The Municipal House (in Czech, Obecní dům)
is a major civic landmark and concert hall in Prague, and an important building in architectural and political history in the Czech Republic.
The idea for the building the Municipal House in Prague was conceived at the dawn of the 20th century, in 1901. Two architects, Antonín Balsanek and Osvald Polívka, were hired to create the design, which was finalized in 1904. The approved design followed the Art Nouveau movement. The stonework has elaborate designs trimmed with gold. There are grand and impressive frescoes along with windows made of stained glass.
Several Czech painters and sculptors contributed to the intricate collage of artistry of the Municipal House. Some of them are Frantisek Uprka, Antonin Mara, Josef Maratka, Karel Novak, and Bohumil Kafka. These artists utilized cultural and historical symbols to create works of art all around the building, such as the Mascarons, Sower and Harvester, and the fairytale figures of Rusalka and Dudak.
Perhaps the most memorabe one is found below the main cupola. A mosaic with a quotation in Czech that translates into "Hail to you Prague! Brave the time and malice as you have resisted all the storms throughout the ages.”
Perhaps the most memorabe one is found below the main cupola. A mosaic with a quotation in Czech that translates into "Hail to you Prague! Brave the time and malice as you have resisted all the storms throughout the ages.”The main space within the Municipal House is the concert space, Smetana Hall, named in honor of Bedrich Smetana. On October 28, 1918, Smetana Hall was the scene of the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia.


No comments:
Post a Comment