When was the Clementinum established as a library?
The National Library of the Czech Republic was founded in 1781. The site served as a legal deposit library for the region from 1782 onward.
Questions about Clementinum
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who designed the Baroque library hall at the Clementinum?
Architects constructed the main building phase between 1709 and 1726 to create the Baroque library hall. Jan Hiebl created ceiling artwork inside the hall that depicts the medieval depiction of human knowledge.
What is the size of the Clementinum complex in Prague?
This structure covers 20,000 square metres, making it the second largest complex of buildings in Prague after Prague Castle. It remains one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.
Where does continuous weather recording take place within the Clementinum?
Continuous weather recording began in the area of the Czech lands starting in 1775 within the Clementinum walls. That recording continues through the present day, making it one of the oldest meteorological datasets in the region.
Which architect won the design competition for the new Clementinum building in 2006?
Jan Kaplický won the international architectural design competition launched in Spring 2006 for the new building project. The decision was overruled, leaving the Czech National Library still waiting for its final project.