the culture mile

Kunsthalle is the latest phenomenon on the cultural map of Prague. This stunning industrial space was created through the reconstruction of a former transformer station. Be sure to visit its café, which offers an unconventional view of Prague Castle and the Petřín Lookout Tower. The café also includes a unique cabinet of electrical curios created for Kunsthalle by American artist Mark Dion.

The building of the Museum of Decorative Arts is a work of art in its own right. It was financed by Czech patrons and industrialists and its lavish embellishments showcase the best that arts and crafts in the Czech lands of the 19^th century had to offer. You will be endlessly amazed, as are we Prague residents. By the way, the museum building offers a beautiful view of one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world.

The Prague City Gallery can be found in the Municipal Library. When it was built in 1929, it was the most modern library in Europe. By the way, the right wing of the building is home to a world-class gem of Art Deco design – the residence of the Mayor of Prague. However, you can only enter by invitation of the Mayor.

The recently reconstructed Clam-Gallas Palace is one of Prague’s masterpieces of Baroque architecture and a superb example of Baroque living and the aristocratic lifestyle of the time. Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart both performed here, for instance.

The Kampa Museum is situated in the building of Sovovy mlýny. Records of its existence date back as far as 1393 and indeed, flour was milled here for 600 years. The building was acquired by Czech philanthropist Meda Mládková after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and she transformed it into a modern gallery of Central European art. Have a coffee on the terrace and enjoy the view of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge or the National Theatre.

The Rudolfinum is one of the most important architectural structures in Prague. It is named after Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg-Lorraine. The crown of this majestic building is made up of 32 statues of musicians and artists, and for good reason: it has served as a concert hall and gallery since the outset. It is the seat of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, whose first ever concert was conducted by Antonín Dvořák himself in 1896. Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein and Yo-Yo-Ma have also played here. The Rudolfinum Gallery is accessible free of charge. After your visit, stop by for refreshments at Café Rudolfinum. Its style and elegance undoubtedly make it a hidden treasure among Prague cafés.