Zrcadlové bludiště na Petříně Pavilion

Zrcadlové bludiště na Petříně is a fascinating monument located in the garden U výzdny on the top of Petřín in Prague, specifically in the village Malá Strana. This Art Nouveau-style pavilion was originally part of the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891 and is known for its unique architecture and historical significance. The pavilion, which follows the Gothic elements by imitating the Pípice gate in Vyšehrad, attracts tourists and children thanks to its mirror maze.

The pavilion of Czech tourists was opened on 25 May 1891 as part of the Jubilee exhibition held in Prague. This pavilion was designed by Quido Bělský together with Antonín Wiehl, who collaborated on several construction projects of the time. The pavilion was supposed to mimic the Gothic Gate of Povice in Vyšehrad and was built for 14,000 gold pieces. During the Jubilee exhibition he was visited by over 217 000 people, which led to a profit of 15 500 gold. Pavilion received an honorary exhibition diploma, the highest reward in this category.

After the exhibition, the pavilion was dismantled and rebuilt near the Petřín lookout tower. This new location was selected thanks to the initiative of the Czech Tourist Club, who also participated in the construction of the cableway track and the Petřín lookout tower itself. The pavilion in its new place was reopened on 1 May 1892.

The mirror maze, which became the main element of the pavilion, was installed in 1893. The design for mirrors came from Štapfer and Wurzl and inspired their work in the Vienna Prater. The pavilion contains 35 large mirrors that create an illusion of the maze and a multiple view of the visitor. In the middle part of the pavilion there is a diorama which shows the defense of the Old Town Bridge Tower in 1648. This painting was painted by painters Adolf and Karl Liebscherová, Vojtěch Bartoněk and Karl Štapfer on canvas size 80 square meters. The diorama was made by the Dieseldorf weaving plant and the painters finished their work in just 50 days.

In 1911 there was another change in the interior equipment of the pavilion, when 14 different distortion mirrors were installed. The general reconstruction of the building was carried out by the Prague Building Reconstruction and the Institute of Artistic Crafts in 1975.

Since 1 January 2021 he has been in charge of the operation of the Mirror Maze on Petřín Prague City Tourism. The pavilion is not only a monument to architectural and artistic importance, but also a popular attraction for visitors to Prague.

Zrcadlové bludiště na Petříně is an example of how history and modernity can exist together in one object. This pavilion not only captures the spirit of its time of origin, but also offers a fun and exciting experience for every visitor. It is a place worth visiting not only because of its historical value, but also because of the unique and engaging experience it offers.