Rudolfinum

On the Old Town bank of the Vltava, close to the Jewish Quarter, and just a stone’s throw from the Staromestska metro station stands the Rudolfinum, a fine example of Czech Neo-Renaissance architecture. Josef Zitek and Josef Schulz designed this building during as part of the Czech National Revival of the late 19th/ early 20th centuries. During this time, the Czechs were slowly gaining more autonomy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a period marked by cultural growth for the Czechs, which explains the decadent interior of the Rudolfinum. Construction began in 1876 and was completed in 1884, and was named in honor of the Crown Prince Rudolph of Hapsburg. The Rudolfinum gained further historical significance when it was used as the seat of the Czech Parliament during the brief period of Czechoslovakian independence (1918-1939) before the start of World War II.

Inside the Rudolfinum, there are several concert halls which host many major concerts of the Prague Spring Music Festival, as well as the Prague Autumn music festival and various other international classical music festivals. The best known is the Dvorak Hall, which is considered one of the finest creations of 19th century Czech architecture. Its impressive entrance contains an allegorical statue of music by Antonin Wagner, and inside are more statues of famous Czech, Austrian, and German artists and composers. Separate from the concert halls, there is a modern art collection in the Galerie Rudolphinum, also known as the House of Artists. The Rudolfinum is a Prague icon and one of the many stunning sights lining the Vltava. Its close proximity to Prague Castle, the river, and the Staromestska metro station make this a worthwhile and easy visit.