Second Courtyard
Tel. 224 373 531
Subway: Malostranska,
Hradcanska
Train: 22
Open: 10am- 6pm daily (10am- 4pm in
winter months)
The Prague Castle Picture Gallery (Obrazárna Pražského hradu) is a distinguished art institution within the expansive Prague Castle complex, recognized as the oldest continuously existing collection of paintings in the Czech Republic. Its origins trace back to the late 16th century, showcasing a curated selection of over 100 high-quality European artworks from a vast treasury exceeding 4,000 pieces. Housed in the historic Imperial Stables on the western side of the castle's second courtyard, the gallery emphasizes Mannerist, Renaissance, Baroque, and early modern works, with a focus on Italian, Flemish, Dutch, German, and Bohemian masters. Despite significant historical losses, its holdings rival major European collections in quality, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic patronage of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II and subsequent eras. It appeals to art enthusiasts, historians, and tourists exploring Prague Castle, blending cultural heritage with archaeological elements.
The gallery's foundation is intrinsically linked to
Emperor Rudolf II (reigned 1576–1612), a fervent art collector who
relocated the imperial court to Prague and amassed one of Europe's
richest collections, comprising around 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and
curiosities. Rudolf's patronage attracted renowned artists like Hans von
Aachen, Bartholomeus Spranger, and Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who served as
court painter for 11 years, producing works such as versions of "The
Four Seasons" and the allegorical portrait of Rudolf as Vertumnus.
Following Rudolf's death, the collection fragmented: his successor
Matthias transferred much to Vienna, and during the Thirty Years' War
(1618–1648), Swedish forces looted Prague Castle in 1648, dispersing
invaluable pieces.
A revival occurred in 1650 when Archduke Leopold
Wilhelm acquired over 500 paintings from the Duke of Buckingham's
collection for Emperor Ferdinand III, introducing masterpieces by
Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt, and others. This bolstered the collection's
17th-century holdings and influenced Czech artists like Karel Škréta and
Petr Brandl. However, by the 18th century, under Habsburg rule, decline
set in; many works were relocated to Vienna or neglected during the
Theresian reconstruction (1740s–1780s). In 1796, the Society of
Patriotic Friends of Art borrowed pieces, aiding preservation.
The
modern era began after the Czech Republic's formation in 1918, with
enrichments via the Masaryk Fund, adding Baroque and 19th-century
Bohemian art. Post-World War II acquisitions continued, but a 1961
relocation to depositories followed. In the 1950s–1960s, under
architects František Cubr and Josef Hrubý, the gallery was established
in the former stables, opening in 1965. A 1990 theft (Lucas Cranach's
"Old Man in Love") prompted closure and a 1990s reconstruction by
designer Bořek Šípek, relocating the entrance and reopening fully in
1998 with a new exposition of 107 paintings and three sculptures.
Situated in Prague Castle's second courtyard (Hradčany district), the gallery occupies the ground floor of the northern and western wings, originally the Imperial Stables built in 1583 under Rudolf II. This Renaissance structure features vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and large windows, renovated in the 1990s by Bořek Šípek with modern elements like curved turquoise benches, spot lighting, and red-orange walls for a contemporary yet historical ambiance. The space integrates archaeological remnants of the 9th-century Church of the Virgin Mary—the castle's oldest church—discovered in the 1950s, including 11th-century layers and the tomb of Prince Spytihněv I (d. 915). The layout spans multiple halls, with the entrance via the Pacassi Gate, accessible on foot from central Prague (tram to Pražský hrad stop) or a 10-minute walk from Malá Strana.
The permanent collection is thematically organized by
artistic schools, displaying 107 paintings and three sculptures from the
15th–18th centuries. Key sections include:
Italian Masters:
Titian's "Young Woman at Her Toilet" (c. 1515), Tintoretto's dramatic
"Flagellation of Christ," Veronese's "Portrait of Jakob König," and
works by Guido Reni and Domenico Fetti.
Flemish and Dutch: Rubens'
"Assembly of the Olympic Gods" (c. 1602, a youthful mythological scene),
van Dyck portraits, and Rembrandt influences.
German and Mannerist:
Dürer's "Feast of the Rosary" (1506), Cranach works, and court painters
like Hans von Aachen and Bartholomeus Spranger.
Bohemian and Later:
Baroque by Petr Brandl and Karel Škréta; 19th-century pieces by Josef
Mánes and Antonín Slavíček.
Temporary exhibitions rotate, focusing on
European art. The full holdings include prints, drawings, and
sculptures, with many in storage or at Opočno Castle.
The integration of the Virgin Mary Church ruins adds archaeological depth, with visible foundations and tombs enhancing the historical narrative. Šípek's redesign features artistic furniture and lighting, creating an intimate viewing experience. Arcimboldo's influence is evident in whimsical prints. The gallery hosts cultural events and is part of the UNESCO-listed Prague Castle, a National Cultural Monument since 1962. Reviews highlight standout pieces like Rubens' mythological work but note the collection's modest scale and occasional dim lighting.
Open daily year-round from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM; confirm on official site as hours may vary). Admission: 200 CZK for adults, 150 CZK reduced (students, seniors, children 6–16), 500 CZK family (2 adults + up to 5 children); free for under 6. Not included in basic castle tickets—opt for Circuit A (350 CZK) for bundled access or pay separately at the gallery. Tickets available on-site; no online purchase mentioned. Average visit: 45–60 minutes. Accessibility: Partial; elevators may be available, but historic elements like uneven floors pose challenges—contact for details. Photography without flash permitted, but no photos in some areas. Ratings average 3.7/5 on Tripadvisor (62 reviews), with praise for art quality and value but criticism for small size, stern staff, and not being essential. Combine with castle tours; nearby attractions include St. Vitus Cathedral. For updates, visit hrad.cz or prague.eu.