Step into this grand building, the Goethe Institut. It stands on Masarykovo nabrezi, a quiet street in Prague. The Goethe Institut isn’t just a place to learn German, it’s a living testament to German culture and history.
The building itself tells a story. Designed by architect Jiri Stibral in the early 1900s, it embodies Art Nouveau style. It was originally the headquarters of the First Czech Insurance Bank. After serving as the embassy of the German Democratic Republic, it started its new life as the Goethe Institut in 1991.
It’s hard to miss the beautiful Art Nouveau facade. It’s adorned with sculpted figures made by Ladislav Saloun, a prominent Czech sculptor. But the building isn’t just about the past; it’s a place for the present. With a German library, a vibrant cultural program, and events that range from film screenings to book readings, the Goethe Institut is a hub for the city’s cultural life.
As you step inside, you’ll find a quiet space that offers more than just language learning. It’s a place to learn about German literature, politics and society. If you’re lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the sauna in the basement, a legacy of the building’s past as a diplomatic center.