Must Visit Galleries in Prague
Prague is a city brimming with inspiration and art from centuries of a rich and vibrant culture. If you are visiting the city, or looking for some exhibitions a bit off the beaten path then this guide is for you. Here you will find a list of the top ten galleries in Prague that most tourist websites fail to mention. Please be aware, that if you’re an art lover, then many of the galleries I’m suggesting are more “contemporary” and therefore may not be the historical art experience you are looking for. However, if you are someone who enjoys contemporary art, especially painting, then these are the galleries you should be checking out.
GALERIE VILLA PELLÉ
This villa was designed by Architect Rudolf Koukola designed the Vilu between 1889 and 1890, commissioned by Maria Knoblochova. It now hosts a variety of exhibitions which are open to the public. The majority of which I’ve seen, focus on painting. To see what’s currently on check out there website here.
CENTRUM SOUČASNÉHO UMĚNÍ DOX
The Czech Republic’s premier independent institution dedicated to contemporary art, born from a private endeavor and unveiled to the public in 2008. Nestled in Prague’s Holešovice district, a former factory has been transformed into an avant-garde architectural masterpiece. Within its walls, you’ll find expansive exhibition areas, the versatile DOX+ hall, the whimsical Gulliver Airship, an enticing design emporium, a curated bookstore, and the treasure trove of the Fine Art Archive. A diverse program includes art, literature, theatre, and music . DOX is also a place for critical public discourse on pivotal global issues.Check out what they’ve got going on here.
HIDDEN GALLERY
Since the turn of 2022, HIDDEN Bořivojova has committed itself exclusively to spotlighting the diverse creations of talented international artists, who often didn’t have a place in the czech scene which is dominated primarily by Czechs. Every year before christmas, they have week-long pop-ups showcasing the Czech artists. In addition to this there is a series of solo exhibitions. Check out more info on whats happening there HERE
HUNT KASTNER
Hunt Kastner is the premiere private commercial gallery showcasing primarily czech artists, and representing them at Art Fairs around the world. The gallery was opened in 2005 by Katherine Kastner, and American, and Camille Hunt who hails from Canada. This gallery is also located on the same street as Hidden, so you can visit both. Read more about them HERE
GALERIE NTK
The National Library of Technology (NTK) ishuge library of science and technology with a collection of over 1.5 million volumes. The location is also home to an amazing gallery with an ever changing exhibition schedule throughout the year. Read more about them HERE
GALERIE NOD
Nestled on a side street near Old Town Square, this is a nice little space with a long history in Prague. They also hold various theater, and music events here, and the area also has an amazing cafe and bar. All while being smack in the center of Prague. Most exhibitions I’ve seen are geared towards painting, and primarily czech artists are shown here. The basement underneath them is also home to one of Prague’s oldest musical venues. Read more about what exhibitions are currently on HERE
GALERIE JELENÍ
The Jelení Gallery emerged in 1999 as part of the Center for Contemporary Art Prague. In its program, the gallery has consistently focused on supporting emerging young Czech artists, many of whom often have their first solo exhibitions here. The gallery’s program is rooted in the exploration of Prague’s art scene and extends to other regions—they collaborate with art school professors in Brno, Ostrava, Ústí nad Labem, and Pilsen. There’s also a great cafe attached to the gallery area. Read more about them HERE
AKADEMIE VÝTVARNÝCH UMĚNÍ V PRAZE
AVU as it’s called, is the primary art school in Prague with a very prestigious background and a very selective entry process. They also have various galleries around Prague they work with. One of which is located in their school. This is a great place to see upcoming painters and other artists on the cutting edge of what’s happening currently in the Czech art scene. Read more about what exhibitions are on HERE
GALERIE RUDOLFINUM
Gallery Rudolfinum, located within the iconic Rudolfinum building in Prague, is a cultural gem of Czech Republic. Renowned for its commitment to contemporary art, the gallery showcases a diverse array of exhibitions and cultural events. As an important meeting place for artists throughout the decades, the gallery continues to put on some of the best exhibitions by international, and local czech artists and painters alike. See what exhibitions are currently on here
GHMP, MĚSTSKÁ KNIHOVNA
Extensive exhibition spaces in II. floor was acquired by the GHMP in 1992. After their reconstruction, it organizes representative exhibitions here. There’s a lot of different shows here spanning many styles and genres, however you can find a lot of painting exhibitions here, which is always good 😀 Read more about what exhibitions are currently up here.
So, there’s my list of ten must see galleries and museums in Prague. I’ve included a smattering of both new instititutions, as well as old, and commercial galleries as well as non profits. I think you won’t be dissapointed in attending any show at any of these places. Whether if you’re looking for art made by local czechs artists, or a more international flavor, Prague has it all right now. There’s really a lot happening in the city artistically, and its changed drastically since I first came here twenty years ago. I could easily make a list of 20 more places to see as well. But come, don’t stress, take in some art, and then relax in the evening with a beer. If you’re looking to see my work, I of course have a room at Oko Academy which is full of it! Feel free to drop me a message and I’d be happy to arrange a studio visit.