Deym Palace in Prague

Deym Palace (Deymův palác) is an early Classicist palace complex standing on the corner of Voršilská and Ostrovní streets in Prague's New Town, just steps from Národní třída. Also known as "Deymovský palác" or "dům Čabelických ze Soutic," it took its present form over more than a century, as a succession of owners merged and rebuilt a cluster of older Gothic townhouses on the site.

Where does the palace's name come from?

The building's story begins with three separate houses dating back to the 14th century that originally stood on the plot. After 1702, Count František Ferdinand Berchtold of Uherčice began merging them into a single residence, but it was his successor, Count Václav Ignác Deym of Střítež, who completed the unification after 1721. The palace still carries his family name today, even though ownership changed hands several more times in the following decades, passing through the Malovec of Malovice and Kinský families.

Who gave the palace its current appearance?

The decisive transformation came at the turn of the 19th century. In 1800, Count Josef Vratislav of Mitrovice bought the estate and commissioned a thorough rebuilding from architect Ignác Jan Nepomuk Palliardi, one of the leading figures of Prague Classicism, who finished the work before 1821. It was this reconstruction that gave the building its restrained, Classicist facade and much of the layout that survives today. In 1845, the palace passed to the widowed Princess Josephina Schwarzenberg of the Orlík branch of the family — which is why the building is sometimes also referred to as the "Schwarzenberg house."

How is the palace laid out?

Deym Palace is a low-rise complex with an irregular floor plan, shaped by the merger of several medieval plots into one property. A connecting wing divides the site into two internal courtyards, a layout typical of Prague's densely built Old and New Town palaces. The palace's restrained, Classicist street facade was later complemented with modern sculptural additions, creating a visible contrast between the historic architecture and contemporary elements.

What happened to the palace in the 20th century?

In 1928, a post office was established in the building's south wing, and according to available sources it continues to operate there today. After 1948, the palace was nationalized by Czechoslovakia's communist government and began serving diplomatic purposes. The building at number 130/10 housed the Israeli legation to Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1967, tying Deym Palace to the postwar diplomatic history of Central Europe.

Can visitors go inside today?

Deym Palace is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, a designation that also covers the adjoining building at Ostrovní 129/13. The complex remains in good condition, but it is not generally open to the public — it now functions mainly as office and commercial space, with a post office still operating in the south wing. It has, however, occasionally opened its doors for events such as Open House Praha, an architecture festival that grants access to buildings normally closed to visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Deym Palace located? On the corner of Voršilská and Ostrovní streets in Prague's New Town, near Národní třída, at Voršilská 8 and 10.

Where does the palace's name come from? From Count Václav Ignác Deym of Střítež, who completed the merger of three medieval houses into a single residence after 1721.

Who designed the palace's current appearance? Architect Ignác Jan Nepomuk Palliardi, commissioned by Count Josef Vratislav of Mitrovice, in a rebuilding completed before 1821.

Is the palace open to visitors? It is not generally open, but it has been accessible during events such as the Open House Praha architecture festival.

What role did the palace play after World War II? After its 1948 nationalization, it housed the Israeli legation to Czechoslovakia, which operated there until 1967.