Základní škola Vodičkova

In 1891, a remarkable gift graced the halls of Základní škola Vodičkova. Josefiny Náprstkové, through the generosity of Prague, presented the school with Pavlik’s painting, “Libušin soud”. This masterpiece still adorns the staircase today. Základní škola Vodičkova stands as a testament to time. Formed in 1998, it represents a union of Prague’s oldest school, originally located on Jindřišská street, and the former Dívčí škola at Vodičkova 22. The original school’s history stretches back to 1358. The current Vodičkova building, however, has its own rich story. Constructed between 1866 and 1867, the building showcases Czech Neo-Renaissance architecture, designed by Ignác Ullmann. It stands on the site of a former communal house and blacksmith’s workshop. The building’s striking sgraffito decoration follows the designs of J. Scheiwl, with contributions from a then 19-year-old J.V. Myslbek. For its time, it was a grand school. It boasted ten spacious classrooms, five cabinets, a staff room, a director’s office, and even an apartment for the director. The architect paid particular attention to the staircase and spacious corridors, features that still draw admiration from visitors today. Currently, Základní škola Vodičkova primarily serves students of the second grade, though some first-grade classes also call this historic building home.