| Liechtenstein Palace (Lichtenštejnský palác) at the Lesser Town Square was Prague's first large Baroque building. Located opposite St. Nicholas Church, it occupies the entire top side of the square.
Liechtenstein Palace was built in 1591 on the site of 5 renaissance houses. In the 18th century, the palace was remodelled in the classical style, as part of a wider project to rebuild the Lesser Town Square with classical architecture. The works were commissioned by the Liechtenstein family and undertaken by Matyáš Hummel.
From the 18th to 20th centuries, as the palace passed through several ownerships, it developed a strong musical tradition, which led to its acquisition by the Academy of Musical Arts in the 1980s.
The Academy embarked on a major reconstruction of the palace, overseen by Pavel Kupka, which was completed in 1992. If one were to imagine a Bohemian palace, Liechtenstein Palace would probably meet your expectations. It has a beautiful light blue and cream facade, with deep orange terracotta roof tiles. The whole building simply gleams in the sunshine.
The interior of Liechtenstein Palace has been adjusted to the needs of the Academy of Musical Arts. There are several concert halls and music salons, each boasting fine acoustics. The main concert hall, Bohuslav Martinů Hall, has been refurbished with classical style seating.
Today, Liechtenstein Palace is protected as a cultural monument of Czechia. As the permanent home of the Academy, and with a rich musical heritage, the palace serves both as a music conservatory and as a venue for classical concerts. The chamber orchestras performing the concerts are formed of musicians from the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Czech Philharmonic. In winter, Liechtenstein Palace is heated for the concerts.
Note: Liechtenstein Palace at the Lesser Town Square is not to be confused with another of the same name on Kampa Island, which is less grand.
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