The hall was rebuilt from a winter garden and its distinctive feature is a glass ceiling and unique overhead lighting.

The influence of Art Nouveau can be felt in the interior design, in particular in the decorations in the form of bas-reliefs on the blind arcades along the walls. The hall is also decorated with four large paintings by Otokar Nejedla from the “Golden Prague” series.

Conference rooms

On the first two floors of the building there are several small conference rooms ranging from 40 to 80 square meters. m., which can accommodate 30–85 people. These premises are used for briefings, business meetings, competitions, meetings, and are also rented out for private anniversary celebrations and weddings.

On the ground and underground floors there are offices of large companies and organizations that provide insurance, consulting and legal services, and educational services. There is also a fitness center and restaurant here.

The location of the National House in Vinohrady is one of its great advantages: it is located in the very center of the city and is therefore an ideal location for many social and cultural events.

This week a new brothel was opened in the Czech capital. This, of course, would not be news at all, if the prostitutes did not serve clients here for free. On the day the brothel opened, a line of eighty men lined up in front of its entrance.
The owner was inspired to open it by a reality show
The owner of the establishment, Sharka Pokorna, gave a magnificent presentation a week before the official opening. Journalists were so impressed by the meeting with Mrs. Pokornaya that there was not a single newspaper or television company that would not report on a new phenomenon in Czech life. Every second article began with the words: “The Czech Republic can be proud! This kind of brothel is the first in the world!”
What makes it first, in addition to the fact that the services here are provided free of charge, is that cameras are installed in all rooms (except for the bar and restaurant), and everything that happens “in the rooms” and salons is broadcast on TV screens located in the bar, as well as on the Internet . You have to pay for “funny pictures” on your home computer. And in order to have something to look at, not only 40 moths of different ages are working, but also a large television group: directors, cameramen, editors - 15 people in total.

The idea to open such a brothel came to me after watching so-called reality shows on various TV channels. I noticed that most of all the audience waits for something intimate to happen between the characters. And TV people most often cut out such moments,” Sharka Pokornaya explained to the press. And then she added: “There is another motive.” Porn films usually feature pumped-up handsome men, the kind you rarely see in real life. Looking at them, porn fans begin to feel complex about their appearance. In our brothel people are from the people. There is much more demand for such people than for professional porn actors.

Before the client goes “to the rooms”, he will be asked to sign a paper. First, he agrees that filming will take place. And secondly, it allows you to show everything that will happen on air. If the client is afraid of being recognized, he can become a secret - put on a wig, glue on a mustache or put on a carnival mask. They will be rented for decent money.
If it’s free, it’s no longer for the sake of earning money, but for pleasure.

Before the opening of the brothel, its owner was worried - what if people wouldn’t come, would they be embarrassed? The worries were in vain - there were even more people willing than the brothel could accommodate. Bandersha even had to limit the time she spent in the rooms so as not to delay the queue.

In the Czech Republic, prostitution is not yet officially legalized. But it is not prohibited either. Only a pimp can be held accountable. The new brothel does not risk anything. What kind of pimping if sex here is free! If it’s free, it’s no longer for the sake of earning money, but for pleasure. But the Internet, it turns out, doesn’t count.

The Municipal House dominates the large Republic Square, through which some of the most important trade routes to silver Kutná Hora formerly passed. Due to its strategic importance, the residence of Czech rulers was originally located here, starting with Wenceslas IV, and traditionally the Coronation Procession began here. Today, the only reminder of the glorious past is the Gothic tower of the architects Bolšanek and Polivka, adjacent to the beautiful building of the Municipal House, in the creation of the interior of which Alfons Mucha, Max Švabinský, Mikolas Aleš and other outstanding Czech and foreign artists took part.

Gastronomic paradise in the Municipal House

Magnificent mahogany furniture, original wallpaper and lamps, detailed steel clocks, a variety of sculptures and paintings create a pleasant atmosphere: how else can you enjoy the quiet charm of the turn of the century than with a glass of good wine, fine food or while listening to masterpieces of classical music? Attend wonderful concerts in the Smetana Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,200 people, or enjoy Czech and international cuisine in the French Restaurant, an authentic café, a wine bar or the Pilsen National Restaurant. Take your taste buds on a tour of modernist Prague.

The municipal house witnessed turning points

The Municipal House, although it cannot match the duration of its existence with Romanesque rotundas or ancient Gothic monuments, witnessed two of the most important events in modern Czech history. It was here that independence from Austria-Hungary was declared in 1918, and hence the emergence of the first independent Czechoslovak Republic. And here, only a few decades later, in 1989, the future president of the democratic Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, first met with representatives of the communist regime, which was soon to collapse. Forget for a moment about medieval knights and kings, and while walking around Prague, take a look at the places where the modern Czech state was born.

Gothic Powder Gate guarding the Municipal House

If, when visiting the Municipal House, you still feel nostalgic for the history of bygone days, go up to the Gothic Powder Gate. In addition to the view of Prague, here you can get acquainted with the period when the Municipal House was only a distant future and in its place was the Royal Court - the residence of the Czech rulers.

Original solutions that reign in the decoration of almost any building in the central square of Prague and in remote provinces make the Czech Republic especially attractive to connoisseurs of Gothic architecture. It was here that one of the most striking masterpieces was located, which, nevertheless, retained many reminders of its difficult past. We are talking about the Prague Public House, which is located on Republic Square.

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Prague has long gained a reputation as a city that combines several cultures. For many years, the Czech Republic was part of other states that made a significant contribution to the formation of this, let’s not be afraid of this word, “pearl” of the European continent. Austria-Hungary, Germany, Czechoslovakia - this is just a small list of states that at one time had a significant influence on the formation of local culture, traditions and way of life.

Previously, on the site of the Public House, there was a palace in which Czech kings lived and ruled these lands for several centuries. Over time, the building changed its purpose several times. At first there was a seminary here, a little later the archbishop and his retinue chose the place, and in the pre-war years future defenders of the Fatherland were trained here.

In those distant times, the buildings were not particularly looked after, so under the influence of time, the building gradually began to deteriorate until it completely collapsed. But the place did not have to be empty for long. Already in 1905, the first stone was laid on the site of the former royal palace, marking the beginning of the creation of another architectural masterpiece.

As often happens, construction of such a scale always faces certain difficulties. For example, it was not immediately possible to decide on the main persons responsible for the project. After a number of unsuccessful competitions, O. Polivka and A. Balshenek received their right to create a masterpiece, who became the authors of the Public House, the construction of which lasted for 7 long years.

Famous Czech artists also had a creative hand in creating the masterpiece, among whom was Karel Spillar, who was entrusted with creating a mosaic panel on the facade of the building. And he coped with the role assigned to him brilliantly.

If you are even slightly interested in the history of that time, you will immediately notice that almost every detail of this architectural masterpiece contains a deep meaning and theme of national revival.

History of the house

If you want to get to know the architecture of the Prague Public House better and plunge headlong into the history of this place, you cannot do without an intelligent guide. Finding one here is not difficult. We will only briefly glance at several monumental dates with which this place, amazing in its beauty and unusually deep charisma, is associated.

So, the construction of the house was completed in 1912. In those distant times, many social balls and receptions for high-ranking officials were organized here. The doors of the Public House, which fully lived up to its name, were open to everyone. Exhibitions were organized within its walls and meetings of various societies and interest clubs were held. And, as if to confirm its versatility, the house became the main center of gastronomy in Prague.

In 1918, one of the most significant historical events for the Czech Republic took place within the walls of the building. It was here that the independence of the republic was proclaimed. This happened on October 28 and within two weeks the Constitution of the Czech Republic was presented.

Throughout its almost century-long history, the Public House of Prague has witnessed, and often directly participated in, grandiose historical events. As if adapting to the new realities of life of the Czechs, the building was modified many times, and more and more adjustments were made to its perfect appearance.

That is why the Public House appears to modern people in an absolutely unique guise, in which one can trace the brilliant brushes of many artists and architects of different eras, and the long-term influence of the once powerful state of Austria-Hungary, which extended its influence to Czech territories, became the reason that The architecture of the building contains signs of Austrian Art Nouveau.

Today the Public House is used for cultural purposes. Concerts are regularly held within its walls.

Unusual architecture and enchanting paintings

With its truly amazing architecture and enchanting paintings, the Public House can easily surprise anyone. No place more suitable for this role immediately comes to mind. It combines a variety of styles of architecture and painting that were common in the Czech Republic in the 19th and 20th centuries. Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance - styles that were considered incompatible - are mixed here and look more than organic.

And what decor is here! At least 30 Czech artists and sculptors from different times worked on its creation. An amazing, colorful and incomparable picture appears before the eyes of tourists. Local residents, who, it would seem, should have become accustomed to such beauty and not pay any attention to it, enjoy the unique architecture with no less delight. And this is truly amazing!

Approaching the Public House, the first thing that catches your eye is the unusual plastic decorating the façade of the building. The main theme is national stories from the centuries-old history of the Czech people. Well, the unique ornament in the style of secession is beyond any praise.

The main entrance is framed by a mosaic, the creation of which the great Karel Spillar worked day and night. The colorful slogan “Glory to Prague” seems to invite everyone to come inside. But there's no need to rush. After all, you have not yet examined all the richness of the architectural heritage that is located outside. The sculptures presented at the foot of the house are divided into two thematic groups - “Humiliation of the People” and “Resurrection of the People”. The author of this masterpiece is considered to be Ladislav Šaloun, whose most famous creation is the Monument to Jan Hus, which is located in the middle of the Old Town Square.

And, of course, how can one ignore the truly grandiose creation in size and execution in the form of two Atlases, which are located on the columns of the main entrance. The diversity of culture and traditions of numerous regions of the Czech Republic is reminded by relief figures in national decoration, each of which is dedicated to a separate province. Here, in the openings of the second floor windows, tourists can also observe sculpted heads that carry allegorical overtones.

Interior of the Public House

Even now, upon entering the building, any visitor will be surprised and shocked. Imagine, even in those distant times, the Public House had air conditioning and heating systems familiar to modern people, and 28 hydraulic and electric elevators scurried between the floors up and down!

Each hall of the Public House is designed in an unusually subtle style. The ornaments and sculptures themselves, which have been an integral part of this attraction for almost a century, are masterpieces of applied art, painting and architecture. You can look at the local beauty and rich interior decoration for days on end.

Even the cafe here is created in the Art Nouveau style, and the walls are lined with first-class mahogany. The French restaurant, which has undergone virtually no changes, can compete with art galleries in famous cities around the world. This is a kind of kingdom of allegory and bright painting.

In the center of this divine interior, like the main prize, is a huge hall named after Smetana. It is here that Prague welcomes guests from all over the world who want to plunge into the world of wonderful music. Many public events have been held within its walls. The walls of the hall are decorated with numerous portraits of world-famous Czech composers. Well, in special balcony niches, allegorical statues of Dance, Music, Poetry and Drama watch the action that takes place on stage, frozen in centuries-old amazement. Since 1942, this hall has been the center of the ingenious creations of the Czech symphony orchestra.