Imagine, if you will, noble steeds prancing, their hooves striking the very ground where we stand now. This is the Prague Castle Riding School. It is more than just a building. It’s a stage for history, art, and equestrian echoes.
Built in the late 17th century, the Riding School arose from a need. The existing royal riding school simply wasn’t grand enough. Even Albrecht of Waldstein, a nobleman, boasted a more impressive one. Count Frantisek J. Slik pushed for this new school. He overcame resistance from the Habsburg monarchy in Vienna. Jean Baptist Mathey, the archbishop’s architect, designed it.
Look closely at the facade. Stucco reliefs depict jumping horses and weapons. You can also see busts of a Moor and a Turkish man. An imperial eagle once adorned this facade. It symbolized the Habsburg monarchy. But it was removed in 1918 when Czechoslovakia gained independence.
This Riding School wasn’t just for horses. A narrow wing, the Summer Riding School, was added later. It became a gallery in the inner courtyard. Theatre performances graced this space from 1723. Imagine the opera “Constanza e Fortezza” playing here. It was performed for Charles VI’s coronation. Fire damaged the Prague Castle Riding School in 1760. But it was quickly restored.
In the 20th century, the Riding School transitioned. It became an exhibition space. It focuses on Czech visual arts, architecture, and history. Exhibitions have showcased Josef Capek and Olbram Zoubek. “My Country” and “Castles Rediscovered” also featured here.
After the war, architect Pavel Janak reshaped the space. He created Janak’s giardinetto on the garage terrace. Janak couldn’t tear down the Nazi-built western part. Its acoustics were excellent. So it became a concert hall. This became a cherished tradition.
Professor Ladislav Labus later renovated the Riding School. He removed the war-era additions. He restored the hall’s original proportions and renewed the windows. The basement now hosts exhibitions and concerts. A new elevator was added. The design is simple and stylish. It stands apart from the Baroque elements. A cafe and bookshop occupy the narrow wing’s ground floor. The main hall houses a gallery and concert space.
Step onto the Riding School terrace. Great windows offer unique views. The roof transforms into a garden. From here, St. Vitus Cathedral and the north fortification wall of Prague Castle reveal themselves.
Today, the Prague Castle Riding School continues to evolve. It adapts to modern needs while cherishing its rich past. As the National Gallery Prague uses the Waldstein Riding School space for short-term exhibition projects. This building is a testament to Prague’s enduring spirit of artistic reinvention. The Riding School stands ready to inspire and captivate for generations to come.