While Paris is the cradle of Cubism in fine arts, Prague holds this title in architecture. Although Cubist paintings with prismatic and pyramidal forms conquered the world, the sculptural facades with sharp edges remained unique to Czechoslovakia. As a result, these architectural wonders have become a rare Czech phenomenon that still attracts visitors to Prague from all over the world. You can find a full tour dedicated to this architectural style on our website, but today, we are focusing on one particular stop: the Teachers’ Houses, located next to the famous InterContinental Hotel. The buildings captivate with their masterfully designed facades, but what might they look like inside?
The construction of three Cubist houses with a unified design, planned by Otakar Novotný for the Cooperative for Building Teachers’ Houses, took place between 1919 and 1921. Novotný, a truly talented and versatile architect, explored various architectural styles throughout his long career—from Art Nouveau to pre-war Modernism and pure Functionalism. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he ventured into Cubism as well.
The houses were designed as two row houses and one corner house, all with the same architectural expression. The Cubist decor, using geometric shapes, is evident right from the entrance. The Cubist details are complemented by a vibrant color palette, highlighting the decorative wrought-iron gate and the crystalline Gothic arch motif.
The interiors are dominated by national colors—red and white. The staircases feature railings with Cubist patterns, and the floors are adorned with geometrically arranged tiles.
Sharp edges can also be found in other details, such as window handles and stair railings. This design aligns with the philosophy of the so-called Gesamtkunstwerk, where the architect designed everything from the overall concept down to the smallest detail.
The houses are residential, so we kindly ask all visitors to respect the privacy of the residents. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit the interiors of such a unique Cubist ensemble.