Rudolfinum

The idea to build a new cultural building named after the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Rudolf, came from Česká spořitelna (Czech Savings Bank), which commissioned its construction to commemorate its 50th anniversary. In a public competition, the design by the renowned professors from the Prague Technical University, Josef Zítek and Josef Schulz, emerged as the winner. Rudolfinum is visually divided into two parts – exhibition spaces and a concert hall. The exterior is dominated by the gracefully curved southern main facade facing the square and the central staircase, adorned with allegorical sculptures representing secular and religious music. Inside, there is the famous Dvořák Hall with 1,200 seats, which has not always been exclusively dedicated to music. During the interwar period, the building became the seat of the Federal Assembly, and during the Nazi occupation, music once again echoed through its corridors, but for the purpose of Nazi propaganda. After more than 100 years since its opening, Rudolfinum underwent a reconstruction led by architect Karel Prager, who preserved the original character of the neglected building and restored its former beauty.