The Municipal House of the City of Prague

by Václav Mikule

The Municipal House has been deservedly proclaimed a national heritage building. It is a treasure whose importance reaches far beyond the Czech Republic’s borders. It was built according to the designs of Antonin Balsanek and Osvald Polivka in 1905-1912. It represents the organic entwining of neo-Baroque, neo-renaissance, western, and oriental styles with Czech art Nouveau. This grandiose impression is enhanced by a range of decorative styles, materials, and the quality of the craftsmanship and unique artistic decoration was done by leading Czech painters and sculptors. A general restoration was undertaken between 1994-1997 and is an important center of the social and cultural life in Prague today.

413 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001