An Exhibition on the Crafts That Brought the Palace Back to Life

The Industrial Palace was built in 1891 as the main pavilion for the Jubilee Centennial Exhibition. After a devastating fire in 2008, it lost its Left Wing and remained an incomplete torso of one of the most significant landmarks in Czech history for many years.

Its grand reopening represents far more than just the completion of a construction project. Above all, it is the story of master craftspeople in applied arts and trades who followed in the footsteps of their predecessors, successfully restoring a unique heritage site with utmost respect for original techniques, materials, and artisan traditions.

This exhibition, soon to be installed on information panels directly in front of the Industrial Palace, showcases and vividly describes individual trades from the worlds of stained-glass artisans, metal chasers, goldsmiths, painters, carpenters, founders, restorers, and steel structure specialists.

135 years ago, the Industrial Palace was a celebration of master craftsmanship—and today, its landmark reconstruction stands as a tribute to that very same artistry.

Where: In front of the Industrial Palace
When: From September 24, 2026
Open Access, Free Admission

 

About an author
Libor Hruška studied history and pedagogy at the Faculty of Education, Charles University. He has been working in journalism since 2004 and currently works at the National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic. He is the co-author of the exhibition on the history of brewing at the restored brewery in Lobeč.

 

  • The Industrial Palace in 1891

    Creation, the Jubilee Centennial Exhibition, architecture.

  • How a Heritage Site Is Reborn

    What does it take to reconstruct a landmark building of this scale and historic value?

  • Stained Glass

    The craft, restoration, and creation of stained glass, working with glass, and returning to original beauty.

  • Metal Chasing & Goldsmithing

    Ornate metalwork, decorative detailing, and handcrafted gold work.

  • The Steel Framework

    Structural design of the building, plus historic and modern steelworking techniques.

  • Painters, Carpenters & Decorative Elements

    Restoration of historic surfaces, painted ceilings, and decorative details.

  • The Clock Tower

  • Coats of Arms, Dates & Symbols

    The heraldic significance of symbols across the Palace’s facade.

  • Reconstruction Facts & Figures

    Project summary, key numbers, and fascinating facts.