Lužánky Park and Leoš Janáček

Lužánky was Janáček’s favourite place for his regular walks

Lužánky Park was opened to the public at the end of the 18th century and is one of the oldest public parks in Central Europe. In the middle of the park, a Renaissance Revival restaurant pavilion called Kasino was built in 1855, designed by architect Ludwig Förster. Various social events, such as lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and balls, were held here.

As a child, Janáček performed at public concerts here in 1866–1869. When, as a renowned 56-year-old composer, he moved to the house in the garden of the organ school in what is now Smetanova Street, he would go to the park almost daily to take a walk and write down lots of melodies, mainly from birds singing.

Plans were made in 1908 to build the Czech Národní divadlo (National Theatre) in one corner of the park, but those plans never came to fruition.