The year 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jože Plečnik, who left an indelible mark on Czechoslovak architecture. On this occasion, a half-ounce gold medal of the Czech Mint has been created, which is part of a free cycle of the most beautiful unrealised designs entered into the Czech National Bank's competitions.

Jože Plečnik, who was born in Ljubljana in 1872, was the son of a joiner and was to take over the family workshop. He did not do well at school, but he loved to draw, which he had to hide from his father, who was afraid he would become a bohemian. But then Jože's father died unexpectedly and the young man was able to embark on a life that would make him one of the world's most important architects of the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. He studied hard and absorbed various artistic influences throughout Europe. He met with both admiration and misunderstanding. He worked in his native Slovenia and in Vienna, stayed in Italy and France, and established himself in Bohemia, where he was considered the most successful Slavic architect. Therefore, it is not surprising that after the collapse of the monarchy he became the "court architect" of the Czechoslovak presidential office. He significantly contributed to the current appearance of Prague Castle in the 1920s and 1930s. At the request of T. G. Masaryk himself, who wanted to turn the ancient complex into a dignified residence of the head of the democratic state, he worked on the modifications of the courtyards, gardens and interiors. Other Prague landmarks bear his timeless handwriting, such as the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord in Vinohrady.

The art design of the medal maker Mgr. Marie Šeborová was used as a template for the commemorative medal. She won third place in the Czech National Bank competition for incorporating Plečnik's outstanding portrait into the facade of the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague. On the reverse side of the medal you can admire the facade of the modernist sanctuary in all its glory.

The schedule of issuance has only 99 pieces. Each medal is also hand-numbered on the edge.