Open House Prague is to Open to Petschek Palace, the Infamous Gestapo Head Office
Each house conceals its own history. But not necessarily one that is a reason for pride. Petschek Palace is one of them. Nowadays nobody will associate this monumental neo-Classicist building, built by the Prague banker and head of the financial council, Dr. Julius Petschek, with the luxurious banking institution, Petschek and Co. (1923-1929), but with tyranny, questioning and torture of Czech patriots.
Place reigned by terror
The Petchek family sold its assets to the Czechoslovak state and fled from the Nazis. In his time it was a uniquely-constructed building of reinforced concrete with pneumatic mail system, telephone exchange and in the basement there were massive safe deposit boxes. Between the floors operated paternoster lifts which are still functional to this day. The luxuriously equipped building was seized by the Gestapo in 1939 and for 6 years terror was organised from this place against Czech citizens.
They were usually brought here from the Pankrác Prison to be interrogated and tortured. Thousands of Czech patriots experienced here the worst moments of their life. Some died as a result of inhumane treatment, others were taken from here to concentration camps or to the gallows. The torture chambers were established in the basement, where there is now a memorial of anti-fascist resistance fighters.
To stand cruel history face to face
To enter this building is not easy for many due to its history or personal ties. But it is necessary to recall the horrific past, to be able to appreciate the present. Here you will find a memorial plaque with the words: Why do we go back to historic turmoil and bitter struggles of the past? Because we love the future.There is another plaque located on the corner of the building.
Today the Petschek Palace, located at the crossing of streets Politických vězňů (Political Prisoners) and Washingtonova, between the tube stations Museum and Hlavní nádraží, serves as part headquarters of the Ministry for Trade and Industry and since 1989 it is registered as national cultural monument. You will have the opportunity to visit is within the framework of the Open House Prague festival, held 19. - 20. May.
