Národní dům, Art Nouveau cultural center in Karlín, Prague, Czech Republic.
Národní dům is a free-standing three-storey building on Hybešova Street, at the southern edge of Kaizlovy sady. Designed by Josef Sakař in post-Secessionist classicism, it has stepped, risalit-divided facades, a mansard roof with gables and dormers, and a monumental three-armed staircase leading to a balcony above the main entrance. Sculptural decoration is by Antonín Štrunc and Otakar Rákosník.
Architect Josef Sakař completed this building in 1911 as a gathering place for residents of the Karlín district. The structure embodies the artistic trends of the early 1900s.
The building has served Czech Radio since 1938; during the Protectorate it broadcast as the Reichssender Böhmen. Its Great Hall became Studio A, where dance and popular music orchestras recorded, including Karel Vlach's and the Czechoslovak Radio Dance Orchestra. Since 1990 the regional studio has been called Regina Praha; today it houses Rádio Praha and Region, and interiors open briefly during the Open House Praha festival.
The center is located near multiple tram stops and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors should check ahead for current event schedules and opening hours.
A white plaque on the facade once marked the 1921 founding congress of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia; it was removed in 1989 and moved to the basement. Broadcaster Karel Pech, born in the house on 18 May 1917, later mocked the spot by placing a blank white sign there.
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