The House at the Black Madonna

What people say

"The House of the Black Madonna (Czech: Dům U Černé Matky Boží) is a notable cubist building located in the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. Designed by architect Josef Gočár, the building was completed in 1912 and is renowned for being the earliest example of cubist architecture in Prague. The structure is named after a baroque sculpture of a Black Madonna that adorns its facade, a remnant from a previous building on the site. Gočár, at just 31 years old when he designed the house in mid-1911, was commissioned by wholesale merchant František Josef Herbst. Herbst chose Gočár due to his success with the modernist Wenke Department Store, built between 1909 and 1911. The demolition of the earlier baroque building was met with controversy, and Gočár's modernist designs faced scrutiny from the historical buildings authority. To address concerns about harmonizing with the historic environment, Gočár incorporated baroque forms into his design. Ultimately, the Prague City Council approved the plans on August 4, 1911. The building features a reinforced-concrete skeleton, drawing inspiration from the Chicago School of architecture. This innovative construction method allowed for expansive interior spaces without the need for ceiling supports, aligning with the aesthetics of Cubism. The first-floor café, notable for its lack of interior pillars, was a significant engineering achievement for its time. Initially, the ground and second floors housed Herbst's department store and café, while the upper floors were residential apartments. However, the department store closed in 1922, leading to the conversion of the first two floors into bank offices. In 1941, further modifications were made by functionalist architect V. Kubik, who replaced the wooden frames of the ground-floor windows with steel. During the communist era, the building was repurposed as office space for the National Enterprise Exhibition. In 1994, the House of the Black Madonna underwent a comprehensive renovation and was transformed into a center for Czech art and culture. Following additional renovations between 2002 and 2003, it became home to the Museum of Czech Cubism, operated by the Prague Museum of Decorative Arts. The second and third floors host a permanent exhibition of Cubist art, while the upper floors are designated for temporary exhibitions and workshops. During the restoration, black-and-white photographs from 1912 were utilized to recreate the café's original decor, including replicas of furniture and brass chandeliers, reviving the establishment and showcasing Czech Cubism to visitors."
"This building is the highlight of cubist architecture in Prague and has a cafe so you can go inside and get a really good feel of the space (It is also a museum but I didn't go) I reckon it's a must-see just for the crazy staircase... lots of tourist eating the desserts designed to fit the style of the building... they looked pretty good as well.. "
"2:30 PM - This is a Cubist building with a museum that has exhibits featuring Czech Cubism. I mainly wanted to see those cool stairs! "

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Prague is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful city with rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity. The city offers a range of activities, including sightseeing, exploring museums and galleries, enjoying the nightlife, and sampling delicious Czech cuisine. Additionally, Prague is a relatively affordable city, making it an attractive travel destination for budget-conscious travelers. Souvenirs you can bring home: Bohemian Glass (near Prague, there are five Czech glass and crystal factories that can be visited), Prague Garnet (this precious gemstone is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage), Mucha Posters by Alfons Mucha, Beer Cosmetics, Wooden Toys, Marionette Puppets, Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers, Kafka Museum Souvenirs, Special Reading Material from Palac Knih Luxor, Czech porcelain, the Prague golem, something with Krtek - the little mole (a famous cartoon character). When it comes to food, be sure to check: - Kolachkes (Traditional Czech Cookies) are small, sweet, and perfect for snacking on while exploring the city; made from a rich, buttery dough that is rolled into small balls and then filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as fruit preserves, nutella or poppy seeds (and are often sprinkled with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness) - Trdelník, made from a dough composed of yeast, flour, sugar, and eggs, the seemingly gourmet treat is wrapped around a spit and grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally coated in sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and aromatic flavor. Beverages? Beer, Becherovka (Herbal Liquor), Absinthe. Highlights: 🍺 Beer - The Czechs will tell you that their beer is the best in the world, and they ought to know. Per capita, the Czech Republic consumes more beer than any other country. Pilsner Urquell, the worldʼs first pilsner beer, is top of the line; Gambrinus, made at the same brewery, is also good. The dark Krušovice has a surprisingly light quality; Budvar is the original Budweiser; and Staropramen is the Czech Republicʼs proud working-class brew. Small brewery labels, like Bernard and Lobkowicz, are also worth trying. Czech beer is rated by degrees – 10 degree, 11 degree, 12 degree – with the alcohol content increasing as the numbers rise. 🗿The Golem - Prague golem is a legendary figure in the city’s history and has become a popular souvenir for visitors. The Golem is said to have been created in the early 19th century by a rabbi named Judah Loew, who used the creature to protect the Jewish people from persecution. According to legend, the golem was made of clay and was brought to life through a magical ritual; it quickly became known for its immense strength and loyalty to its creator, but its power was also feared. Eventually, the rabbi realized he needed to destroy the creature before it caused any harm. Today, the golem is a symbol of Jewish heritage and the power of folklore.
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