The rich artistic heritage of Prague and the Czech lands is reflected in the eclectic art galleries you’ll find in Prague hotels. Art-lovers will find contemporary art, fine art, or the classics depending on their tastes. There is a constant flow of art openings, and exhibitions featuring local, Czech artists and artists from abroad. Be sure you will find your favorite gallery in Prague.
Art galleries are packed so densely in Prague that tourists find them very easily. Almost all Prague galleries are open from around 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. daily, though some may close on Mondays.
National Gallery (Národní Galerie v Praze in Czech) is the main one. This is collection of Italian, German, Spanish and Dutch paintings dating from the Renaissance to the 18th century and it has never ceased to represent the Czech artistic spirit and to elevate the nation’s spirit through works of art.
The collection of the National Gallery is very big and exhibited in 6 locations in Prague:
• the Sternberg Palace
• St George’s Convent,
• the Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia,
• Veletrzni Palace,
• Zbraslav Castle
• Kinský Palace
Sternberg Palace built between 1697 and 1707 for Count Wenceslas Adalbert of Sternberg is one of the noble residences, surrounding the Prague Castle. Its great architecture and rich decoration of interior makes it an important example of the High Baroque style. The exhibition consist of European Art from Antiquity to the end of Baroque – ancient art, Italian masters of the 14th and 16th century, Dutch paintings of the 15th and 16th and 17th centuries, roman schools of the 17th and 18th centuries, Flamish paintings of the 17th century, German and Austrian paintings of the 15th – 18th centuries.
St. George’s Convent is situated at Prague Castle (Kláster sv. Jirí na Prazském hrade) contains the National Gallery of old art collections, that is Czech Baroque painting of the 17th and 18th century, including Mannerism artists of the court of Rudolf II. The castle convent has Gothic and baroque Bohemian iconography and also portraits of patron saints. The collections in St. George’s Convent are arranged into special exhibits usually revolving around a specific place, person, or historical time.
The Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia is the first Gothic building in Prague now houses a collection of Bohemian and central European medieval art from 1200 to 1550. The gallery’s collection has name “Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe”. It contains Czech Gothic art, German and Austrian art, Medieval arts and Crafts. Also these is a hotel with this name.
Veletržní Palace among prominent Czech contributions to modern art has rich collection of international masters from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The collection consists of exhibits of fine art, applied arts, photography, drawing, prints, fashion, furniture, sculptures and multi-media works.
Zbraslav Castle is an unusual destination. You can see a few pieces of Czech modern sculpture dotted around the grounds. However, inside the castle there is mostly Chinese, Japanese, South Asian and Islamic art.
The Kinsky Palace overlooks the Jan Hus monument in the Old Town Square and contains prints and drawings collection has been designated as the main site for its interdisciplinary exhibitions. It is also National Gallery information centre.
The city Gallery Prague (Galerie hlavního města Prahy) is located in the beautiful 14th century Old Town Hall, and exhibits work from its permanent collection of the 19th and 20th centuries with regular special exhibitions of working artists, focusing on international contemporary trends. It has expositions in House at the Golden Ring (Dům U zlatého prstenu), Trója Chateau (Trojský zámek), The Bílek Villa (Bílkova vila), House at the Stone Bell (Dům U kamenného zvonu), Municipal Library (Městská knihovna), Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice).