792/34 Wenceslas Square

Wiehl House

Located on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Vodičkova Street, the Neo-Renaissance Wiehl House was one of the victims of German bombing during the Prague Uprising.

Wiehl House, currently the seat of the Academia Publishing House, sustained damage from the bombing and was partially burned. Its renovation was conducted based on the design of the architect Josef Havlíček during 1946–1947. The existing balcony facing the square was extended, and a new balcony was added on the side.

In connection with the bombing of Prague, it is important to highlight the heroic figure of Adolf Chlup, a technician serving at Hradec Králové Airport, who had been in contact with Czech resistance fighters since 1940. In the decisive days, he dismantled critical components, thereby rendering the prepared Ju 88 bombers inoperable. After the sabotage, he took refuge with his resistance allies, yet his heroism went unnoticed. The Soviet Army sent him to the USSR as a prisoner of war for forced labour.

The damaged façade of Wiehl House no. 792-II on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Vodičkova Street shortly after the Prague Uprising. Museum of Prague, photo by Josef Hezoučký.

Wiehl House

The damaged façade of Wiehl House no. 792-II on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Vodičkova Street shortly after the Prague Uprising. Museum of Prague, photo by Josef Hezoučký.

Damaged Wiehl House on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Vodičkova Street, May 1945. Museum of Prague, unknown photographer.

Damaged Wiehl House no. 792 on the corner of Vodičkova Street; May 1945. Museum of Prague, photo by Václav Klíma.

Wiehl House. Restoring the sgraffiti damaged in May 1945, photo from 1946. Museum of Prague, photo by Bohumil Střemcha.