For travelers drawn to the intricate beauty of Art Nouveau and the rich tapestry of European architectural history, Prague offers a truly remarkable destination: the historic Fanta Building at the city’s Main Railway Station. This magnificent structure, considered the largest and most important Art Nouveau monument in the Czech Republic, is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration that is bringing its original grandeur back to life.
A Jewel of Czech Art Nouveau
Designed by the significant architect Josef Fanta, the building was constructed between 1901 and 1909. It replaced an earlier Neo-Renaissance station and quickly became a grand arrival point for emperors, presidents, and notable historical figures. Today, the Fanta Building, along with its adjacent vestibule above the platforms, is designated as a national cultural monument. The sculptural decorations that adorn it were crafted by equally important sculptors, Ladislav Šaloun and Stanislav Sucharda.
One of its most iconic features is the “golden wings” sculpture (dating from 1907) atop the Fanta Building’s tower9. In a testament to the detailed restoration efforts, this sculpture alone was meticulously restored in 2021 using 4,875 pieces of 24-carat gold.
The Extensive Restoration Journey
The building had suffered a gradual decay since 1977, largely due to the construction of an expressway1. While some reconstruction began in 2012 focusing on the central part and the new check-in hall1, a comprehensive restoration program was launched in 2021 by the Czech Railway Administration to fully restore the structure, which had been largely unused since 1979.
The restoration is a massive undertaking, aiming to return the building to its early 20th-century state while also adapting it for contemporary public use. Key aspects of this ambitious project include:
• The southern wing is currently undergoing renovation, an estimated 750 million CZK undertaking. This section will be reimagined for new commercial purposes, such as cafes or patisseries.
• Significant transformation is occurring in the former arrival hall, where post-war modifications – including a 1950s retrofit ceiling and mosaic columns – are being removed to reveal the building’s authentic architectural elements, which had been concealed for decades.
• The private salons, historically used by state leaders and monarchs like Emperor Franz Joseph I, are also being refurbished. These “government lounges” remain operational and occasionally host international dignitaries. These very salons once welcomed figures such as Thomas Edison, Le Corbusier, and Charlie Chaplin.
• During renovations of the northern wing, a remarkable polychrome painting of the Czechoslovak state crest was uncovered, believed to have been created for President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk’s arrival in 1918 after Czechoslovakia gained independence.
• The restoration of the northern section has received widespread praise from experts for its careful and sensitive approach1516.
Looking ahead, a modernization project is also underway. In 2023, Henning Larsen Architects won an international competition to redesign the modern arrival hall with an open-plan timber structure, with construction slated to begin in 2028. This blend of historic preservation and future-forward design makes the station a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of history and modernity.
The Legendary Café Fanta
At the heart of the Fanta Building lies the legendary Café Fanta, a place where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the splendor of Art Nouveau2. Originally a grand embarkation hall and later a waiting area for trains, the café is distinguished by its high dome and walls decorated with Art Nouveau motifs and sculptures symbolizing Czech cities connected by the railway from Prague at the time of its construction.
CAMA Architects won an invited competition in 2021 to design the interiors of the cultural halls, including the two-story café. Their design concept, a “journey through time” from the present to the Art Nouveau past, respects the rich existing decoration while sensitively complementing it with selected furniture, lighting fixtures, and textiles21. They incorporate plants as a “symbolism of a living Art Nouveau” and have designed hanging wire sculptures in the café’s elevated space, referencing the building’s figural decoration to let art penetrate the interior – a typical Art Nouveau element.
Petr Patera, the current owner who took over in 2020, aims to restore the café’s renown. The café now offers a varied menu, focusing on healthy, well-presented, and affordable food, catering to travelers and families.
Experience the Fanta Building and Its Art Nouveau Legacy
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Fanta Building is steeped in history, serving as the departure point for the 669 mostly Jewish children rescued by Sir Nicholas Winton in the early days of World War II, a monument to whom stands on Platform.
Today, the Fanta Hall and the Column Hall within the building have become vibrant venues for daily cultural events and conferences1516. For instance, the Gala Dinner for the Prague City Building of the Year 2024, where the Masaryčka project received an award for its urban design, was held in the Fanta Hall on June 17, 2025.
For architecture and art enthusiasts planning a trip to Prague, a visit to the Fanta Building is a must. Located at Wilsonova 300/8, 110 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady, it offers a unique opportunity to witness a grand piece of history being meticulously preserved and reimagined.
To truly appreciate the intricate details and historical context of this Art Nouveau masterpiece, consider exploring it with a private guide. A specialized guide can offer invaluable insights into Josef Fanta’s vision, the symbolism of the decorations, and the fascinating stories behind the building’s past and present. (Please note: The suggestion to go with a private guide from artnouveau.club is not derived from the provided sources and should be independently verified.)
The Fanta Building is more than just a train station; it is a living museum and a testament to Prague’s enduring commitment to its artistic and architectural heritage. Don’t miss the chance to witness its splendor as its restoration nears completion.
ArtNouveau.Club relationship with Fanta Building
Two years ago, Art Nouveau Club published the article “Jewel of Art Nouveau in Prague: The Fanta Building Opens to the Public,” celebrating the first public access to the ornate interiors of Prague’s historic Fanta Building at the main railway station. The piece highlighted the restored northern wing, including the magnificent glass-domed café and imperial waiting rooms—spaces once reserved for emperors and presidents—that had opened during the 2023 Open House Prague festival. Designed by architect Josef Fanta and dating from 1901–1909, the building’s Art Nouveau grandeur, with its rich sculptural details and mosaics, drew enthusiastic praise as a “jewel” finally accessible to visitors after years behind closed doors.
For anyone looking to explore Prague’s Art Nouveau treasures—and to revisit highlights like the Fanta Building—the Art Nouveau Club‘s Prague city page is unbeatable. It’s widely recognized as the best resource for booking private Art Nouveau tours or broader architectural tours around Prague. Whether you’re after a focused route through the city’s finest Jugendstil landmarks or a more comprehensive and personalized experience, the expert local guides featured on that site ensure a curated and insightful journey through Prague’s most beautiful historic spaces.
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