Clock above the entrance to the museum (1898/1901) by Josef Schulz (1840–1917)Museum of Decorative Arts In Prague
The main building of the Museum, 1897–1900
The museum was founded after several years of preparation in 1885, then still in borrowed premises. The Chamber of Commerce and Trade decided to build a separate museum building and purchased the land.
Stained glass in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague (1898/1901) by Josef Schulz (1840–1917)Museum of Decorative Arts In Prague
The work of architect Josef Schulz
The new premises, designed by the architect Josef Schulz (1840–1917), were built on a site adjacent to the Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov, Prague’s Jewish quarter.
Building of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague (1898/1901) by Josef Schulz (1840–1917)Museum of Decorative Arts In Prague
Simple architectural plan
The Museum has a longitudinal ground plan with a projecting central bay. The layout is relatively simple, bounded on one side by a broad road and on the other by the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Mixing of historical styles
The construction of the Museum was during the final years of the fashion for reviving and combining various historical styles.
View of the museum in 1901 after the completion of the building (1898/1901) by Josef Schulz (1840–1917)Museum of Decorative Arts In Prague
Josef Schulz: Total Work of Art
Josef Schulz designed not only the appearance of the building, but also its interior furnishings, including exhibition and depository furniture
Museum in 1900
Josef Schulz: Total Work of Art
The interior decoration was also designed by architect Josef Schulz. After the National Museum and the Rudolfinum, it was his third and last large Prague building.
Interior
Reconstruction 2014-2017
The museum building underwent a challenging renovation that modernized the building for museum operations in the 21st century, but at the same time restored all the original elements in all their glory.
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