Municipal house

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Smetana Hall features an original organ built by the Tuček brothers, containing over 4,500 pipes.

2. 2

   Alphonse Mucha spent two years working on the frescoes and decorations within the Lord Mayor's Hall.

3. 3

   The building was the site of the proclamation of Czechoslovakia's independence on October 28, 1918.

4. 4

   The exterior allegorical sculpture group, 'Homage to Prague', located above the main entrance, was created by Ladislav Šaloun.

5. 5

   Beneath the building lies a sprawling basement complex that originally functioned as a tactical bunker and kitchen for the entire venue.

Overview

The Municipal House (Obecní dům) is a preeminent Art Nouveau building in Prague serving as a multifunctional cultural venue and concert hall. It occupies the site of the former Royal Court palace, which served as the residence of Bohemian kings between 1383 and 1484. The current structure, completed in 1912, features a lavishly decorated exterior by Antonín Balšánek and Osvald Polívka. Its centerpiece is the Smetana Hall, an auditorium designed for symphonic performances with a prominent stained-glass dome. The interior showcases collaborations by notable Czech artists of the era, including Alphonse Mucha, who painted the Lord Mayor's Hall. The building houses several historically preserved restaurants, a café, and various exhibition spaces. It serves as the primary venue for the Prague Spring International Music Festival. It remains a functional administrative and social landmark, hosting state receptions and galas.

Insider tips

• Book a guided tour to access private rooms and historic halls that are otherwise closed to the general public.

• Visit the basement Plzeňská restaurace for authentic historical décor and traditional Czech cuisine.

• Check the concert schedule well in advance, as Smetana Hall tickets for major festivals sell out months early.