Colors of My Heart

​​■ The Municipal House in Prague
    A Masterpiece of Art Nouveau and a Historic Landmark
​
​​Located in Prague's Old Town, the Municipal House (Obecní dům) is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the Czech Republic. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, having been constructed between 1905 and 1912. The building is renowned for its luxurious decorations and exquisite design, with its breathtaking mosaics on the exterior and meticulously crafted artistic details within.​​

​​​The site where the Municipal House now stands was once home to the Royal Court Palace, the residence of Bohemian kings. However, after its demolition in the 17th century, the area remained undeveloped for a long time. In the early 20th century, plans for a new cultural center emerged, and architects Antonín Balšánek and Osvald Polívka were entrusted with its design. As a result, the Municipal House became one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Prague.​​​

​​Beyond its architectural splendor, the Municipal House is deeply intertwined with Czech history. In 1918, following the end of World War I, it served as the venue for the declaration of Czechoslovakia's independence, playing a crucial role in the birth of the new nation. For this reason, the building is not merely a cultural landmark but also a site of profound national significance.​​

​​The façade of the Municipal House is adorned with intricate decorative elements. At the center, a magnificent mosaic titled "Homage to Prague" (Hold Praze) by the painter Karel Špillar dominates the front, while a golden dome glistens above the central balcony. Stepping inside, visitors are enveloped in an ambiance reminiscent of an art museum, where every detail has been carefully designed to evoke elegance and grandeur.​​

​​​The interior of the building is decorated by some of the most celebrated Czech artists. Among them, the renowned Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha contributed stunning murals and stained glass, depicting themes of Czech national identity and pride. Other prominent artists, such as Max Švabinský and Jakub Obrovský, also played key roles in the building’s artistic embellishments.​​​

​​​At the heart of the Municipal House lies the Smetana Hall (Smetanova síň), a majestic concert hall named after the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. This grand venue hosts performances by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and other prestigious ensembles from around the world. It is also a principal venue for the Prague Spring International Music Festival, held annually. The hall's magnificent Art Nouveau décor, including an impressive chandelier designed by František Křižík, enhances its majestic atmosphere.​​​

​​The Municipal House is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Old Town Square and is adjacent to the Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square) metro station on Line B. While some parts of the building are freely accessible, guided tours (for a fee) are required to visit the Smetana Hall and the lavish salons.​​

​​​​​​​More than just an architectural gem, the Municipal House is a symbol of Prague's rich cultural and historical heritage. It offers visitors a chance to experience art, music, and national identity all in one place. If you ever ​​find yourself in Prague,​ be sure to visit this remarkable landmark and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty.​​


Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/5.0 ／ 1/1250sec ／ ISO 1250 ／ -0.7



​​​​Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/5.0 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO 1250 ／ -0.7


Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/2.8 ／ 1/100sec ／ ISO 1000 ／ -1.0



Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/2.8 ／ 1/100sec ／ ISO 200 ／ -0.6



Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED ／ f/9.0 ／ 1/25sec ／ ISO 2800 ／ -0.3



Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/5.0 ／ 1/125sec ／ ISO 1250 ／ -0.3



Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/5.0 ／ 1/50sec ／ ISO 1600 ／ ±0.0


Nikon D850 ／ AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED ／ f/5.0 ／ 1/5000sec ／ ISO 1600 ／ ±0.0

​​​​■ Taken on 14th Aug 2024 ​by following equipment.​

Nikon D850

Nikon｜ニコン D850 デジタル一眼レフカメラ ブラック D850 [ボディ単体][D850] 価格：377,810円（税込、送料別) (2025/1/28時点) 楽天で購入

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

【1/24~29限定!最大4,000円OFF&1/,25限定で最大P3倍】【中古】ニコン Nikon 超広角ズームレンズ Ai AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED フルサイズ対応 価格：86,800円（税込、送料無料) (2025/1/28時点) 楽天で購入

【中古】【1年保証】【美品】Nikon AF-S 24-70mm F2.8G ED 価格：109,800円（税込、送料無料) (2025/2/11時点) 楽天で購入

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