Municipal House - Obecní dům
The magnificent Municipal House, built between 1905 and 1912, is a true masterpiece of Art Nouveau that keeps dazzling you time and time again. From the richly decorated façade to the refined interior, everything breathes elegance. Because of its striking, wide shape, this building is always a challenge for me to capture decently in a photo. In this article, I’ll guide you through the rooftop details, the colorful tiles in the hallways, and the surprising restaurants hidden inside this monumental building.
Municipal House is not only a community center but also a cultural icon. Just 500 meters from the Old Town Square, it stands right next to the medieval Powder Tower from the 15th century. Together, they create a striking visual contrast that never fails to impress visitors. Take your time to admire this jewel. The exterior is free to enjoy, and several interior spaces can also be visited at no cost.
Kings, Mucha & Art Nouveau Glory
On the very spot where Municipal House now proudly stands, there once was the medieval Royal Court – home to six Bohemian kings before Prague Castle became the royal residence again after a century. For centuries the place lay abandoned, until it was finally demolished in the early 20th century during Prague’s major urban renewal.
The Czech citizens longed for a cultural home of their own – a stylish answer to the German Casino (now the Slavic House). In 1901, the city council launched the plan, and between 1905 and 1912, Municipal House rose in full Art Nouveau glory.
Timing is everything: just as the style was beginning to fade, architects Antonín Balšánek and Osvald Polívka signed their names to this gem.
The decoration was done by the crème de la crème of the Czech art scene, including Alfons Mucha – yes, the Mucha of the elegant posters. The result? A building that overwhelms, spoils, and sometimes leaves you a little dizzy. But in the best possible way.
Municipal House with the Gothic Powder Tower next door
Food & Drink
Before losing yourself in all the grandeur of Municipal House, it’s worth popping into one of its dining spots. The building hosts no fewer than four restaurants and cafés – each one a gem where you can easily linger for an hour (or two).
Kavárna Municipal House
To the left of the main entrance, you’ll find Kavárna Municipal House, one of Prague’s most beautiful and stylish cafés (more like a restaurant). The chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and menu all radiate class.
Terrace open in good weather.
Opening hours:
daily 8 am - 10 pm
Restaurant Municipal House
On the right side of the main entrance, this restaurant is even more chic – and pricier – than its sister.
Opening hours:
daily 11:30 am – 3.30 pm
daily 5.30 pm - 11 pm
Pilsen Restaurant Prague – Beer Hall
Head straight through the main entrance, go through the next door, then turn right down the stairs to the basement, and you’ll find the accessible Pilsen Restaurant Prague. Here you can enjoy a delicious Pilsner and affordable meals in an Art Nouveau setting. Don’t miss the wall decorations.
Opening hours:
daily 11.30 am - 11 pm
Tretter’s Municipal House
In the same basement, you’ll also find Tretter’s – the stylish American cocktail bar where history and modern flair blend seamlessly.
Sip surprising drinks in a gorgeous Art Nouveau interior – the perfect place to start or end your Prague evening in style.
Opening hours:
daily 7 pm - 2 am
Concerts, Tours & Interior
You can usually just walk into Municipal House and explore whichever spaces are accessible. For the Smetana Hall and other concert halls, as well as the Mayor’s Hall, you’ll need a ticket.
Smetana Hall
Experience an unforgettable concert in the stunning Smetana Hall, famous for its excellent acoustics.
No formal dress code – everyday clothes are just fine.
Entrance to the Smetana Hall
You’ll feel like a true celebrity as you confidently walk across the splendid red carpet leading to the majestic Smetana Hall, where a world of style and grandeur awaits.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available in both English and Czech. They last about one hour and include the following rooms:
Smetana Hall – Cukrárna – Slovácký Lounge – Božena Němcová Lounge – Oriental Lounge – Grégr Hall – Palacký Hall – Mayor’s Hall – Rieger Hall – Sladkovský Hall
Tickets can be purchased at the box office. More info:
www.obecnidum.cz/prohlidky/
Mayor’s Hall
The Mayor’s Hall can be rented for events or weddings. It’s also included in the guided tour ticket.
The murals here were painted by Alfons Mucha.
Balcony above the Main Entrance
The façade stands out with its impressive, tall, open main entrance. Above it, you’ll see a graceful semi-circular balcony, directly connected to the Mayor’s Hall on the first floor. Beneath the imposing dome lies an oval entrance, beautifully decorated with a semi-circular glass mosaic titled The Apotheosis of Prague, designed after a model by Karel Špillar. This artistic piece is framed by a golden inscription with a quote from Svatopluk Čech:
“HAPPINESS TO YOU, PRAGUE! RESIST THE EVILS OF TIME, JUST AS YOU HAVE WITHSTOOD ALL STORMS FOR CENTURIES!”
Opening Hours
The Municipal House box office is open daily from 10:00 – 19:00. Here you can find:
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information about programs at Municipal House
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tickets for concerts and exhibitions
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tickets and details for guided tours of the representative halls
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