105 years ago, the architect of the White Swan, Josef Hrubý, was born

Prague - 105 years ago, on February 23, 1906, architect Josef Hrubý was born, co-author of the famous Prague department store Bílá labuť (White Swan). The rotating giant neon swan on the roof of the functionalist palace, which boasted many unique features when it opened in 1939, is still one of the city's nightlife landmarks.
    Hrubý, born in Větrný Jeníkov in the Jihlava region, studied at the Czech Technical University and made his mark in the history of Czech architecture as a leading representative of functionalism and the Brussels style. Together with Josef Kittrich, he designed Bílá labuť, which was then the largest and most modern department store in Prague for a long time. In addition to many conveniences, such as escalators, ceiling heating, or air conditioning, the building also featured the then largest glass wall in the country. In Prague, Hrubý contributed to other projects, such as the Laterna magika in the Adria Palace, renovations of the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, and especially the Fashion House on Wenceslas Square.
    In a team with František Cubr and Zdeněk Pokorný, he also played a significant role in the design of Czechoslovak pavilions at the World Expositions Expo 58 in Brussels and Expo 67 in Montreal. Architect Hrubý passed away on December 20, 1988.