Prague, Czech Republic, October 26, 2023 – In celebration of the national holiday commemorating the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state, Prague City Hall has announced the reopening of several historically significant buildings to the public on Saturday, October 28. This special open day, running from 10 am to 6 pm, will feature free tours and a diverse program catering to both children and adults within these historic landmarks. As part of the festivities, Czech flags will adorn the city center, and the iconic Petřín lookout tower will be illuminated in the national colors.

Among the prominent buildings that will be accessible to the public is the Mayor’s Residence, established in 1928 as part of the Municipal Library. Designed by architect František Roith, the interior boasts the art deco style and has been reserved primarily for protocol and representational purposes since its inception.

Last September, the Clam-Gallas Palace, located on Mariánské náměstí, was unveiled to the public after a period of extensive restoration. This national holiday, visitors can explore the palace free of charge and take guided tours to delve into its historical significance.

Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, extended a warm invitation to all Prague residents, emphasizing the value of celebrating such a significant holiday by visiting these heritage sites. He noted that this event underscores the city’s commitment to preserving its historical treasures for future generations.

Another highlight of the day is the public opening of Škoda Lounges, which consist of five interconnected rooms on the 1st floor of the Škoda Palace on Jungmannova. The palace, designed by architect Pavel Janák between 1924 and 1926, originally served as an administrative building for the Škoda plants in Pilsen. Over time, the lounges were painstakingly restored to their original form, providing visitors with a glimpse into the grandeur of the Škoda manufacturer’s representative premises.

Additionally, the New Town Hall on Mariánské náměstí, which has served as the city officials’ hub since its inception, will host various programs and performances. A puppet theater performance based on the story of Pejsek a Kočička from Říše Loutek will be featured in the representative hall, along with singing performances. On the ground floor, an engaging program awaits children and adults, courtesy of various city companies, offering interactive experiences such as innovative technologies, a 3D flight simulator, Lego robotics, and face painting. The youngest visitors can even try to obtain a children’s driver’s license from the Prague Municipal Police or practice resuscitation under the guidance of Prague Paramedics.

While reservations for tours of the Mayor’s Residence and the Clam-Gallas Palace are fully booked, visitors are encouraged to check the registration website for updates and explore the entire program on the Prague municipality’s website. This event promises to be a remarkable opportunity to connect with the city’s rich history and vibrant culture on the day of great national significance.

Article by Prague Forum