A Cubist Lamppost in Prague - a Quirky Treasure

Forget the must-see places for a while. I've got a Cubist lamppost in Prague that you've got to see to believe. I know, that's not exactly what you're expecting from the hundred spire city. But, we aren't all Gothic towers around here. 

Yep. A lamppost. And not just any lamppost, it’s the only Cubist lamppost in the world - at least according to my research.

You’ll find it standing quietly sandwiched between Jungmannovo square and a busy Wenceslas Square. With all the noise around, it's surprising to find it located in a quiet corner - making it easy to miss.

This tall, angular sculpture with sharp lines and a geometric base with seating for two.

When I first saw it, it seemed like monolith out of a sci-fi film. It's so random and out of place. Just look at the ancient threshold beyond it. What's going on here?

What’s Cubism Doing with a Lamppost?

Cubism is usually something we associate with Picasso or abstract paintings with broken-up faces. But in Prague, Cubism wasn’t just about art on walls.

Czech designers took it further, using Cubist ideas in architecture, furniture, even everyday things like teapots and stair railings.

According to the signage nearby, this lamppost was designed in 1912 by Emil Králíček, one of the big names in Czech Cubism. It was part of a bigger movement to bring modern design into public spaces, and for a while, Prague was the only place in the world doing this kind of stuff.

The artist actually envisioned a Cubist-style passage that would connect Jungmann Square to the Franciscan Garden and offer a modern entrance to the nearby Church of Our Lady of the Snows. This project was highly ambitious with plans of combining Cubist design with a practical purpose, but it was never completed.

Why It’s Worth a Look

It’s a small thing, sure. But it’s a cool little window into a part of Prague’s past that most locals and visitors alike never think about. Count me as part of that group. I had no idea of the history until writing this.

Anyway, there’s something kind of delightful about seeing such a bold design used for something as ordinary as a lamppost. It’s like Prague saying, “Yeah, even our streetlights are stylish.”

Plus, it’s super photogenic - especially against the older buildings nearby.

And that brings me to my next point.

Connect-the-Sights

When you're in the center of Prague, there are invisible lines of connect-the-sights everywhere.

For example, if you want to visit the lamppost, you're likely to start at Wenceslas Square (1).

The lamppost (2) is just a 30-second walk from there. Then, take a peek at the leafy little courtyard through the portal (3) - see below. Inside there's signage about our Cubist lamppost in Prague and other historical information related to the portal itself and the church.

Inside this little courtyard, you'll get another surprise. That's right, beer garden (4)! (Beer connects everything in Prague.)

To enjoy a half liter of liquid gold, head back to the lamppost and find U Pinkasů restaurant on your left. Go inside and straight ahead to find the stairs down to the garden. More on the restaurant below.

So, back to our invisible line - the beautiful Church of Our Lady of the Snows (5) with its wonderful vaulted ceiling is just around the corner.

But why stop there?

Meander a few steps from the church to the hidden Franciscan Garden (6) and its many benches and idyllic setting for a rest - or a stop at its cafe.

Ok, I think I've made my point. But sights keep connecting in several directions from here.

Church of Our Lady of the Snows from the Franciscan Garden

About That Restaurant

Once you’ve admired the lamppost, wandered around and snapped a few photos, head to U Pinkasů, a classic Prague pub with serious history.

This place has been around since 1843 and was actually the first in the city to serve Pilsner Urquell straight from the brewery. The atmosphere is relaxed and old-school - where the waiters are still slightly rude in classic Czech style. They'll even know what you want before you do.

It’s a great spot to try traditional Czech dishes like goulash with dumplings or svíčková (beef in creamy veggie sauce - don’t knock it till you try it). And of course, order a tank-fresh Pilsner.

How to Get to the Cubist Lamppost in Prague

The Cubist lamppost in Prague is super central - just a 1-minute walk from Můstek metro station at the lower end of Wenceslas Square.

📍 Cubist Lamppost: Jungmannovo náměstí (square)
🚇 Metro: Můstek (Lines A & B) - or take a tram to Václavské náměstí and walk through the Franciscan Garden (5 min). Or, take the tram to Národní Třída and walk (5 min).

Find more Where in Prague spots on this map

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