Prague
Prague's Cubist architectural landmark

House at the Black Madonna: Prague's Cubist Gem

A unique landmark showcasing pioneering Czech Cubist architecture and art in Prague.

ArchitectureDesignArtLocal heritage

Discover the House at the Black Madonna, a groundbreaking Cubist department store transformed into a museum. Explore its unique architecture by Josef Gočár, including geometric designs and a reconstructed café, alongside exhibitions on Czech Cubism and design.

A historic Cubist building by Josef Gočár in Prague, housing exhibitions on Czech Cubism and design by the Museum of Decorative Arts.

House at the Black Madonna
House at the Black Madonna: Czech Cubist Architecture

The House at the Black Madonna in Prague stands as a monumental early example of Cubist architecture, designed between 1911 and 1912 by Josef Gočár. Originally a department store, its unique design applies Cubist principles to the entrance portal, dormer windows, and interior elements like the staircase. Beyond its architectural significance, the building now houses a permanent exhibition by the Museum of Decorative Arts dedicated to Czech Cubism. Visitors can also experience the reconstructed Grand Café Orient and explore spaces used for educational programs and temporary exhibitions.

A multi-story building with a distinctive geometric facade and red-tiled roof, featuring multiple windows and a balcony with plants, situated at a street corner with pedestrians and a vintage street lamp in the foreground
House at the Black Madonna opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for House at the Black Madonna. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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10:00-20:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Tickets and Admission

The House at the Black Madonna offers various admission options for its exhibitions. General entry tickets are available, with concessions offered for students aged 15-26 and seniors aged 65 or over, both requiring valid ID. Children under 15 years old can enter for free. Main Building tickets also grant complimentary access to the Josef Sudek Gallery, and guided tours for groups can be arranged with prior booking.

Main Building - Full
CZK 350.00

Valid for Josef Sudek Gallery for free

Main Building - Concession
CZK 180.00

Students aged 15-26 and people aged 65 or over

Permanent Exhibition Art, Life. Art for Life - Full
CZK 250.00
Visitor facilities at the House at the Black Madonna

The House at the Black Madonna provides essential accessibility support to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests. The building features step-free access at the entrance, a lift for navigation between levels, and accessible toilet facilities.

Accessible toilet

Available

lift available

Available

accessible entrance

Available
House at the Black Madonna: Location

The House at the Black Madonna is situated at Ovocný trh 19 in Prague. This landmark of Czech Cubist architecture is centrally located, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the city's historical areas and cultural attractions. Its position offers easy access to other notable sites.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Ovocný trh 19

110 00 Prague

Prague, CZ

Visiting House at the Black Madonna

Planning a visit to the House at the Black Madonna in Prague? Reservations are recommended, particularly for guided tours, which must be booked one week in advance and are available in several languages. Note that guided tours have separate pricing structures based on group size. General admission also grants entry to the Josef Sudek Gallery, and free admission is provided for specific visitor categories, including children under 15 and ICOM cardholders.

Visiting House at the Black Madonna

House at the Black Madonna: Cubist Architecture and Design Exhibitions

The House at the Black Madonna in Prague stands as a monumental early example of Czech Cubist architecture, designed by Josef Gočár. Visitors can explore its unique architectural features, including the striking entrance portal, distinctive dormer windows, and intricate interior details such as the staircase balustrade. Four floors of the building now house a permanent exhibition by the Museum of Decorative Arts, dedicated to Czech Cubism, offering deep insights into this groundbreaking art and design movement. The venue also features rotating short-term exhibitions and spaces for educational programs. A key part of the visit includes experiencing the reconstructed Grand Café Orient, showcasing Gočár's original interior designs, providing a complete immersion into the Cubist aesthetic.

Interior of a cafe with a large geometric chandelier, large windows, and patrons seated at tables
Top exhibition picks at House at the Black Madonna
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Prague
Discover high-interest exhibitions at House at the Black Madonna, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Prague.
Watercolor illustration of Czech Cubism furniture and decorative objects in a gallery setting, featuring angular chairs, geometric paintings, and sculptures in purple hues.
Permanent exhibition

Explore the Permanent Czech Cubism Exhibition: Art, Design & Architecture in Prague

Discover pivotal works from this influential Central European art movement.

This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Czech Cubism, showcasing its impact across fine art, applied arts, and architectural designs. Engage with original works by key figures and interactive elements exploring this unique style.

Czech Cubism Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of European applied arts and design objects, including chairs, vases, and goblets, arranged under the theme 'art in the motion of life' from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Permanent exhibition

Artlife: Permanent Exhibition of Applied Arts & Design from Middle Ages to the 21st Century

Exploring European cultural heritage through centuries of decorative objects.

This exhibition offers a journey through European applied arts and design, from medieval craftsmanship to contemporary forms. See how design has shaped human life, from daily objects to grand celebrations across centuries.

Artlife Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of vintage toys including a doll, tin soldiers, a carousel, blocks, and a fire truck, set against a purple-hued museum backdrop.
Permanent exhibition

Explore the 'Look for a Toy' Exhibition: Historical and Designer Toys in Prague

Journey through centuries of play: from classic dolls to innovative Czech designs.

Delve into the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague's extensive toy collection with the 'Look for a Toy' exhibition. This permanent display showcases items from the 18th century onward, featuring traditional and modern playthings. Discover everything from detailed dollhouses and tin soldiers to unique inflatable plastic toys.

Look for a Toy
A watercolor illustration of a museum gallery displaying a diverse collection of vases, including ancient amphorae and modern vessels, arranged on pedestals and shelves under soft purple lighting.
From Apr 30, 2026

Vase - A Symbol of Culture and Life: Explore this Art History Exhibition

Discover the enduring symbolism and evolution of the vase in human culture.

This exhibition reveals the vase as a fundamental cultural motif, exploring its historical adaptation and symbolic meanings. See how this seemingly ordinary object has served as a complex metaphor across various artistic and social landscapes.

Vase Exhibition
A collage of vintage photographs and Art Nouveau-style illustrations featuring artists Alphonse Mucha, Viktor Stretti, Tavík František Šimon, and Vojtěch Preissig, showcasing their use of photography in graphic art.
From Feb 21, 2026

Photographs by Alphonse Mucha and Czech Graphic Artists of the Art Nouveau Era

Explore how photography shaped 1900s Czech graphic art processes.

Delve into the innovative methods of Alphonse Mucha, Viktor Stretti, and other artists who integrated photography into their graphic art around 1900. Gain insight into their creative studies for paintings and posters.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of a museum exhibition showcasing the evolution of furniture design, from Biedermeier to contemporary styles, with labeled examples of historical and modern pieces.

The Evolution of Furniture Design in Bohemian Lands and Europe Exhibition

Explore modern furniture evolution from the 19th to 20th centuries.

Discover the comprehensive history of modern furniture design in the Czech lands and Europe. This permanent display features iconic pieces and chronicles key developments from the Biedermeier era through the 20th century.

Furniture Design Exhibition
Illustration of the 'Pleiad of Glass 1946–2019' exhibition, showing two museum halls: one with illuminated glass sculptures creating dramatic lighting, and another featuring large-scale glass artworks like 'Aerial Gravity' to highlight technical challenges.

Pleiad of Glass 1946–2019: Large-Scale Czech Sculptures Exhibition in Prague

Featuring artistic and technological achievements in glass from Prague collections.

Explore "Pleiad of Glass 1946–2019," an exhibition featuring nearly fifty monumental glass sculptures. This collection from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague celebrates the innovation and craftsmanship of Czech glass artists.

Pleiad of Glass Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of a gallery exhibition featuring Czech functionalist design objects from the inter-war period, including ceramic tableware and a minimalist chair, displayed under bright lighting.
From Sep 13, 2018

Krásná jizba DP 1927-1948: Design for Democracy – A Landmark Exhibition

Explore influential Czech Functionalist design and democratic living standards.

This exhibition highlights the 'Krásná jizba' initiative, a crucial Czech institution from the 20th century. It showcases their efforts to democratize living standards through the production and sale of high-quality, affordable utility objects and furnishings, impacting thousands of families.

Exhibition

History of the House at the Black Madonna

The House at the Black Madonna, completed in Prague in 1912, stands as an early and significant example of **Czech Cubist architecture**. Designed by Josef Gočár, the building was innovative for its reinforced-concrete skeleton, which facilitated its distinctive Cubist aesthetic while also harmonizing with the surrounding historic baroque forms. Originally a department store, parts of the building were converted to bank offices in 1922, and it later underwent renovations in the 1990s to become a center for Czech art and culture. A full restoration in 2003 further reinstated its architectural integrity, leading to its current role housing the Museum of Czech Cubism and its permanent exhibition.

  • House of the Black Madonna completed

    1912Construction

    The House of the Black Madonna, designed by Josef Gočár, was completed in 1912. It was built with a reinforced-concrete skeleton, inspired by the Chicago School, allowing for large interior spaces without ceiling support, which was well-suited to Cubist aesthetics.

  • Cubist architecture in Prague

    Architecture

    The House of the Black Madonna is Prague's earliest example of cubist architecture. Architect Josef Gočár designed the building, which also features a café with a balcony overlooking Celetná street and houses the Museum of Czech Cubism on its upper floors.

  • Building fully restored

    2003Renovation

    After years of alterations and damage to its original fabric, the House of the Black Madonna underwent a full restoration in 2003. This extensive renovation work aimed to revive the building's architectural integrity, including the Grand Café Orient.

  • Department store converted to bank offices

    1922Ownership

    Following the closure of Herbst's department store in 1922, the first two floors of the House of the Black Madonna were converted into bank offices. Further subdivisions for office space occurred during the communist period.

  • Renovation for Czech art and culture center

    1994Renovation

    In 1994, the House of the Black Madonna was thoroughly renovated and transformed into a center for Czech art and culture. This initiative preceded further renovation works that led to the establishment of the Museum of Czech Cubism.

  • Museum of Czech Cubism established

    2002-2003Collection

    Following renovations between 2002 and 2003, the House of the Black Madonna became home to the Museum of Czech Cubism. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions of Cubist art.

  • Josef Gočár designed the building

    Notable person

    The House of the Black Madonna was designed by Josef Gočár, a prominent architect. He was commissioned by wholesale merchant František Josef Herbst, known for his success in building modernist department stores.

  • Named after Baroque sculpture

    Overview

    The building is named after a baroque sculpture of a Black Madonna that adorns it. This sculpture is a remnant from an earlier building that previously stood on the site where the cubist structure was later erected.

  • Contextualized within historic surroundings

    Historical period

    Despite its Cubist design, Gočár contextualized the building within its historic surroundings by incorporating baroque forms. This was a requirement due to its prominent location and strict harmonization rules set by the Prague City Council.

House at the Black Madonna: FAQs for the Curious Visitor

Curious if the House at the Black Madonna welcomes guests on a Monday, or precisely when it closes on Tuesdays? Perhaps you're wondering about accessibility, like whether an elevator is available to explore all levels. We've compiled answers to these and many other practical questions to ensure your visit to this Cubist landmark is perfectly planned.

Does House at the Black Madonna have an email address for visitors?

An email address for visitor inquiries at House at the Black Madonna is not specified within the current information. Visitors may need to check the official website directly for this detail.

What is the phone number for House at the Black Madonna?

The official phone number for House at the Black Madonna is not listed in the available details. Please refer to their official channels for the most up-to-date contact options.

How can I contact House at the Black Madonna?

The specific contact information for House at the Black Madonna, such as a general inquiry email or phone number, is not provided in the available information.

Do I need to book guided tours for House at the Black Madonna?

Yes, guided tours at the House at the Black Madonna require booking one week in advance. These tours are offered in English, French, German, and Russian, and have distinct pricing structures based on group size, in addition to the regular exhibition ticket.

Planning Your Visit to the House at the Black Madonna

To ensure a smooth visit to the House at the Black Madonna, guided tours require booking one week in advance. While admission costs vary by exhibition, certain visitor categories may qualify for free entry. For visitor convenience, the building provides a step-free entrance, an elevator, and an accessible toilet.

House at the Black Madonna: Visitor Profile

The House at the Black Madonna in Prague appeals to visitors interested in Cubist architecture, design, and Czech art history. Its offerings are suitable for solo explorers, students, and groups, with educational programs and art workshops available for various age groups and the general public. The venue is also designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, providing a step-free entrance, an elevator, and accessible toilets. These features contribute to a welcoming experience for a diverse range of guests.

Photos of the House at the Black Madonna

The photo gallery offers a visual journey through the distinctive Cubist architecture of the House at the Black Madonna in Prague. Visitors can expect to see its innovative geometric forms, including the notable entrance portal, unique dormer windows, and intricate interior details. The collection of images also highlights elements of the permanent exhibition dedicated to Czech Cubism, showcasing the unique artistic and design heritage within this landmark building.

A multi-story building with a distinctive geometric facade and red-tiled roof, featuring multiple windows and a balcony with plants, situated at a street corner with pedestrians and a vintage street lamp in the foreground
A spiral staircase with white metal railings and stone steps inside a building
A multi-story building with a brown facade, geometric windows, and a balcony, featuring outdoor seating at the ground level.
A corner building with a distinctive orange-brown facade and geometric windows under a blue sky
a multi-story building with a distinctive stepped facade and large windows under a red-tiled roof
A black and white photograph of a spiraling staircase viewed from below, with geometric railings and a bright skylight at the top.
A red brick building with geometric windows and a curved facade, featuring a black lamppost in the foreground on a cobblestone street.
Spiral staircase with geometric railings and warm lighting inside a building
Close-up of a statue of the Black Madonna in a golden cage on a building facade
Interior of a cafe with a large geometric chandelier, large windows, and patrons seated at tables
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