Prague's iconic Máj department store gets official opening date

Developers have confirmed that Prague’s iconic Máj department store will reopen after undergoing a major reconstruction in June. The newly refurbished building, which will officially be called Máj Národní, will feature top shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment options.

The Máj department store, located in the heart of Prague at the corner of Národní and Spálená streets, has been under development since 2022. The nine-floor monofunctional store is being revamped into an 11-floor modern multi-purpose center, catering to all age groups and interests. The opening was initially slated for May 2024 but has been pushed back one month.

The revamped Máj Národní will feature over 17,000 square meters of retail, dining, and entertainment space. The first and second floors will feature trendy restaurants, cafes, and other specialty stores. With approximately 750 seats, the food hall will showcase popular restaurant brands such as Popeyes, Burger King, Prima Bašta, Misushi, Americanos, and more.

Martin Klán, member of the board of department store’s board of directors, said: "The transformation of the Máj department store into the Máj Národní center is a significant milestone in our company's history. We have worked closely with renowned architects and have paid utmost attention to preserving the cultural heritage of the building."

"Reconstructing a cultural monument is a challenging task, but we are proud to have found the perfect balance between preserving the original architecture and adding new functionalities," says the AGE project team, which is the main architect of the renovation.

The upper floors, which were previously commercially challenging to make revenue from, will be transformed into spaces dedicated to entertainment, culture, and education. Visitors can also enjoy a 360° view of Prague from the top floor.

Earlier this month, the city gave developers the go-ahead to build two butterfly sculptures – sculpted by well-known artist David Černý – that will adorn the building’s façade.

The construction of the Máj Národní building, a prime example of interwar functionalism known for its unique architectural elements, took place from 1972 to 1975.