Josef von Zitek was a Czech architect and engineer best known for two neo-Renaissance

Neo-Renaissance

Renaissance Revival is an all-encompassing designation that covers many 19th century architectural revival styles which were neither Grecian nor Gothic but which instead drew inspiration from a wide range of classicizing Italian modes...

 landmarks in Prague, the National Theater

National Theatre (Prague)

The National Theatre in Prague is known as the Alma Mater of Czech opera, and as the national monument of Czech history and art.The National Theatre belongs to the most important Czech cultural institutions, with a rich artistic tradition which was created and maintained by the most distinguished...

 and the Rudolfinum

Rudolfinum

The Rudolfinum is a music auditorium in Prague, Czech Republic. It is designed in the neo-renaissance style and is situated on Jan Palach Square on the bank of the river Vltava.-Overview:...

.

As a 33-year-old professor of civil engineering, he was chosen as the designer of the original National Theatre. The theater burned shortly after its 1881 opening, and Zítek's student Josef Schulz

Josef Schulz

Josef Schulz, also spelled Joseph Schultz , was a German soldier of the 714th Infantry Division stationed in the Balkans, Serbia during World War II. He died in 1941, allegedly executed after refusing to take part in a partisan execution. The German High Commandrecorded him as killed in action....

 was put in charge of the rebuilding. Zítek had a disagreement with the building committee and never set foot in the completed theater.

Other works include the Mill Colonnade

Mill Colonnade

The Mill Colonnade is a large colonnade containing several hot springs in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The structure is one of the traditional symbols of the town.-Design and reception:...

 in the spa city of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a spa city situated in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá, approximately west of Prague . It is named after King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded the city in 1370...

.

Sources

• on the National Theater fire (in English)