Over the weekend, the seventh district of Prague delighted architecture enthusiasts and curious visitors alike with the Open House Prague festival. This eagerly anticipated event, which spans an entire week, devoted May 20th and 21st exclusively to the district’s architectural treasures. Offering free admission and eliminating the need for registration, attendees were granted unprecedented access to seven remarkable buildings, each with its own unique story to tell.

One of the festival’s main attractions was the recently renovated former Electric Works on Bubenská Street. Designed by renowned architects Adolf Benš and Josef Kříž, this functionalist masterpiece was constructed between 1930 and 1935. The building’s interior, famous for its appearances in various films, proved to be a captivating sight for visitors. The grand hall, adorned with galleries and a central staircase, left a lasting impression. With several interconnected and vertically diverse cubic sections, including a fully air-conditioned main building and a lower rear wing that now houses a clinic, the Electric Works showcased the epitome of architectural ingenuity.

Another notable gem on display was Petzold’s Pub, located in the recently reconstructed Municipal Brewery Pavilion in Plzeň. This neo-renaissance structure, originally built during the Jubilee Provincial Exhibition, has undergone a successful restoration, preserving its historical value. Situated near Prague’s main promenade, Petzold’s Pub attracted significant attention from festival attendees.

The Letná Water Tower, dating back to 1888, was another accessible building that showcased the architectural heritage of the seventh district. Originally serving as a water tower and pumping station, this complex now incorporates apartments for employees. The tower’s fifth floor features an arcaded gallery, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The historical pump at the entrance adds to its charm, a relic from Prague’s municipal poorhouse that later transformed into the Ministry of Justice.

Holešovice Market, constructed between 1893 and 1895, was another architectural marvel that enticed visitors during the Open House festival. Initially designed to cater to the needs of the Central Slaughterhouse of the Royal City of Prague, the market’s buildings served a variety of purposes. With its underground cooling chambers, stables, water tower, and railway siding, the market employed up to a thousand people at its peak. After the slaughterhouse’s closure in 1982, the buildings were repurposed into a cultural hub. Noteworthy figurative sculptures by Čeněk Vosmík and Bohuslav Schnirch adorned the area, adding a touch of artistic flair to the space.

The Veletržní Palace, one of Prague’s first and largest functionalist buildings, was also open for exploration during the festival. Constructed between 1925 and 1928, this architectural gem designed by Josef Fuchs originally served as an exhibition space for trade fairs. Today, it houses the National Gallery’s modern art collection. With its grand staircase, spacious exhibition halls, and impressive glass dome, the Veletržní Palace is a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.

The Open House Prague festival showcased these seven architectural gems, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate their historical and cultural significance. By providing free and unrestricted access, the festival fostered a deeper connection between the city’s rich heritage and its residents and visitors. The event celebrated Prague’s architectural legacy and served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting its remarkable buildings for future generations to enjoy.