Masarykovo nábřeží 224/32: Goethe Institute

Originally the headquarters of the First Czech General Reinsurance Bank, this handsome art nouveau building close to the National Theatre was constructed in 1904-5 to a plan by the architect Jiří Stibral. Additional features of the facade, gables and balconies were designed by the sculptor Ladislav Šaloun.

Since 1990, the imposing corner-house has been home to the German cultural and educational organization The Goethe Institute. Among the numerous seminars and events hosted here is the Forum 2000 conference series established in 1996 by Vaclav Havel. Its purpose is to “support the values of democracy and respect for human rights, assist the development of civil society, and encourage religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance.”