Plodinová burza Building

Plodinová burza, a Neo-Renaissance building with a functionalist extension, is located in Prague 1 in Senovážné Square no. 866 / II and is managed by the Czech National Bank (ČNB). This building, entered on the state list of real cultural monuments, was festively opened on 10 November 1894 and the first day of the exchange took place the following day. The Exchange played a key role in the pricing of agricultural products, which was important for the economic life of Czechoslovakia.

The history of the crop exchange dates back to the 19th century, when the trade in agricultural products took place on weekly markets, first in the Horse Market and since 1882 in Senovážné Square. The development of transport and trade has led to the need for a centralised centre for agricultural trade, resulting in the establishment of a crop exchange. In 1885, a commission was set up for its establishment and already in the following year the statutes were approved to enable the stock exchange to begin operations.

The plant stock exchange building is an important example of the Neo-Renaissance style. The original project from Austrian architect Bedřich Ohmann, which was inciting to Art Nouveau style, was modified in the implementation documentation into Czech novorenessance of architect Henry Jechenthalt and František Hnivkovský. Construction work took place between 1893 and 1895, while the internal structure of the building dominated a massive staircase with a large and small exchange hall. In 1928, a functionalist extension was made according to the design of Bohumil Hypšman, which affected the appearance of the building.

The ownership and management of the crop exchange have undergone several changes. After the foundation, the commission for its establishment was managed, later it became the management of the Czech National Bank. During the First World War, the stock exchange was almost completely shut down due to state control of agricultural products. After the creation of a separate Czechoslovakia, the stock exchange revived again and expanded its activities with other commodity exchanges, such as the timber, linnaire, fruit, egg and coffee exchanges. In 1952, however, it was definitively repealed by the government regulation.

Key events in the history of the crop exchange include its festive opening in 1894, when it was first issued by the exchange sheet. During the First World War there was almost complete interruption of operation and after the founding of Czechoslovakia the stock exchange was revived. In 1934, the emergence of a grain monopoly led to a decline in its importance, which was further strengthened by the Second World War and the subsequent demise of capitalist institutions. After 1945, the exchange gradually disappeared from the country's economic life.

Today, the Plant Exchange building is used by the Czech National Bank and its history represents an important element of the cultural monument of Prague. Its architecture, which combines elements of the Neo-Renaissance style with functionalist ports, is a testament to the historical development of the city and its economy. For tourists and historically curious people, a visit to the crop exchange offers a unique opportunity to explore an important place that reflects changes in Czech trade and architecture.