Imagine a stage. It’s 1937. Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on a grand new building. This is the Michelská Sokolovna.
Welcome to the Sokol Michle center. It’s more than just a building. It embodies Czech history and culture. The Michelská Sokolovna stands as a testament to the Sokol movement. This movement promoted physical fitness and national pride.
The story of this Sokolovna begins long before its physical structure. On December 4 1887 the constituent general meeting of Sokol Michle was held. The first public exercise was held on September 8 1889. Twenty-eight gymnasts performed in three teams.
In 1930 a fund was created to build a new Sokol house. Nineteen construction proposals were submitted by August 31 1935.
Construction started on April 1 1937. A ceremony on May 30 celebrated the laying of the foundation stone. By then the cellars were already built. The ground floor formwork was complete.
The building quickly took shape. By the end of August the walls were up. Interior plastering installations and heating were done in September. Floors and staircases followed in October. Painting and cleaning finished in November. The Michelská Sokolovna was built in under a year.
The Michelská Sokolovna officially opened on January 1 1938. The morning included an extended committee meeting. Representatives from other Michle associations attended. That evening a solemn academy took place. This was typical for such occasions.
The building had two sections. One was for the gymnasium. The other was for business. The design cleverly used the sloping terrain. This allowed for good air and light. The three-story front faced the future square. Inside two staircases provided easy access.
The Sokolovna included apartments for the manager and the innkeeper. There was also a restaurant with a bar. The central gym hall measured 27.30 by 16 meters. The stage was 16.30 by 8.10 meters. An equipment room was next to the hall.
The basement housed a boiler room a coal storage area and a workshop. The restaurant’s kitchen a beer cellar and a pantry were also there. A dumbwaiter carried food and drinks to the third floor. A transformer station completed the basement.
Today the Michelská Sokolovna continues to serve the community. It is a vibrant reminder of the Sokol movement’s legacy. It is a place where fitness culture and community come together.
As you stand here imagine the echoes of gymnasts voices. Think of the lively gatherings. The Michelská Sokolovna is not just a building. It is a living piece of Prague’s history. A testament to the enduring spirit of the Czech people.