Klementinum, Mirror Chapel

Enjoy classical concerts in the baroque Mirror Chapel of the Klementinum — one of Prague's most beautiful and unique concert halls, just steps from Charles Bridge.

The Mirror Chapel

The Mirror Chapel is one of Prague's most unique concert halls. It was built in 1722–1726 by the Marian Sodality of the Klementinum; its elegant design is attributed to František Maxmilián Kaňka or Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. Originally consecrated to the Annunciation of Our Lady, the chapel owes its present name to the unusually rich use of mirrors, set not only on the walls but directly into the vault. Its harmonious decoration — marbled walls and floors matched with stucco ornamentation and ceiling frescoes — makes it a sight that cannot be seen anywhere else. Another exceptional rarity is the two Baroque organs: the original, built in 1732 by Tomáš Schwarz, stands in the choir loft. The Mirror Chapel is the only historic building of the Klementinum open to the public during classical concerts — an experience you should not miss.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart first visited the Klementinum in January 1787 — his over-life-size bust by Emanuel Max welcomes visitors in the chapel's antechamber. After being repeatedly desecrated and re-consecrated over the centuries, the chapel became one of Prague's classical concert and exhibition halls in 1936.

Klementinum History

The Jesuits founded the large complex of Klementinum after their arrival in Bohemia in 1556. Initially, members of the order lived in a former Dominican monastery, but in 1653 began expanding their premises. The reconstruction lasted over 170 years, so there is a variety of architectural styles in Klementinum. With more than two hectares it is also one of the largest building complexes in Europe. Prominent architects were involved in the design of the building, for example, Carlo Lurago, Franz Maximilian Kanka or Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer.

Jesuits ran a school at the Klementinum from its foundation, in 1622 it was promoted to a university. In addition to classrooms and bedrooms for the community, the Jesuits also built a library, a print room, a pharmacy, theatre and of course church buildings. Klementinum was merged with the Charles University in 1654, along with its library collection. The newly established Charles-Ferdinand University in Klementinum housed philosophical and theological faculties. The Jesuits had to leave Klementinum after the order was disestablished in 1773, but the university remained. After the division of the university into Czech and German parts in 1882, only the Czech part stayed. In 1930, the philosophical faculty moved into a new building and Klementinum became the seat of the National Library.

Klementinum has a long and rich history and to this day is an important place of culture and knowledge.