Painted by a master of the National Theatre generation and linked to the birth of Czechoslovakia, Grégr Hall brings chamber concerts into the heart of Prague’s Municipal House.
Grégr Hall is one of the representative rooms of the Municipal House, Prague’s Art Nouveau landmark on Republic Square. Created as part of the building’s ceremonial suite, the room brings together painting, sculpture and the history of Czech public life.
Art and public life under one ceiling
Julius Grégr (1831–1896) founded the influential Czech newspaper Národní listy. His bust in the hall was created by sculptor Emanuel Halman.
On 13 July 1918, the Czechoslovak National Committee — the nucleus of the future parliament and government — was established here, only months before Czechoslovakia declared independence.
František Ženíšek’s allegories
František Ženíšek, one of the artists of the National Theatre generation, created two painted cycles for the room. The ceiling triptych represents Life, Poetry and Death; the wall opposite the windows carries Love Song, War Song and Funeral Song. A low balcony once accommodated musicians playing for dances, while today the richly decorated hall provides an intimate setting for concerts in the Municipal House.