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Schwarzenberg Palace | National Gallery Prague

Explore Prague's Renaissance palace displaying old masters and Czech baroque art.

ArtHistoryArchitecture

Discover the historic Schwarzenberg Palace, a magnificent Renaissance residence in Prague. Now part of the National Gallery Prague, it showcases a significant permanent collection of Old Masters and hosts engaging temporary art exhibitions within its grand halls.

A grand Renaissance palace in Prague, home to the National Gallery's Old Masters collection and various temporary art exhibitions.

Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague
About Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague

Schwarzenberg Palace is a prominent Renaissance residence in Prague, constructed in the North Italian style and completed in 1567. This historic palace, known for its iconic sgraffito decoration, now serves as a key venue for the National Gallery Prague. It primarily hosts the permanent "Old Masters" exhibition, showcasing European painting and sculpture from the 15th to 18th centuries, alongside various temporary art displays. Visitors can explore a rich artistic experience within its historically preserved environment.

Schwarzenberg Palace with its ornate Renaissance facade and gabled roof under a clear blue sky
Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

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10:00-18:00
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Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague Tickets

Admission to Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague provides various options, with free entry for children under 16. Reduced admission is available for students, seniors, and groups. Visitors can choose from standard adult tickets or opt for joint tickets covering multiple Old Masters exhibitions. A 10-day pass for all permanent exhibitions is also offered. Some specific ticket types, including joint tickets and the 10-day pass, must be purchased directly at the NGP cash desks.

Basic Admission
CZK 250.00

Permanent exhibition at Schwarzenberg Palace

Discounted Admission
CZK 140.00

Upon meeting conditions Reduced price for eligible visitors

School Groups
CZK 60.00

From 16 years old, minimum 10 people For school groups

Visitor amenities and accessibility at Schwarzenberg Palace

Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague provides a range of facilities to support visitor comfort and ease of movement throughout the building, including step-free access and dedicated lifts. The venue offers accessible toilets and has a wheelchair available for guest use to assist those with mobility requirements. Additionally, limited guided tours and specialized fine arts workshops are available upon prior arrangement for groups with specific needs.

wheelchair-accessible toilets

Available

Lifts

Available

Step-free access

Available

wheelchair available for use

Available
Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague Location

Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague is located at Hradčanské Square 2 in the historic city of Prague. Positioned within a culturally significant area, this grand Renaissance palace provides visitors with a distinguished setting to immerse themselves in its collection of Old Masters and various temporary art exhibitions.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Hradčanské Square 2

110 00 Prague

Prague, CZ

Planning Your Visit to Schwarzenberg Palace

Visitors to Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague in Prague are recommended to make reservations, especially for permanent exhibitions where tickets can be bought online or at the venue. For educational programs and group tours, advance arrangements are necessary. General admission tickets offer single entry and remain valid for up to 12 months from purchase, while some special passes are only available on-site.

Planning Your Visit to Schwarzenberg Palace

Schwarzenberg Palace: Renaissance Art and Old Masters

Schwarzenberg Palace, a grand Renaissance residence in Prague, presents a distinct visitor experience defined by its historic architecture and significant art collections. Visitors encounter an exterior adorned with elaborate sgraffito decoration, reflecting its 16th-century North Italian style. Inside, the palace houses the National Gallery Prague's permanent 'Old Masters' exhibition, showcasing European painting and sculpture from the 15th to 18th centuries. This curatorial focus offers a deep dive into historical art. Additionally, the venue regularly hosts diverse temporary art exhibitions, providing a dynamic range of artistic experiences within its historically rich environment.

Renaissance palace with ornate stonework and a gabled facade, featuring multiple windows and a central entrance, set against a clear sky with long shadows cast on the building.

Schwarzenberg Palace Historical Background

Constructed between 1545 and 1567, the Schwarzenberg Palace is a striking example of *Renaissance architecture* in Prague, notable for its elaborate sgraffito designs. After initial ownership by various noble families, the House of Schwarzenberg acquired it in the early 18th century, undertaking significant renovations. The palace was later leased to the National Technical Museum, opening to the public in 1910. Following its use as a military museum during the Nazi occupation and subsequent damage, the National Gallery Prague acquired the property in 2002, amidst a major renovation period from 2000 to 2007, re-establishing it as a prominent cultural monument.

  • Palace construction completed

    1545-1567Construction

    The Schwarzenberg Palace, a Renaissance building in Prague, was constructed starting in 1545 and completed in 1567. The site previously housed several medieval buildings that were damaged by a fire in 1541.

  • Ownership passed through several houses

    Ownership

    After its initial construction, the palace passed through various noble families including the Popel of Lobkowicz, House of Rosenberg, House of Švamberk, and House of Eggenberg before coming to the House of Schwarzenberg through marriage in the early 18th century.

  • Renovated in the early 18th century

    Renovation

    The palace underwent significant renovations under the House of Schwarzenberg. The dwelling area was rebuilt by architects Anton Erhard Martinelli and Antonín Haffenecker, and the sgraffito designs were finished with contributions from Josef Schulz and Jan Koula.

  • Renaissance architecture and sgraffito

    Historical period

    The Schwarzenberg Palace is a notable example of Renaissance architecture, characterized by its extensive sgraffito designs covering 7,000 square meters. The initial sgraffito were in a North Italian style and later expanded and repaired.

  • Became unoccupied as family moved to Vienna

    Relocation

    The Schwarzenberg family eventually moved to Vienna, leading to the palace becoming unoccupied. This period of vacancy preceded its lease to the National Technical Museum.

  • Leased to National Technical Museum and opened to public

    1910Opening

    In 1908, the palace was leased to the National Technical Museum, which subsequently opened its facilities to the public two years later, in 1910.

  • Damaged during Nazi occupation and Prague uprising

    Renovation

    During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, the palace was repurposed as a military museum and sustained damage during the Prague uprising.

  • Transferred to Military History Institute

    Ownership

    Following World War II and its damage during the Prague uprising, the palace was transferred to the administration of the Military History Institute Prague.

  • Significant renovations from 2000 to 2007

    2000-2007Renovation

    The palace underwent a significant period of renovations that lasted for seven years, from 2000 to 2007, updating its facilities and structure.

  • Acquired by National Gallery Prague

    2002Ownership

    In 2002, amidst its ongoing renovations, the National Gallery Prague acquired the Schwarzenberg Palace from the Ministry of Defence.

  • Designated a cultural monument

    Heritage status

    The Schwarzenberg Palace is recognized as a cultural monument in the Czech Republic, signifying its historical and architectural importance.

Schwarzenberg Palace FAQs: All Your Answers (and a Few Surprises)

Ever wondered how to join the NGP Club of Friends, or perhaps if Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague has a specific contact form? Our frequently asked questions cover everything from admission details, like free entry for children, to those slightly more unique queries. Dive in to find answers to all your questions about visiting this beautiful Renaissance palace in Prague.

How long is an NGP Club of Friends membership valid for?

An NGP Club of Friends membership card is valid for one year from the date of purchase. When renewing, the validity of the new membership begins immediately after the original one. If your previous membership has expired, the new membership is valid from the date of purchase.

Is there a digital version of the NGP Club of Friends membership card?

Yes, you can use your NGP Club of Friends membership card in both its physical form and as an electronic QR code stored in Apple Wallet or another digital wallet on your phone.

How can I join the NGP Club of Friends?

You can become a member of the NGP Club of Friends by purchasing a membership at any NGP ticket office during opening hours or by completing the online application form and paying the annual fee.

Can I have my NGP Club of Friends membership card mailed to me?

Yes, when purchasing your membership, you can choose to collect your membership card at the NGP box office or have it mailed to you, with postage costs covered by NGP.

Schwarzenberg Palace Visitor Tips

Planning your visit to Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague, it is recommended to make reservations, especially for specific educational programs or group tours which require advance arrangements. General admission tickets for the permanent exhibitions can be acquired either directly at the venue's cash desks or through online purchase. Be aware that some special passes, such as the 10-day pass or the joint ticket for Old Masters exhibitions, are exclusively available for purchase on-site at the NGP cash desks. For visitor comfort and accessibility, the palace offers step-free access and has lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets available, with a wheelchair also on hand for use by visitors.

Schwarzenberg Palace: Visitor Suitability

Schwarzenberg Palace - National Gallery Prague primarily appeals to those interested in art history, particularly European painting and sculpture from the 15th to 18th centuries, housed within a significant Renaissance architectural setting in Prague. Visitors keen on exploring Old Masters collections and appreciating historic palace grandeur will find much to engage with here. The venue is well-equipped for visitors with mobility considerations, offering step-free access, lifts, and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including a wheelchair available for use. While general visits are straightforward, groups and those with specific educational needs can arrange tailored tours in advance.

Schwarzenberg Palace Photos

Explore photos of the Schwarzenberg Palace, showcasing its magnificent Renaissance architecture. The images highlight the ornate stonework and distinctive stepped gables of this historic Prague landmark. Visitors can expect to see various exterior views, capturing its grand facade under clear skies.

Schwarzenberg Palace with its ornate Renaissance facade and gabled roof under a clear blue sky
Renaissance palace with ornate stonework and a gabled facade, featuring multiple windows and a central entrance, set against a clear sky with long shadows cast on the building.
Schwarzenberg Palace with its Renaissance architecture, featuring stepped gables and a stone facade, under a blue sky with a vintage car and people in the foreground.
Close-up of the ornate facade of Schwarzenberg Palace with intricate stonework and windows
Renaissance palace with intricate stone facade and stepped gable under blue sky
Renaissance palace with ornate facade and stepped gable under blue sky
Renaissance palace with ornate facade and stepped gable under a clear sky
Renaissance palace with intricate stonework facade and blue windows under a clear sky
Schwarzenberg Palace with a dark roof and stone facade, surrounded by red-roofed buildings under a clear blue sky
Courtyard of Schwarzenberg Palace with ornate stonework and arched doorways under a clear blue sky
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