Gočár´s houses

Two unique buildings inspired by traditional folk architecture have stood the test of time for over a century. Today, one of them houses a restaurant, while the other serves as an exhibition space.

Gočár´s houses, photo: Tomáš Adamec, Prague Zoo

The pair of timber buildings were designed by the renowned Czech architect and urban planner Josef Gočár—best known for the cubist House of the Black Madonna, located near Prague’s Powder Gate (Prašná brána) at the corner of Celetná Street and Fruit Market Square (Ovocný trh). They were built between 1920 and 1921 for Prague's Kbely Airport: one was intended as accommodation for the airport manager, the other as a waiting room with a refreshment counter offering snacks and drinks (we would call it a terminal today). Over time, however, they fell out of use, and in the 1970s were relocated to the grounds of Prague Zoo, beneath the rocky cliff opposite the mountain ungulate enclosures.

In 2002, both houses were severely damaged by catastrophic flooding. This led to complex negotiations regarding their future. Options included returning them to Kbely, moving them to Petřín Hill, or relocating them to a safer site within the zoo. The final option was ultimately chosen.

In 2010, the buildings were moved to their current location, safe from any future floods. They were then carefully restored under the strict supervision of the Prague City Hall Heritage Department and the National Heritage Institute. The houses regained their original colourful façades in the hues of the Czechoslovak tricolour, and interiors faithful to the architect’s design—complete with furniture, replicas of tiled stoves, and period-style chandeliers.

Visitors have been able to explore them since spring 2011, when they were ceremoniously reopened to mark the 90th anniversary of their construction.