The Municipal House Concert Hall & Exhibition Centre is Prague's most prominent Art Nouveau building. Situated on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, this impressive building is a popular attraction, with visitors drawn in by the art nouveau gold trimmings, stained glass windows and sculptures, as well as the restaurant and regular exhibitions and classical concerts. The first Municipal House was used as a seminary and military college, although the building was subsequently demolished and replaced by the present cultural center, with its many exhibition halls and an auditorium designed by A. Balasek. On October 28th, 1918, Municipal House was the scene for the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia. At the heart of Municipal House is the biggest concert hall in Prague, the Smetana. This is a grand setting for some of the best classical concerts in the city. The interior is decorated with works by leading Czech artists from the early 20th century - most notably the famous Alfons Mucha. Smetana is also used occasionally as a ballroom.