Attraction
Prague Castle
The vast hilltop seat of Bohemian kings and Czech presidents, home to St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica and Golden Lane.
Municipal House
Prague's grandest Art Nouveau building, opened in 1912, with Smetana Hall, the Mucha-decorated Mayor's Hall, guided tours, concerts and a famous café.
At a glance
- Type
- Art Nouveau civic building and concert hall
- Area
- Staré Město, Prague, Czech Republic
- Official site
- obecnidum.cz
Good to know
- Guided tours
- Concert hall
- Café
- Restaurants
Why we recommend it
The Municipal House, or Obecní dům, stands on náměstí Republiky next to the Gothic Powder Gate, on the site of the old royal court. It was designed by Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek, built from 1905 and opened in 1912, and it is the finest Art Nouveau building in Prague. It was conceived as a showcase of Czech art and culture, and in 1918 the independence of Czechoslovakia was declared here.
Almost every surface was designed by leading Czech artists of the day. The mosaic above the entrance, the stained glass, the metalwork and the furniture were all made for the building, and works by Alphonse Mucha, Jan Preisler and Max Švabinský decorate the interiors. The best known room is the Mayor's Hall, painted by Mucha. Smetana Hall, the main concert hall with its glass dome, is home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra and opens the Prague Spring festival each year.
The only way to see the ceremonial rooms is on a guided tour, which lasts about an hour and covers Smetana Hall, the Mayor's Hall, the Oriental and other parlours, and several smaller halls. Tours run in English and Czech at set times through the day, with printed commentary in other languages, and tickets are sold at the box office in the building, which opens daily from 10:00 to 19:00, and online. Rooms can occasionally be closed for events, so the route may change.
Even without a tour, the building is worth entering for its café and restaurants. The Municipal House Café on the ground floor is a grand Art Nouveau room for coffee and cake, and there are also a restaurant, a Pilsner pub and a cocktail bar. Attending a concert in Smetana Hall is the most memorable way to experience the building. The tour suits anyone interested in design and history, and families can use the family ticket. Book ahead for English tours in busy months, as group sizes are limited.
The Municipal House is directly above Náměstí Republiky metro station on line B. The Powder Gate marks the start of the Royal Route, which leads through Celetná Street to Old Town Square and on to Charles Bridge and the castle.
Municipal House FAQs
Can you visit the inside of the Municipal House?
Yes. The ceremonial rooms are shown on guided tours lasting about an hour. The café and restaurants are open to everyone.
What languages are tours offered in?
Tours run in English and Czech, with printed commentary in several other languages.
Where can I buy tour tickets?
At the Municipal House box office, open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, or online through the official website.
What will I see on the tour?
Smetana Hall, the Mayor's Hall decorated by Alphonse Mucha, the Oriental Parlour and several other halls and parlours.
Can I attend a concert there?
Yes. Smetana Hall hosts concerts throughout the year, including those of the Prague Symphony Orchestra.
When was the Municipal House built?
Building began in 1905 and it opened in 1912. Czechoslovak independence was declared there in 1918.
How do I get to the Municipal House?
Take metro line B to Náměstí Republiky. The building stands next to the Powder Gate.
Is there a discount for families?
Yes. A family ticket is available for one or two adults with up to three children, and young children enter free.