Experience the 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century Exhibition at the National Gallery Prague

This exhibition connects Czech and international art from a "long century" defined by the founding of the Society of the Patriotic Friends of the Arts in 1796. It showcases over 450 artworks by 150 artists, exploring themes of Man, The World, and Ideas through painting and sculpture.

The exhibition "1796–1918: Art of the Long Century" purposefully and naturally connects Czech and international art, focusing on what the National Gallery Prague has amassed in its history rather than relying on loans. It moves beyond a typical art historical review to showcase the breadth of the gallery's holdings, acknowledging the uneven representation of artists based on acquisitions. The selection features over 450 artworks by 150 artists across three major chapters: Man, The World, and Ideas, encompassing both painting and sculpture, including free and public sculpture. Artists like Josef Mánes and Pablo Picasso are presented side-by-side, highlighting diverse art opinions and generations. Thematic divisions allow for exploration of subgroups such as self-portraits, family portraits, cityscapes, landscapes, and religious or mythological themes. Two contemporary interventions by architect Jiří Příhoda and graphic studio Najbrt creatively engage with 19th-century visual media, offering modern perspectives on the legacy of this period. The exhibition redefines the "long century" by beginning with the founding of the Society of the Patriotic Friends of the Arts in 1796, a pivotal moment for fine arts development in the Czech Lands and the establishment of Prague as a significant European art center.

Tickets are on sale from August 1, 2022. A ticket for this exhibition is also valid for all collection exhibitions at the Trade Fair Palace.