The statue of Rabbi Loew on Prague’s New Town Hall

One of the buildings that dominate the square Mariánské náměstí in the heart of the Old Town is the New Town Hall. Constructed in 1909–1911, it is a wonderful example of the work of Art Nouveau architect Osvald Polívka. The building is decorated by statues and sculptures by leading Czech artists – and one of the most beautiful is a statue of Rabbi Loew.

When the New Town Hall, which today houses Prague’s city council, was being built, one of those that the architect invited to get involved in the project was Ladislav Šaloun, the founder of modern Czech sculpture. Šaloun decided not to employ the usual allegorical figures but instead to draw on local history and legends. He therefore chose the figure of Rabbi Loew, as a symbol of Prague’s whole Jewish Quarter, to decorate a recess in the main façade. Including its pedestal, the monument is 6 metres high, with the stone statue itself measuring 360 cm.