Obecni Dum

Located on Namesti Republiky next to the Powder Gate, the Municipal House of Prague, known as Obecni Dum in Czech, is a building of immense importance. The historical significance of Obecni Dum is woven into the fabric of Prague’s socio-cultural background, as it houses Smetana Hall. Now one of Prague's largest and most-celebrated concert halls, Smetana Hall is also the location of Czechoslovakia’s proclamation of independence in 1918 from the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire. The building comprises several other majestic halls, parlour rooms, a cafe, an American bar, a wine bar, a couple of restaurants, and recreation rooms worth paying a visit. Rebuilt between 1905 and 1911, the Municipal House stands on the spot of the Royal Court Palace, resided by the King of Bohemia between 1383 and 1485. A reflection of Art Nouveau architectural style, Obecni Dum has on display artworks, sculptures and murals by eminent artists such as Alfons Mucha, Ladislav Saloun, Jan Preisler and more.