Městské muzeum - Wenkeův dům, Jaroměř

Wenke's department store is one of the first realisations of the architect Josef Gočár. It was built between 1909 and 1911 in the East Bohemian town of Jaroměř on the commission of local merchant and entrepreneur Josef Wenke. As a leading monument of modern Czech architecture, the building is listed.

This is an American-style department store, characterized by a progressive, non-load-bearing facade suspended from a metal grid and a relaxed layout for its time.

Despite the modern austerity of the facade, the interior of the house is surprisingly cosy. Upon entering the building, the circular gallery catches the eye at first glance, thanks to which the visitor can quickly orientate himself in the space of the entire building. This motif is characteristic of Gočár's interiors. The design of the ground floor is made up of a combination of metal and glass, while the first floor is in the classical spirit - a small geometric decor. The coffered ceiling is also worth mentioning.

Gočár is also the author of the interior furnishings. One of the most amazing pieces is the glass "crystal" chandelier or the black and brown shelves.

Before the war, the Wenke's got into debt and the house went to the city. After the war, the City Museum moved into the building, which had been looted by the Gestapo.

As of 1 July 2017, the department store was declared a national cultural monument by the Government of the Czech Republic.