the culture mile

The recently reconstructed Clam-Gallas Palace is one of Prague’s masterpieces of Baroque architecture and a superb example of Baroque living and the aristocratic lifestyle of the time. Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart both performed here, for instance.

The GHMP (Prague City Gallery)  exhibits on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Library building, constructed in 1928 by František Roith as a multi-purpose cultural venue. The architecture, highly functional and modern for its time, houses one of the most beautiful exhibition spaces in Prague, featuring extensive halls and rows of cabinets. Two to three times a year, it hosts the most prestigious exhibition projects of the metropolitan gallery put together by its curators. It is accessible both through the foyer of the Municipal Library and from Valentinská Street, where it is marked by a portal designed by architect Vlado Milunić in 1996.

The building of the Museum of Decorative Arts is a work of art in its own right. It was financed by Czech patrons and industrialists and its lavish embellishments showcase the best that arts and crafts in the Czech lands of the 19^th century had to offer. You will be endlessly amazed, as are we Prague residents. By the way, the museum building offers a beautiful view of one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world.

Kunsthalle Praha is the latest phenomenon on the cultural map of Prague. This stunning industrial space was created through the reconstruction of a former transformer station. Be sure to visit its café, which offers an unconventional view of Prague Castle and the Petřín Tower. The café also includes a unique cabinet of electrical curios created for Kunsthalle by American artist Mark Dion.

The Kampa Museum is situated in the building of Sovovy mlýny. Records of its existence date back as far as 1393 and indeed, flour was milled here for 600 years. The building was acquired by Czech philanthropist Meda Mládková after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and she transformed it into a modern gallery of Central European art. Have a coffee on the terrace and enjoy the view of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge or the National Theatre.

The National Gallery Prague uses the premises of the Waldstein Riding School for short-term exhibition projects. The riding school is located in the garden of an early Baroque palace constructed for Albrecht of Waldstein by Italian architects Andrea Spezza and Nicolo Sebregondi. The riding school was reopened to the public after undergoing extensive reconstruction in 2000.

As part of the Cultural Mile route, don’t forget to visit the Rudolfinum, one of Prague’s most important galleries is situated in the neo-Renaissance building. As a non-collecting exhibition institution, the Rudolfinum Gallery focuses primarily on presenting contemporary art, both foreign and Czech. The sumptuous architectural design of the gallery’s exhibition halls is complemented by the Artpark educational centre, whose agenda follows up the ongoing exhibitions with the aim of bringing contemporary art closer to children, adolescents and adults alike. The displays are complemented by enriching and original programs, such as the Art Sounds musical production or the CRASH lecture series. The Rudolfinum Gallery has been offering its visitors free admission to exhibitions and programs since 2019.

The Jewish Museum in Prague curates one of the world’s most extensive collections of Judaica and has long been one of the most popular museums in the Czech Republic. It offers exhibitions in historical synagogues (the Maisel Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue and Spanish Synagogue), a tour of the Old Jewish Cemetery, and visits to the gallery and library. This gives visitors the chance to learn more about the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Jewish community in Bohemia and Moravia. The museum also organises cultural programmes for the general public, as well as educational activities for schools.

Homepage photo: Jiří Sopko, Hry, 1987, ©GHMP