The House of the Black Madonna is a Czech Cubism museum on Ovocný trh in Prague’s Old Town, a short walk from Old Town Square. Designed by Josef Gočár and built in 1912, the building is an early example of Cubist architecture in Prague. Inside, the compact exhibition brings the movement into view through paintings and inventive furniture, with an unusual staircase along the way. Cafe Orient, inside the building, adds a Cubist interior and cakes for a pause after the galleries.
A Cubist building in Prague’s Old Town
Josef Gočár designed the House of the Black Madonna, built in 1912. It is an early example of Cubist architecture in Prague, where Cubism took a form rarely seen elsewhere in Europe. The building’s name comes from a statue of the Black Madonna on its facade.
The museum is on Ovocný trh, a short walk from Old Town Square. Its position makes it easy to pair with a walk through the centre, though the exterior can be overlooked among the surrounding streets.
Czech Cubism inside
The compact museum presents Czech Cubism through paintings and furniture. The furniture’s inventive forms help show how the movement reached beyond paintings and into interior design. An unusual staircase is another detail to look for as you move through the building.
Cafe Orient is also inside the House of the Black Madonna. Its Cubist interior extends the visit beyond the galleries, and cakes provide a reason to pause. The museum and cafe make this a focused stop for architecture and design rather than a large collection to spend a long visit exploring.
FAQ
Where is the House of the Black Madonna?
It is at Ovocný trh 569/19 in Prague’s Old Town, a short walk from Old Town Square.
What can you see at the museum?
The Czech Cubism exhibition includes paintings and inventive furniture. The building’s staircase is also worth a look.
Can you take photos inside the gallery?
No. Photography is not allowed in the gallery area.
Is there a cafe in the building?
Yes. Cafe Orient is inside the building and has a Cubist interior and cakes.
