Prague Castle Riding School, Baroque exhibition building near Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle Riding School is a rectangular Baroque building 92 metres long and 40 metres wide, with a broad wooden hipped roof and small round windows. Its facade carries two sculptures recalling equestrian training and pastimes of the nobility; the imperial eagle was removed under President Masaryk.
The building was constructed in the late 17th century following designs by Jean Baptiste Mathey as a training ground for noble horsemen. It was later transformed and has served as an exhibition space since the mid-20th century.
The two sculptures on the facade recall the building's original use for equestrian training and noble riding entertainments. Since 1949 it has served as an exhibition hall, and from 2006 to 2007 it was renovated to the design of Ladislav Lábus.
The hall stands opposite the entrance to the Royal Garden, above the Stag Moat near the path to the Powder Bridge. Visitors reach it on foot through the castle grounds; the building is used as an exhibition hall, so access depends on the current exhibition.
The imperial eagle on the facade was removed on the order of President Masaryk, so the two sculptures of horsemen remain without it. The building served its equestrian purpose for only 103 years before becoming a warehouse for a century and a half.
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