Gabriel Travel
Gabriel Travel
Brutalist Architecture in Prague – A Different Way to Discover the City
Prague is often described as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and part of its charm comes from the fascinating blend of architectural styles. Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Cubism — and, more surprisingly, Functionalism and Brutalism.
Brutalism may not be the style you instantly associate with Prague, but it is very much part of the city’s heritage. Look up as you explore — the details will surprise you.
What is Brutalism?
The word “Brutalism” comes from the French béton brut (raw concrete), popularized by architect Le Corbusier. There’s no strict definition, but generally Brutalism is recognized by its bold geometric forms — massive, angular, repetitive, and stripped of ornament.
Some see it as harsh, others as beautifully honest. Today, these buildings are increasingly preserved as part of Prague’s unique architectural heritage. Many locals even speak of “Czech Brutalism.”
Žižkov Television Tower
📍 Tower Park, Mahlerovy sady 1
Prague’s tallest structure (216 meters) divides opinion — is it ugly or iconic? Built between 1985 and 1992 by Václav Aulický, the tower resembles a rocket ready for takeoff. Once criticized, it is now embraced as a modern symbol of the city.
What to do: Visit the café at 66 meters, the observation deck at 93 meters, or book a night at the unique – One Room Hotel inside the tower.
For families: There’s mini-golf and a small ice rink at its base.
The New Building of the National Museum
📍 Vinohradská 1, daily 10:00–18:00
Perched at the top of Wenceslas Square, this bold 1973 structure was originally built for the Federal Assembly. Supported by four massive pillars, it’s a true Brutalist masterpiece by architect Karel Prager.
Nearby: The Cold War–era Jalta Hotel still hides a nuclear bunker open for visits.
Kotva Department Store
(closed for renovation until 2027)
📍 Náměstí Republiky 8
Built between 1970 and 1975, Kotva (“anchor”) was once the pride of socialist Czechoslovakia. Designed by Věra and Vladimír Machonin, its honeycomb-like floorplan of 28 hexagons is an architectural curiosity. At its peak, it was among Europe’s five largest shopping centers.
Though it declined in the 1990s, Kotva is now recognized as a cultural monument, with renovations ensuring its Brutalist legacy remains intact.
The New Stage of the National Theatre
(closing for renovation in July 2025)
📍 Národní 4
A striking contrast to Prague’s Neo-Renaissance National Theatre, this crystal-like Brutalist building opened in 1983. Its façade features over 4,000 glass blocks, complemented by interiors of marble and crystal.
Tip: Look for the nearby Václav Havel Square, Václav Havel Square, with its symbolic red heart.
Stay in a Brutalist Hotel For a truly unique Prague experience, why not spend a night in a Brutalist-style hotel? One Room Hotel (inside the Žižkov Tower) – the most unusual stay in Prague.
Orea Hotel Pyramida – a 1987 pyramid-shaped hotel once meant to impress foreign visitors.
Mama Shelter – a stylishly renovated 1960s hotel blending Brutalist roots with modern design.
Why Explore Brutalism in Prague?
While Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces may steal the spotlight, Prague’s Brutalist buildings tell the story of a different era — the Communist period of the 1960s to 1980s. These structures are bold, raw, and sometimes controversial, but they are undeniably part of the city’s identity.
Whether you love them or find them challenging, exploring Prague’s Brutalism offers a fascinating, offbeat perspective on the city — one that goes far beyond the postcard-perfect views.
