The first floor houses the truly epid, Slav Epic. It’s acollection of 20 paintings by Alfons Mucha(a 20th century artist who did the stained glass at St. Vitas in the Castle). The paintings together depict the history of the Slavic people. Buy the English language pamphlet for the equivalent of less than 50 cents, it’s dry but incredibly informative. If you’re a history nerd with even a remote appreciation of art, you’ll enjoy this exhibit. Some of the paintings are 2 stories high. Additionally, make an effort to check out the third floor for the 19th-20th Century French artists(some big names like Picasso and Rodin and even one by Van Gogh, though he isn’t French, I know). I was also pleasantly pleased by the collection of 20th Century Czech art. Apparently it’s one of the best collections in the country. I knew nothing of Czech art, but many of these paintings were Cubist style. Many weren’t as abstract as Picasso. They were bright and full of life, and I just really enjoyed them. Allow about an hour to 1.5 hours to look at the Slav Epic and give it justice by reading along with the pamphlet or a guide book. Then try to spend whatever time your art tolerance allows for the other stuff. But I’m no major art connoisseur and I loved this museum.
Patrick H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Scottsdale, AZ
It’s pretty much a given that if you visit Prague you’ll want to see Mucha’s Slav Epic and this is the place to see it! It only costs 90 crowns and is well worth the price of admission. Somehow I mixed up communications with the lady at the ticket booth and ended up paying 400 crowns to visit the entire museum which was OK but wasn’t really the reason I came to visit the museum.
Victoria S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Bystřice, Czech Republic
Impressive exhibition Slav Epic, which is more than worth to see if you are in Prague! 20 enormous pictures with motives based on Slavonic myths and history which Mucha gave to the city of Prague on a condition that they will build a special pavilion to expose these masterpieces. Pictures catch you from the 1st view and while changing an engle you reveal more and more details that were waiting for your attention.
David S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Fort Worth, TX
Alfons Mucha’s Slav Epic was the highlight of our trip to Prague! The Veletržní Palace has other great artwork as well, but with limited time, my wife and I only visited the Slav Epic exhibit. You may not have heard of Alfons Mucha before, but if you spend time in the Czech Republic, you will see his work and influence all around you! Mucha’s style became the foundation for Art Nouveau. Even without prior knowledge of Mucha, the Slav Epic is a must see cultural gem! Composed of 20 canvases, Alfons Mucha portrayed the history and mythology of the Slavic people, spanning 1,500 years. Mucha devoted 18 years to complete the series. These nationalistic pieces of art helped unify the Slavic people, ultimately gaining their own country after World War I. Today, viewing this collection provides a great overview for a modern visitor to Prague. Each piece chronologically portrays a scene from history or cultural folklore. The paintings will introduce you to the major political figures, which you will see celebrated throughout the Czech Republic. When viewing the paintings, consider that colors are symbolic: white for peace, red for war, blue for the past and orange for the future. In addition, Mucha highlights the focal points in each work with extra detail applied with oil paint. The enormous canvasses, some as large as 25 feet by 20 feet, are well-displayed in the Veletržní Palace. Located just outside the main touristic district, we caught a tram(either Line 12, 14, 15 or 17), which dropped us at the museum entrance’s. There are multiple choices when buying tickets at the front desk, based on the collections you wish to see. Admission to only the Slav Epic exhibition is 180CZK(about $ 9.00). For 10CZK(about $ 0.50), buy the English informational pamphlet. The descriptions of each piece bring the paintings to life with the background needed to properly enjoy the works. Allow two hours to view the Slav Epic.
Jon H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Erlangen, Germany
The national gallery. A really nice selection of Art. But really take your time as otherwise you have to run through the msuem to see it all. Rather go slower and have a break in their nice café. Paintings by international artists. There is not much else to say. It does what it says on the tin. As simple and effective as that. It is definitely worth going.
Hae A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
So I was dragged to this place by my hubby. I did not want to go. Neither did any of my friends. So they all left to shop and it was just me and my hubby at the museum. I am so glad I was dragged and it is now one of my favorite museums. The Slav Epic(special exhibit) was amazing. Mucha’s bigger than life pieces were grand and the colors were amazing. I also discovered a few Czech artists/pieces that are amazing. Art that moves you and fills you with wonder. How did they manage to capture that on paper kind of feel.
Nikky P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tucson, AZ
I have been to this gallery many times– they change the exhibits fairly often and you will always find something unexpected and surprising in the installations that they have. There are various types of art, so everyone who enjoys modern art can find something to their liking. The space itself is very interesting too– the building is multi-story with an open gallery in the center so it is possible to see over onto the displays on the other floors
CrazyM
Rating des Ortes: 4 Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Schöné Jugendstil-Messehalle mit angrenzendem Museum. Leider ist der linke Flügel vor einiger Zeit abgebrannt und der Aufbau zieht sich, bis dahin nimmt ein Zelt diesen Platz ein. Ein Tip ist das Restaurant im ersten Stock der mittleren Halle — nicht wegen dem Essen, aber wegen der Aussicht auf die reich verzierten Jugendstilfenster.
Tante_
Rating des Ortes: 4 Berlin
Ein Nachbau eines Kongressgebäudes aus dem Jahr 1929. Wir haben uns nur das Gelände angesehen, was allein schon interessant war. Ausgestellt wird jedoch eine Sammlung der Kunst des 19., 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts sowie moderner und zeitgenössischer Kunst der Nationalgalerie. Zu sehen ist nicht nur moderne tschechische Kunst, sondern auch die französische Malerei des Impressionismus und Gemälde von Munch, Klimt, Picasso und Miró. Verkehrsanbindung: Tram 5, 12, 17