Mariánské náměstí 98/1: Municipal Library

The art deco municipal library in Marianské Square was designed by the architect František Roith, a pupil of Otto Wagner, and constructed between 1925 and 1928. One fifth of the building is given over to the official residence of the Mayor of Prague. The allegorical figures of the arts and industry surmounting the balustrade are by Ladislav Kofránek. From left to right, alternate female and male figures represent literature (scrolls); sculpture (maquette and handtool); music (lyre); philosophy (book and owl); recreation (theatrical mask and a bat); and construction (hammer and stone).