Lucerna entrance from Vodičkova street, Prague 1

Palác Lucerna

Palác Lucerna Prague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palác Lucerna, nestled in the heart of Prague’s New Town, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural innovation and vibrant cultural life. Built between 1907 and 1921 by Ing. Vácslav Havel, this iconic landmark is more than just an Art Nouveau masterpiece—it is a living monument embodying Prague’s urban evolution, creative energy, and historical resilience. Over the decades, Lucerna has served as a central hub for artists, intellectuals, and the general public, housing everything from one of Europe’s oldest cinemas to renowned music venues and contemporary art installations (Prague Best Places; Forbes; Expats.cz).

This guide provides everything you need to plan a memorable visit to Palác Lucerna, including up-to-date information on opening hours, tickets, accessibility, and must-see highlights. Whether you are drawn by its architectural grandeur, the legacy of the Havel family, or its dynamic concert and exhibition spaces, Lucerna offers a rich and immersive experience in Prague’s cultural scene.

Origins and Construction
Architectural Significance
Cultural Impact and Social Role
The Havel Family Legacy
Evolution Through the 20th and 21st Centuries
Visiting Palác Lucerna: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Key Attractions and Experiences
Visitor Tips and Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Multimedia Suggestions
Related Articles and Links
Summary and Recommendations
References

Origins and Construction (1907–1921)

Palác Lucerna—meaning “Lantern Palace”—was conceived by engineer and entrepreneur Ing. Vácslav Havel, whose vision was to blend commerce, culture, and social life within Prague’s first true multi-purpose arcade. Construction began in 1907 and spanned 14 years, interrupted by World War I and political shifts. Completed in 1921, Lucerna was one of Prague’s first reinforced concrete buildings, incorporating cutting-edge design and engineering for its time (Prague Best Places; GoOut).

Originally planned as a hockey stadium, Lucerna was quickly repurposed into a cultural and social venue after proving unsuitable for sporting use. Its strategic location, just off Wenceslas Square, cemented its role as a central meeting place in the city (Prague Best Places).

Architectural Significance

Lucerna’s architecture is a remarkable fusion of Art Nouveau elegance and early Modernist innovation, featuring:

Marble paneling and ornate staircases: The grand interiors are adorned with marble columns, intricate railings, and period lighting, creating an atmosphere of luxury and refinement.
Glass-vaulted arcades: The shopping passage, with its high glass ceilings, was innovative for its time and connects Štěpánská and Vodičkova streets, inviting natural light into the arcade (Lonely Planet).
Original chandeliers and amber pencil-glass lamps: Over two dozen original chandeliers still illuminate the main café and passage.
Paternoster lift: Lucerna houses one of Prague’s rare, still-operational paternoster lifts—a continuously moving elevator, emblematic of early 20th-century engineering (BugAdvisor).

The integration of retail, entertainment, and social spaces under one roof was revolutionary and became a template for future urban development.

From its inception, Palác Lucerna was intended as a vibrant social and cultural hub. Its venues have hosted generations of:

Artists and intellectuals: The Lucerna Café and cinema were frequented by figures like Franz Kafka and Max Brod.
Political and cultural elites: The venue became a gathering place for Prague’s creative and political communities, even during the turbulent communist era (Forbes).
Live music and cinema lovers: The Lucerna Music Bar and Cinema remain among Prague’s favorite spots for concerts, club nights, and film screenings (GoOut).

Today, Lucerna continues to host major concerts, international film festivals, community gatherings, and contemporary exhibitions, maintaining its relevance across generations.

The Havel Family Legacy

The Havel family’s story is woven into the very fabric of Lucerna:

Vácslav Havel (the founder): His vision and entrepreneurial drive established Lucerna as a modern urban palace.
Václav Havel (grandson, playwright and president): The building symbolizes both the family’s cultural influence and the Czech struggle for intellectual freedom.
Post-communist restitution: Following the Velvet Revolution, Lucerna was returned to the Havel family and is now managed by Dagmar (Daša) Havlová, who has overseen its restoration and continued vitality (Forbes).

A permanent exhibition within the palace highlights the Havel family’s political and cultural contributions, adding depth to the visitor experience (The Prague Review).

Evolution Through the 20th and 21st Centuries

Throughout wars, occupations, and regime changes, Lucerna remained a beacon of cultural life in Prague. Even under communist state control, its venues provided a haven for artists and dissidents. Since the 1990s, careful restoration and sensitive modern upgrades have ensured that Lucerna continues to thrive as both a historical monument and a contemporary entertainment complex (BugAdvisor).

Visiting Palác Lucerna: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours

Main arcade and public spaces: Open daily, typically from 9:00 or 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Venues (Cinema, Music Bar, Rooftop): Operating hours vary according to event schedules. Always check the official Lucerna website or specific venue sites for up-to-date information.

Tickets and Admission

Arcade and passage: Free entry.
Cinema, concerts, rooftop terrace, and special exhibitions: Tickets required; prices vary by event. Advance purchase is recommended, especially for popular shows (GoOut).
Guided tours: Available periodically and can be booked via the official website.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access: Most public areas, including the main arcade and café, are wheelchair accessible. Standard elevators are available, though the historic paternoster lift is not suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Staff assistance: Multilingual staff are available to help visitors with special needs.

Directions and Travel Tips

Location: Just off Wenceslas Square in Prague’s New Town.
Metro: Můstek (Lines A/B) or Muzeum (Lines A/C) are nearby.
Tram/bus: Multiple lines serve the area.
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended.

Key Attractions and Experiences

The Lucerna Passage

A glass-roofed shopping arcade, lined with boutiques, cafés, and galleries, forms the beating heart of Lucerna. It is also home to David Černý’s provocative “Kůň” sculpture—an upside-down horse ridden by St. Wenceslas, providing a memorable photo opportunity (Lonely Planet).

Lucerna Music Bar

Famed for its circular dance floor and eclectic programming, the Music Bar hosts everything from rock and pop to jazz and club nights (GoOut).

Lucerna Cinema

Operating since 1909, this cinema is among the oldest in Europe, retaining its period ambiance while screening international films and hosting festivals.

The Great Hall

Originally designed as a hockey rink, it now accommodates up to 2,500 guests for concerts, balls, and performances (GoOut).

Rooftop Terrace (Střecha Lucerny)

Accessed via the paternoster lift, the rooftop offers panoramic city views and hosts sunset concerts and special events. Tickets are single-entry, with seating reservations recommended (The Prague Review; Střecha Lucerny Facebook).

Visitor Tips and Practical Information

Best visiting times: Early mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds and optimal natural light.
Photography: The marbled atrium and David Černý’s sculpture are especially photogenic. Use respectful discretion as some venues may restrict tripods.
Language: Most staff speak English; menus and signage are often multilingual.
Safety: The area is generally safe, but as with all major attractions, watch your belongings in crowded venues (LaidBackTrip).
Food and drink: Lucerna’s cafés and rooftop bar offer a range of refreshments, with many using real glassware and providing a classic Czech café experience.
Accessibility: Main entrances and elevators serve most areas; the paternoster lift is for able-bodied visitors only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Palác Lucerna’s visiting hours?
A: The arcade is open daily from 9:00/10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; event venues may vary.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Entry to the arcade and passage is free. Tickets are needed for concerts, cinema, rooftop access, and special exhibitions.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase tickets online via the official Lucerna website or at the box office.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, periodic guided tours focus on Lucerna’s history and architecture; check the official site for schedules.

Q: Is Palác Lucerna accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most public areas are accessible, except the paternoster lift. Staff are available to assist.

Q: What are the must-see highlights?
A: Don’t miss the marbled atrium, David Černý’s sculpture, a concert or film screening, and the rooftop terrace at sunset.

Visuals and Multimedia Suggestions

Images: Feature high-quality photos of Lucerna’s façade, passage, marbled atrium, rooftop terrace, and the “Kůň” sculpture.
Alt text: Use descriptive phrases such as “Palác Lucerna entrance facade in Prague” or “Art Nouveau Lucerna Passage arcade ceiling.”
Interactive content: Embed maps of Lucerna’s location and virtual tours where available via the official website.

Stay updated with official event listings on the Lucerna Palace website.

Summary and Recommendations

Palác Lucerna is a cornerstone of Prague’s cultural and architectural legacy, seamlessly blending the elegance of Art Nouveau design with a dynamic, contemporary cultural offering. Its deep ties to the Havel family, innovative engineering features like the paternoster lift, and its ongoing role as a hub for music, film, and art make it an essential stop for any visitor to Prague.

For the best experience, plan your visit in advance—especially for concerts, rooftop events, and guided tours. Take time to explore nearby attractions such as Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, and the Municipal House for a fuller appreciation of Prague’s urban landscape.

To enhance your visit, download the Audiala app for personalized guides and audio tours, and follow Lucerna and Audiala on social media for the latest updates and exclusive offers.