The Old Prague Society: Safeguarding the City’s Spirit for Over a Century

The Club For Old Prague was established in January 1900, and it was not just the impulsive idea of a few thinkers. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Prague was going through significant shifts, particularly with plans for extensive redevelopment in much of the Old Town and Josefov. Its central position within the historic district meant that many vacant lots were quickly taken by developers. A group of architects, artists, historians, and other influential figures opposed these changes, vowing to defend the city’s historic and architectural essence against any construction that would disrupt Prague’s unique charm and character. To formalize their efforts and lend weight to their actions, they created the Club For Old Prague after years of protests and petitions. Since then, the members have actively monitored various building plans in Prague, assessing their appropriateness and integration into urban development. Despite numerous setbacks, the Club For Old Prague remains a leading voice in discussions regarding the shape and evolution of the city.

When defenders of the city emerged

The Club was formed as a collective of individuals who cared deeply about the future of old Prague. It represented a collaborative group of architects, artists, historians, theorists, and ordinary citizens who all shared a passion for defending the city’s historic features from detrimental construction. Right from the start, it was guided by key figures from Prague’s intellectual community, which lent the organization both professional credibility and public respect. Notable founding members included architects like Jan Koula, Pavel Janák, Antonín Engel, and Josef Chochol, along with historians such as Zdeněk Wirth, Emanuel Poche, and Jaroslav Goll. The Club also had connections with artists, including writers like Zikmund Winter and Karel Václav Škorpil, as well as painters Zdenka Braunerová and Jan Zrzavý, the latter even serving briefly as the club’s paid secretary.

Transition from protest to expert dialogue

A key advocate for the new initiative was the writer Vilém Mrštík. His work, Beast triumphans, published three years prior to the founding of the Club, condemned the triumph of brute force over reason and cultural heritage. The idea that the city should be seen not just as a location but as a vibrant organism with a rich history became a foundational belief for the Club’s activities.
In its early days, members took bold actions—signing petitions, hosting meetings, and publicly emerging as a cultural opposition force. They aimed to actively influence city politics. However, as time passed, they found a more stable role that persists today: acting as a professional voice that aims to foster meaningful and informed discussions. The Club shifted away from mere pamphleteering and appeals, focusing instead on expert analysis, public dialogue, and systematic advocacy grounded in facts and sound arguments. Their mission extended beyond protecting specific buildings; it was about maintaining cultural memory, architectural continuity, and the proportions that grant Prague its distinctive identity.

Struggles for the city: wins and losses

In 1893, city officials in Prague approved the so-called redevelopment initiative, which was essentially a large-scale effort to “rehabilitate” the Old Town and Josefov. The primary arguments centered around public health and hygiene, claiming the narrow streets were unpleasant and the buildings unsanitary, emphasizing the need for the city to “breathe.” However, the underlying issue was a form of cultural cleansing. Over 600 buildings, including entire streets and courtyards with medieval origins, were removed. Critics pointed out that this clearance was destroying the historical fabric of the city, but they were in the minority.
Although the Club was unsuccessful in the Battle for Old Town, its ongoing history represents the story of key issues in Prague. During the interwar years, it opposed insensitive constructions in Mala Strana and on Hradčany. During the Communist era, the organization became a thorn in the side of the regime, especially when it resisted efforts to demolish historic structures in favor of department stores and major roads.
One of their most significant defeats in recent decades was the fight over the Transgas complex, which consisted of three buildings on the former Gas Dispatch Center located on Vinohradská třída near the historic National Museum. The club also struggled to protect several unprotected buildings from demolition, including the neo-Baroque Špáček House on Klimentská Street and the home of sculptor M. B. Braun, situated at the corner of Jungmannova and Vodičkova. They also lost the Dientzenhofer Pavilion, which was demolished for the Jirásek Bridge construction, along with the old Těšnov railway station and the Brauner House with Union Café, which was replaced in 1969 by a modern glass building.

Imagining Prague without the Club

However, the numerous disputes raised such public interest and concern that many plans had to be reassessed. Without the involvement of the Club For Old Prague, there could have been a cog railway running along Nerudova Street to Prague Castle, the view of the Emmaus Monastery between Palacký Bridge and Vyšehrad could have been blocked by several tall buildings, and Kampa could have seen the construction of a massive State Gallery. In fact, in 1927, the foundation stone for that gallery was laid.
Though the historic homes on the northern side of Old Town Square may have been lost, the Club succeeded in preserving sites like the former Pauline monastery at St. Salvator’s, as well as keeping the historical structure of the New World and the Loreto area. The Vinohrady Market also survived demolitions, unlike Ringhoffer’s factory in Smíchov, which at least retains a portion of its historic façade. The façade of the Jiří of Poděbrady barracks located at Republic Square also remains, though it is now behind Palladium Shopping Centre. The Club has worked tirelessly to save several industrial landmarks like the Žižkov Freight Station, which has been discussed in relation to developments at Masaryk Station or the plans to restore the railway bridge beneath Vyšehrad, which is at risk of losing its authentic character. The Club has also long shared its opinions on high-rise buildings in Pankrác and Holešovice.

The city as a conversation

Even though the Club for Old Prague holds no formal authority, its influence—backed by architects, historians, and urban planners—makes it a respected voice in discussions about urban development. Nevertheless, it often grapples with being labeled as an opponent of modernity. Some view it as a group of nostalgics resistant to any new construction. However, the truth is more nuanced: their critique isn’t against new solutions per se, but rather focuses on their quality and context. According to the Club, new structures should enhance the city rather than overpower it. This is particularly challenging in Prague because its layout is distinct from that of many other European cities. Prague is akin to an amphitheater, where any shift in proportions can disrupt the entire aesthetic. It possesses a spatial configuration with significant terrain variations, visual axes, and historical perspectives. Thus, there is a pressing need for heightened sensitivity in planning—and this is precisely what the Club is striving to advocate.
For a long time, the Club has showcased its dedication by granting awards for new buildings that harmoniously fit into historic settings. The winners are those projects that manage to enter the historic environment with both regard and creativity. These awards are not limited to Prague; in recent years, accolades have also been awarded to projects like the Completion of the Automatic Mills complex in Pardubice, the Municipal Library in Šlapanice, the completion of Regional Libraries in České Budějovice, and the mountaineering exposition in the Bohemian Paradise at the Museum located in Turnov.

When the city loses its sense of home

The Club For Old Prague is exceptional not only because of its rich history but also because it has consistently believed in the significance of public discourse. This is especially vital as discussions surrounding Prague are far from concluded—in fact, the Club’s role might be more crucial today than ever. However, they now face a new set of challenges. The focus has shifted from mere demolitions to issues such as gentrification, development pressures, and threats to the authenticity of the historic center. Many believe Prague is transforming into a picturesque yet lifeless backdrop. The Club For Old Prague regularly engages in discussions about city planning, critiques zoning proposals, and raises alarms about the risk of turning Prague into a “city for tourists.”

Its headquarters remain at Judith’s Tower near Charles Bridge, one of the city’s oldest preserved sites. From this location, a consistent message is conveyed: The city is not merely an investment; it is a living entity with a history that must be safeguarded.