February 10th, 1975: Prague’s Kotva department store opens to the public
On February 10, 1975, the Kotva department store opened on Prague's Republic Square, welcoming its first customers. It quickly became a favourite shopping destination, attracting both local residents and visitors from across the country.
At the time, shopping options in Prague were limited. The only other major department store was Bílá Labuť (White Swan). Although consumer culture in communist Czechoslovakia was vastly different from the West, living standards were improving, and people were eager to spend money. Kotva became a popular shopping hub, drawing an impressive 70,000 visitors daily. Its slogan, "Kotva is here for you," penned by writer Ondřej Neff, further cemented its appeal.
A unique architectural landmark
Kotva was designed by the renowned architects Věra and Vladimír Machonin, who were also behind notable projects such as the Teplotechna building on Ječná Street and the Czechoslovak Embassy in Berlin. The store's distinctive floor plan, composed of twenty-eight interlocking hexagons, fit seamlessly into Republic Square, creating a modern shopping space.
The grand opening of Kotva was a significant event, attended by key political figures of the time. Antonín Kapek, head of the Prague Communist Party organization, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. However, the Machonins, the building's creators, were sidelined due to the political climate of the normalization era and were not acknowledged at the ceremony.
Rise, decline, and a promising future
Kotva became an icon not just for its striking Brutalist architecture but also for its all-in-one shopping experience. However, since the mid-1990s, its popularity has waned with the rise of modern shopping malls offering newer facilities and greater variety.
Today, the building is undergoing a major renovation. Generali Real Estate, which acquired Kotva in 2020, has launched an ambitious CZK 2 billion redevelopment project set to span two years. Once completed, the department store will feature two lower floors dedicated to fashion, cosmetics, and jewellery, while the upper floors will house office spaces.
Despite its evolving role, Kotva remains a significant part of Prague's urban landscape. Recognizing its architectural and historical value, the building was officially designated a cultural monument in 2018, securing its place as a treasured landmark for future generations.
