Municipal House, Prague (must see)
Since opening its doors in 1911, Prague鈥檚 grand Art Nouveau landmark has stayed true to its purpose鈥攁s a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and elegant social events. Conceived at the turn of the 20th century, when the Czech middle class was eager to channel a bit of Parisian flair, its main fa莽ade makes quite a statement. Above the entrance, a striking ceramic mosaic titled 鈥淗omage to Prague鈥� catches the light, framed by dramatic sculptures portraying both the fall and rise of the national鈥斺�淭he Degradation of the People鈥� on one side, 鈥淭he Resurrection of the People鈥� on the other.
Some of the most celebrated Czech artists left their mark here, including Alfons Mucha, whose magical frescoes fill the Lord Mayor鈥檚 Hall with scenes from Czech history. (That space is usually accessible only by guided tour.) On the second floor, the magnificent Smetana Hall takes center stage鈥攁 concert venue where the Prague Symphony Orchestra and world-class musicians perform beneath a glass dome and elegant arches.
Downstairs, the ground-floor restaurants often buzz with visitors, yet still retain a certain timeless glow鈥攃rystal chandeliers, polished woodwork, and echoes of old-world glamour. Meanwhile, tucked away below street level, a cozy beer hall offers hearty dishes, with ceramic tile murals lining the walls for good measure.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the MODERNISTA shop on site. It鈥檚 a treasure trove for fans of cubist and modernist design, stocked with everything from original pieces to clever reproductions and fresh work by emerging Czech talents. You might find yourself drawn to a sleek steel liquor cabinet or a sharply styled cubist vase鈥攅ach piece with its own story, and plenty tempting enough to take home.
Some of the most celebrated Czech artists left their mark here, including Alfons Mucha, whose magical frescoes fill the Lord Mayor鈥檚 Hall with scenes from Czech history. (That space is usually accessible only by guided tour.) On the second floor, the magnificent Smetana Hall takes center stage鈥攁 concert venue where the Prague Symphony Orchestra and world-class musicians perform beneath a glass dome and elegant arches.
Downstairs, the ground-floor restaurants often buzz with visitors, yet still retain a certain timeless glow鈥攃rystal chandeliers, polished woodwork, and echoes of old-world glamour. Meanwhile, tucked away below street level, a cozy beer hall offers hearty dishes, with ceramic tile murals lining the walls for good measure.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the MODERNISTA shop on site. It鈥檚 a treasure trove for fans of cubist and modernist design, stocked with everything from original pieces to clever reproductions and fresh work by emerging Czech talents. You might find yourself drawn to a sleek steel liquor cabinet or a sharply styled cubist vase鈥攅ach piece with its own story, and plenty tempting enough to take home.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Municipal House on Map
Sight Name: Municipal House
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets鈥攎ost notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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