As with other constitutional representatives, the Mayor of Prague has a residence at his disposal. In keeping with previous mayors, the current mayor doesn’t use the premises for living in, but it is used for representative functions.
The Mayor’s residence is located in the Municipal Library building on Mariánské Square where it occupies about one fifth of the whole building. It is located on the first and second floors in the front section and it comprises a staff flat, representative and reception rooms, an apartment for the accommodation of distinguished guests and operating facilities. It has its own entrance on the corner of Platnéřská and Žatecká Streets.
You might rightly take delight in the ornamental, refined and tasteful Art Deco style. Czech artist František Kysela cooperated on the decoration work; he also painted the ceiling and designed the big tapestry ‘Práce, věda a umění’ (Work, Science, Art). Additionally, you will find here sculptures by Břetislav Benda, Karel Štipla and Vilém Amorta, as well as Helena Johnová’s ceramic works together with paintings and sculptures by prominent Czech and foreign 20th century artists, such as Hugo Boettinger, Cyril Bouda, Jaroslav Šetelík and others. The Coat of arms of Prague was designed by Karel Štipl and is to be found above the entrance to the Mayor’s flat. The areas above the fireplaces are embellished by city and state coats of arms which were carved out of granite by sculptor František Přítel. The furnishing and decoration of the Mayor’s residence was finished in 1930.
Prague’s mayors have virtually never lived in the residence; one exception is probably Mayor Karel Baxa. The premises were regularly used for accommodation for official foreign guests and for formal and representative purposes. The building underwent a major revamp and sensitive restoration of its artworks between 1994 and1995.
