Prague’s New Town Hall

The new town hall of Prague

The Prague audio-guided tour has you discover the new town hall, more isolated and more modest than the old one, but no less worthy of interest. For in the historic centre of Prague, there is room for two town halls.

Born of a competition in 1904

The idea of its creation arose in 1904, when the Municipal Council launched a competition to designate the architect of the future building. It was the Austrian Osvald Polívka who won, and the new town hall was built between 1908 and 1911, at the cost of the demolition of about ten old buildings and houses. It testifies to the growth of Prague and the urban planning choices of the early twentieth century.

What there is to see

The building, elegant, is distinguished by its sculptures and its ornamental details, among which the famous statue of the Iron Man, at its corner. Less frequented than its elder, the new town hall offers a quieter stop, appreciated by the curious who like to leave the beaten track of the Old Town. It is a good example of Prague architecture at the turn of the twentieth century.

Practical information

The new town hall is in the historic centre of Prague, in the Old Town. Its façade and the statue of the Iron Man can be contemplated freely from the street, at all hours and on the level. An active institution, the interior cannot be freely visited.

When was the new town hall built?

Between 1908 and 1911, according to the plans of the Austrian architect Osvald Polívka, winner of a competition launched in 1904.

What is remarkable on the building?

Its ornamental sculptures, including the famous statue of the Iron Man, linked to one of the great legends of Prague.