Občanská plovárna

Tucked between the Vltava River and the bustling city, Občanská plovárna whispers tales of bygone eras. Občanská plovárna isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule, taking us back to a Prague where river baths were the height of summer leisure. Opened in 1840, Občanská plovárna, designed by architect Josef Kranner in the classicist style, originally housed changing rooms and a restaurant, while the actual pools floated on the Vltava. Imagine the scene: elegant ladies and gentlemen strolling along the riverbank, the laughter of children splashing in the cool water, the gentle rocking of the wooden bath platforms. In 1876, further renovations added to the charm and functionality of the Občanská plovárna. The construction of the Rudolf Footbridge in 1869 made access even easier, connecting the plovárna to the heart of Old Town. Občanská plovárna thrived for over a century, a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Sadly, the cooling of the Vltava’s waters, a consequence of the Vltava cascade project, and the rise of indoor swimming pools led to its decline in the 1960s. But Občanská plovárna’s story doesn’t end there. In 1998, it found new life as the setting for the Czech Television talk show “Na plovárně” with Marek Eben. More recently, the building underwent a sensitive renovation in 2019, transforming it into the stunning event space it is today. Občanská plovárna has witnessed a lot of history. From its beginnings as a public bath to its current incarnation, this building has stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring spirit of Prague.