U Hybernů (Hybernian House) is an example of architectural classicism and moderacy, which displays only a minimum of compositional elements and was inspired by imperial architectural design.  From 1807 – 1811, the building underwent a radical reconstruction where it was converted from its original purpose as Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (part of the Irish Franciscan monastery complex) into a customs office for the Austrian Empire.  Recently (September 2006), a comprehensive conversion of the interior into a musical theatre was completed.  Conversion into a theatre required bringing in new, complicated technical equipment and outfitting the space with special technology.  Its conversion is also partially visible on the building’s exterior.  The building is located in the historical part of Prague, which was officially included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.  Because of its historical and cultural value and architectural quality, the Hybernian House itself has been listed as a cultural monument. It is, therefore, protected as a whole, including its authentic artistic design, craftwork and details, physical appearance and construction. Because of its unique architectural history it is imperative to preserve to the fullest extent possible the building’s external appearance and all parts of its construction. 

The Hybernian House on Prague’s Na Příkopě, with its early 19th century classical style, holds a rich history.  As if the house was a mirror of the dynamic history of Prague itself.  It stands, without a doubt, on an extraordinary spot opposite today’s Prašná brána (Powder Tower) and the former royal palace.  The latter stood on the site of today’s Obecní dům (Municipal House). This site constitutes the main entrance to Prague’s Old Town from the east - from Kutná Hora - which was then the richest town in the Czech lands because of its silver mining. It is, therefore, a place of extraordinary events and historical memory.

After the Thirty Years’ War in 1629, Ferdinand II allowed the Francisan Abbot – this time Irish – to set up living quarters in the abandoned monastery.  This is why the name Hybernian House has remained to the present. In 1653, construction was started on a church designed in the Baroque style by the well-known Carlo Lurago.  Though it was a sacred place, one hundred years later during the Prussian siege of Prague in 1757, the building significantly suffered.  After Josef II abolished the monastery in 1785, the building was never used for religious purposes again.  When Count Sweerts-Sporck acquired the building in an auction in 1793, it seemed that the church would be converted into Prague’s first theatre. In fact, a Czech theatrical group had already been performing in the former monks’ dining hall as early as 1789.  However, after Sporck’s death, the monastery became a custom’s house again. In 1806-1811, the Vienna royal architect Louis Montoyer and Professor of the Prague Technical School Jiří Fischer oversaw the building’s renovation.  The appearance of the Hybernian House today is a result of their work. 

The building witnessed the demolition of the military barracks remaining from the royal palace in 1902, as well as the subsequent construction of the Municipal House, bank buildings and the transformation of the old defense trenches into a prestigious urban promenade with trams running down it.  In addition, innumerable exhibitions were held there when the former church served in the 20th century as an exhibition space.  At the turn of the millennium, the site was again unused.  But – as if its soul had spoken – the former Irish Franciscan church returned to life in 2006 wearing an actor’s costume.  The musical arena of the Hybernia Theatre has replaced the clergymen’s hall with a stage and provides comfort to all who seek an extraordinary cultural experience.  As a bonus, they can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Prague from the terrace and the feeling of returning to a lost time.