Unveiling the Charm of Contemporary Architecture and Design in Prague
Fairmont: A Fusion of Brutalist Grandeur and Bohemian Creativity
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Prague’s Old Town, at the terminus of Pařížská Street beside the Vltava River, you’ll find the revitalized five-star Fairmont Golden Prague. This iconic establishment marries Czechoslovak brutalism with modern luxury and Czech craftsmanship. Reopening in spring 2025 after a significant renovation of the former InterContinental, the hotel, conceived by Karel Filsak, features exquisitely restored interiors that highlight the artistry of local artisans, featuring everything from René Roubíček’s exquisite chandeliers to Lasvit’s unique glass creations and the impressive Nebesa installation. With 320 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many boasting stunning river and city vistas, along with the exceptional Zlatá Praha Rooftop Restaurant, which is helmed by Executive Chef Maroš Jambor, Fairmont Golden Prague elevates contemporary Czech hospitality, achieving the remarkable distinction of being the only hotel in Czechia to receive two Michelin Keys.
KodlContemporary: KodlContemporary, an innovative space devoted to modern and contemporary art, resides within the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel. This gallery presents guests with an inspiring atmosphere where creativity seamlessly melds with elegance, featuring a curated assortment of works from both established and emerging artists.
New Horizons in Prague
Prague is continually evolving with ambitious developments that fuse history, architecture, and art. A noteworthy project is the revitalization of the former Nuselský Brewery, which is being transformed into a modern residential district that harmoniously blends contemporary design with the area’s rich industrial legacy.
Additionally, the city has unveiled a modern observation terrace at the Praha-Bubny railway station, which opened its doors to the public in September 2025. Visitors can now relish breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its dynamic skyline from this vantage point.
But Prague’s cultural and architectural goals extend even further. The city is gearing up to launch a new bridge over the Vltava, adorned with modern art installations and sculptural lighting. Soon, it will also welcome the impressive Top Tower, which will stand as the tallest building in the Czech Republic. Its striking shipwreck sculpture is set to become a defining emblem of Prague’s modern era.
Golden Masaryčka: A Tribute to Zaha Hadid’s Vision
Let’s begin with a stunning addition that all enthusiasts of modern architecture should not miss. Located at the Masaryk railway station in Prague, the remarkable structure was crafted by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. You can easily recognize the Masaryčka, as it is commonly referred to, due to its distinctive “armor” of gilded slats, reminiscent of the famous towers found in the Old Town. This office complex also accommodates shops, restaurants, and rooftop gardens boasting panoramic views.
A New York-Inspired Hotel
A brief walk from the Masaryčka, across from the train terminal, you will discover another striking building. The Cloud One Hotel features a triangular design that draws inspiration from New York’s iconic Flatiron Building, also known as The Iron. This minimalist hotel boasts a rooftop terrace bar that provides stunning views of the Old Town and Vítkov, opposite.
A Whimsical Shopping Center with Butterflies
Renowned artist David Černý is notable, even infamous, for his whimsical art. His two enormous butterflies flap their wings gently on the facade of the newly refurbished Máj department store in the very heart of Prague. This lively building features a rooftop restaurant as well as the stunning Fly Vista panoramic viewpoint, complete with a 36-meter marble bar. This location provides a breathtaking panorama of the historical landmarks of Prague. Access to the viewpoint is complimentary for bar patrons.
Additionally, David Černý is famed for another extraordinary and controversial creation: a giant sculpture of a naked woman lifting an apartment building amidst the innovative architecture of Prague’s Karlín district, located between Rohanský nábřeží and Sokolovská Street. This astonishing artwork, named Lilith, is likely the largest statue in Czechia.
A Lush Green Oasis in Central Prague
Just a stone’s throw away from the Máj department store, on the expansive Národní třída, a corner building with a striking metal facade covered in greenery awaits your visit. Dubbed the DRN (SWARD), this site features a courtyard with seating areas and a magnificent steel tree enveloped in climbing plants, producing a whimsical glow in the evening.
Large Glass Lenses by the Vltava River
This intriguing sight transforms any walk along the Vltava River embankment into an extraordinary adventure. The refurbished “dungeons”, originally used for storing goods brought in via boat, have now been adapted into cafés, bars, and galleries, all featuring impressive glass revolving lens-shaped doors. These unique doors made their way to Prague from Hamburg, originally sourced from Thailand.
The Iconic TV Tower
A defining feature of the Prague skyline is the Žižkov TV Tower (Tower Park Praha), which reaches an impressive height of 216 metres, making it the tallest structure in the Czech capital. This tower is a favored destination for tourists, attracting visitors eager to see the viewpoint, the Oblaca restaurant, and the unique hotel room with its opulent amenities.
A Church Featuring a Massive Clock Face
Not far from the Žižkov TV Tower lies a vibrant neighborhood filled with cafés, bars, and bustling farmer’s markets. Within this area, visitors can explore one of Czechia’s most fascinating churches. The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord on náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, designed by the esteemed Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik—who previously collaborated with T. G. Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia—dominates the landscape with its formidable tower, featuring six bells and a grand circular clock face.
A Wine Bar Beneath a Garden
Wine aficionados will appreciate the branch of the Na břehu Rhôny wine bar nestled within Prague’s Holešovice district, just a short stroll away from the remarkable DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which features a unique wooden airship on its rooftop. The Magasin Komunardů wine bar is set in a modern structure and is surrounded by a lush garden that’s vibrant year-round.
Architectural Gems by Adolf Loos
Prague offers a treasure trove for enthusiasts of ‘house museums’, showcasing distinctive private villas now open to the public. Among them are the Müller Villa and the Villa, designed by the eminent architect Adolf Loos, known for being one of the most innovative and provocative architects of his time. Both villas, with their extraordinary interiors, have their own stories to tell, reflecting the tumultuous history of their affluent owners. These villas are located further from the city center, and tours should be arranged in advance. The third gem is the Villa Rothmayer, now serving as a museum.
National Technical Library: A Delightful Haven
We’ll remain on this side of the Czech capital, a few minutes’ walk from the Dejvice metro station in the university district, which hosts various technical faculties. Don’t miss the exceptional National Technical Library, featuring a light and inviting interior, characterized by concrete and glass, complemented by comfortable, modern furnishings and striking artwork. It’s the perfect place to unwind among bright minds and innovative ideas.
Signal Festival: A Celebration of Light Art
Among the premier events celebrating modern architecture and art is the Signal Festival, which gathers top artists annually. This festival showcases light art, transforming the city into a stunning open-air gallery. From October 16 to 19, 2025, both historical edifices and modern structures in Prague will be illuminated by vibrant installations that harmonize architecture with cutting-edge technology.
Designblok: Central Europe’s Largest Design Festival
Another landmark event that highlights the latest trends in art, design, and technology is Designblok, recognized as the largest design festival in Central Europe. Set to take place in Prague from October 7 to 12, 2025, Designblok is unique for its exhibitions that often occur in historically significant and architecturally unique locations across the capital.
