Bilkova vila

The Bílek Villa in Prague's Old Town is an architectural one-of-a-kind that the sculptor and architect František Bílek designed for himself in 1911. The building stands in Hradčany near the castle, and its unusual shape recalls the cut of a scythe. The brick facade is articulated by columns shaped like sheaves of grain, a nod to Egyptian architecture. A deeply religious artist, Bílek wanted to express his vision of the essence of life here. Since 1963, the villa has been managed by the Prague City Gallery and houses a public exhibition of the artist's works, along with original furnishings and furniture built to his designs.