The originally so-called 'Kreuzbrunnen-Kolonnade' was named after Maxim Gorky during the communist period. It is the largest spa building of its kind in Europe. Its founder was the abbot of the nearby Tepla Monastery.

The iron parts were cast at the Blansko ironworks near Brno. The construction was led by the town engineer Johann Koenig to a design by a partnership of the Polish architect Julian Niedzielski and the Viennese architect Hans Miksch, who was selected in a competition. Together they formed a design atelier in Vienna from 1881; their most notable works include the Neo-Renaissance villas in Usti nad Labem and Vienna, and the town hall in Nowy Sącz. They also won a competition for a theatre in Liberec. The colonnade displays the typical lush forms of late, eclectic Austrian historicism, drawing on Baroque and Renaissance designs. This opulent costume, however, covers a lightweight iron structure that is an outstanding example of engineering architecture. The colonnade, which actually functions as both the open, park-like salon of the elegant resort and the spa house, forms the centrepiece of the historic Marienbad spa complex, along with several equally impressive eclectic buildings.

The wooden coffered ceiling has been preserved. In 1979, the painter Josef Vyletal decorated the ceilings with figurative paintings (known from old photographs, the original polychrome was limited to ornamental motifs). Between 1981 and 1986, the building underwent a complete renovation and regained its former splendour after years of neglect.