Máj Národní Department store

Máj Národní is a unique building located at the intersection of the streets of Burnished and National in the centre of Prague, which boasts its remarkable architectural design. It was created as a department store in 1972- 1975 and is a representative of late functionalist architecture with elements of brutalism and hightech, which makes it one of the most important buildings of Czech architecture in the 1970s. Originally built on the site of the former Šlikov Palace, Máj Národní cut out of the historical building as a heavy and bulky paperweight, which not only contrasted with the surroundings, but also served as an experimental manifestation of the architectural possibilities of the time.

The formation of Máje National is closely linked to the historical context of the 1970s in Czechoslovakia, a period known as normalization. Despite the political environment of the time, the construction was realized thanks to the unusual cooperation between Czech and Swedish construction companies SIAB and ABV Stockholm, which brought new architectural techniques to the country. The architects John Eisler, Miroslav Masák and Martin Rajniš from the SIAL studio, which was founded by Karel Hubáček in 1968, designed a building that brought great attention not only at home but also internationally. Western architectural magazines such as Baumeister and Casabella referred to it, which highlighted its importance on the global stage.

The architecture of May National is characterized by its late functionalist nature with elements of brutalism and hightech. This combination allows the creation of a building that not only integrates itself into the historical environment of Prague, but also clearly distinguishes its modernity and presence. The original design included a glazed south wall which was later covered during the reconstruction in 2009 due to the construction of the neighboring Quadrio complex.

The history of the ownership of May National is rich and variable. After his completion, the department store was originally called the 02. But soon renamed May, which meant his own name until the fall of the Communist regime. After 1992 he underwent several changes of owners, from Kmart to Tesco, to AMADEUS Real Estate in 2019. Each phase has brought new challenges and opportunities for the building.

The key event in the history of May National was its inclusion in the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic in 2007. This move not only recognised the architectural value of the construction, but also raised discussions on the importance of protecting modern monuments perceived by the public as historically significant.

Today, Máj Národní is converted into a business and entertainment centre, which was possible thanks to the extensive reconstruction carried out by Amadeus Real Estate between 2022 and 2024. This modernization, which cost approximately CZK 4.5 billion, not only restored the facade of the building, but also turned it into an attractive place for shopping and entertainment with a pair of butterflies David Černý as a dominant element.

Máj Národní is worth visiting not only because of its historical and architectural value, but also because of its transformation into a modern centre that attracts people from around the world. Its presence at the intersection of the streets of Burnt and National is not only a monument of the past, but also a living space of the present, which reflects the dynamics of urban life.