House of Body culture

The House of Body Culture in Klárov is located directly opposite the Straka Academy. It was designed by Emil Wagner, the successor of Alois Klára, after whom the entire area around the Malostranská metro station is named. Wagner approached architect Piskač to expand the premises of the neighboring Klárov Institute for the Blind. Piskač’s design from the early 20th century features a generally historicizing appearance, clever use of Art Nouveau elements, and an unconventional triangular floor plan. Most Prague residents know the building mainly as the House of Body Culture, where people used to go for exercise, swimming, and where you could find the first sauna in Prague. Currently, the building is managed by the Office for Representation of the State in Property Affairs, and its future use is still uncertain.