Prague
Permanent collection

Experience 'Portrait in Music': A Permanent Exhibition Exploring Musical History at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague

Delve into the Lobkowicz family's rich musical legacy through Baroque instruments and interactive exhibits on Beethoven and Mozart.

The 'Portrait in Music' exhibition at Lobkowicz Palace invites visitors to explore newly reimagined music galleries. These captivating spaces bring to life significant moments in musical history, showcasing an unparalleled collection of Baroque plucked string instruments and ceremonial trumpets. Engage with interactive technology to discover musical manuscripts and delve into the Lobkowicz family's patronage of Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart within this historic Prague setting.

About Portrait in Music at Powder Tower in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Portrait in Music at Powder Tower in Prague

Exhibition summary

The Lobkowicz Palace now features reimagined music galleries showcasing a significant collection of musical instruments and historical musical moments. These new rooms highlight Baroque plucked string instruments, ceremonial trumpets, and important musical manuscripts, offering an immersive experience with interactive technology.

Curatorial context

The Lobkowicz Palace has been revitalized with new musical resonance, introducing two permanent music galleries that illuminate significant moments in musical history. These galleries house an unparalleled collection of musical instruments, including Baroque plucked string instruments and ceremonial trumpets, reflecting the rich musical legacy associated with the Lobkowicz family. The exhibition delves into the most brilliant period of Lobkowicz musical activity, particularly the patronage of Franz Joseph Maximilian, 7th Prince Lobkowicz, a noted supporter of Ludwig van Beethoven. Visitors can discover highlights such as Mozart’s autograph revisions of Handel’s Messiah, alongside period manuscript copies and first printed editions of Beethoven’s pivotal symphonies. Archival materials, correspondence, and other treasures further enrich the narrative, bringing new musical life and context to these spaces. The gallery's design itself is a nod to musical history, with a floor plan shaped like a Baroque guitar and a ceiling painting that recreates the atmospheric setting of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 3 (_Eroica_) rehearsals. Advanced audio-visual technology enhances the visitor experience, allowing for detailed exploration of musical scores and manuscripts on touch screens, discovery of hidden archival material, and immersion in Beethoven's music through sound showers. Digital projections bring 17th-century operatic scenes to life, and animations illustrate Mozart’s adaptations. An audio guide narrated by William Lobkowicz, Dr. Kathryn Libin, and Dr. Petr Slouka offers further insight into this immersive musical experience.

Admission and ticket notes

Information about ticket prices and booking is not explicitly detailed on this page, but the exhibition is located within the Lobkowicz Palace museum. Visitors are directed to the official museum website for further details on collections and visiting information.

Portrait in Music key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Portrait in Music at Powder Tower in Prague

Venue
Powder Tower
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features the patronage of Franz Joseph Maximilian, 7th Prince Lobkowicz, and explores the works of Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Curators include Vassar College Associate Professor of Music Dr. Kathryn Libin and Curator of the Lobkowicz Music Archive Dr. Petr Slouka.
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