Art in Prague: from classic to contemporary

Today Prague equals other European cities not only in beauty but also in its abundance of art galleries and museums. It absolutely pulsates with them, sources of history captured on a piece of canvas, or modern pieces of art popping up all over the metropolis. Prague is full of museums displaying classical arts as well as exciting galleries waiting for you to be explored. Prague's museums and galleries house the works that display a visual history of the Czech past, also showcasing many contemporary controversial pieces, and often pieces reminding us the horrors of the wars. With countless preserved architectural gems as well as alternative art galleries opening right and left all over the city, Prague deserves your undivided attention. Have a look at our selection of some of the recommended Prague Museums and Galleries listed bellow:

 The Collections of the National Gallery

The National Gallery displays its huge collection of art dating from medieval times to the 21^st century in eight different locations, ranging from old renovated palaces and convents to functionalist buildings. In each house you can see an extensive priceless permanent collection. Founded by a group of Czech nobles and middle class intellectuals in 1796, the gallery was titled The Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts and served to elevate the spirit and appreciation of the nation through art. The first picture gallery has grown extensively and matured over centuries to become the National Gallery. For a permanent exhibition of Czech Baroque, located inside the renovated Schwarzenberg Palace, a true Renaissance gem located in the vicinity of the majestic Prague Castle. In the hidden Baroque building, Sternberg Palace, you will find European Art from antiquity to the end of the Baroque. Besides an array of culture, art and history this place offers, there is a lovely café and a garden, both worth a visit.

If you're more into modern art, then the Veletržní Palace, part of the National Gallery of Prague, is a great example of Prague's embracing of modernity. Here you will encounter historically essential Czech avant-garde movements such as The Eight (Osma in Czech), as well as the Functionalist movement Devětsil. However, its four vast floors also house a collection of 19^th to 20^th century European and Czech art, with 3^rd floor occupied by 19^th to 20^th century French art and with the 4^th floor showcasing the works of prolific Czech artists such as Josef Myslbek, Josef Mánes. Last but not least, the 1^st floor displays Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Picasso. One of the highlights of this place is its extensive collection of works by František Kupka, whose artistic genius is known throughout the world. This massive functionalist building, built in the year 1925-1959 as a fair trade palace, is located in Prague 7 and you can easily spend the whole day wandering around this museum. The entry fees to the National Gallery vary from 80-120 CZK, but there are many days with free entry. For more information check out www.ngprague.cz.

City Gallery Prague

Founded in 1963, the City Gallery Prague is the second most important institution for art after the National Gallery in Prague. The City Gallery Prague displays Czech art from the 19^th, 20^th and 21^st centuries. The City Gallery Prague exhibits art throughout the city in such venues as the Stone Bell House, the Golden Ring House, Bilek’s Villa, Troja Chateau and the Municipal Library. The Stone Bell House is one of the beautiful buildings located on Old Town Square, and is one of the oldest houses in Prague. The Stone Bell house bears its name after a house sign that was placed on the building in the 16^th century and houses short-term exhibits. If you'd like to learn a bit about the Czech art scene of the 20^th century, visit the Golden Ring House hidden on tiny Týnská Street near Old Town Square. The building's early Gothic style has been preserved until today! This spot hosts a permanent exhibition of Czech artists such as the surrealist painter Toyen, or Jan Zrzavý, as well as contemporary artists. For more information on entry fees and other venues visit www.citygalleryprague.cz.

Kampa Museum

The Sova Mills building, the picturesque building with its white facade and glass terraces located on the left riverbank of the Vltava River, on the popular Kampa Island, houses a contemporary collection of art, housed in Sova Mills building. The building was named after Václav Sova, the original owner in the 15^th century. The gallery is worth the visit if only for the eccentric architecture of the building itself. The old mill was turned into a museum by Meda Mladek, a well-known Czech-American art collector. The collection is mainly underground art from Central and Eastern Europe since the 60s, the art that the Communist regime so vigorously tried to destroy. The space has housed some first rate temporary exhibits such as one by Andy Warhol, or the Italian Cracking Art Group, which featured florescent immense animal sculptures. Kampa museum also features great collections by the two prominent Czech artists: the painter František Kupka and the sculptor Otto Gutfreund. The museum is surrounded by modern sculptures and together with Kampa Island makes for a great (educational) trip. For entry fees and more info see www.museumkampa.cz.

By: Vero Arutyunyan

veronika.arutyunyan@gmail.com