5 of the best: don’t-miss art exhibitions in Prague this winter

Have you been looking from textbook to laptop screen to textbook all day? Do you need a break from homework and revision at the UNYP library? It will do you good to get out, walk around the city and soak up some culture at one of Prague’s many great art shows. There’s something for everyone this winter, so we’ve rounded up some current and upcoming art exhibitions from Prague’s major galleries and museums.

Take advantage of studying abroad and check out some brilliant winter exhibitions across Prague!

1989

Where: Trade Fair Palace 

When: 15.11.2019 – 16.2.2020

The 1989 exhibition at the Trade Fair Palace presents the response of Czech photographers to turbulent times. Thirty years after 1989, this exhibition uses documentary photography to take a look at the Velvet Revolution and the social upheaval that followed. This exhibition is a part of the “Havel to the Castle!” project, and is probably the most significant exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. This important exhibition is a great opportunity to learn more about the historical context of Prague, your study abroad destination in the Czech Republic. 

Petr Sís: On Flying and Other Dreams

Where: DOX

When:13. 9. 2019 – 20. 1. 2020

Another exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, but this one shows a much more personal journey. The internationally renowned artist, author, and illustrator Petr Sís presents “On Flying and Other Dreams” – a carefully constructed world of fantasy, full of adventures, reminiscences, and dreams. The exhibition features five books by Petr Sís that focus on the subject of “inner” and “outer” freedom, conveying the message that individual freedom is a fundamental value that cannot be taken for granted, and that its gradual and concealed erosion poses a threat to contemporary society.

Czech Press Photo 2019

Where: Staroměstské nám. 1/3, 110 00 Staré Město, Praha1 

When:23.11.2019 – 30.1.2020

The Czech Press Photo Contest has been held since 1994, and celebrates the year’s best contributions to visual journalism, chosen by an independent jury of photography professionals. The 2019 exhibition marks the 25th edition of the contest, and the photographs on display depict a variety of domestic and international political and social events. 

LIVING IN ART

Where:  Trade Fair Palace 

When:  15.11.2019 – 2.2.2020

Curated by Petr Šámal, this exhibition is dedicated to the architectural décor of Prague’s fin de siècle residential buildings, including works from Mikoláš Aleš, Josef Václav Myslbek, Viktor Barvitius, and Josef Mánes. These artists made a key contribution to the present-day appearance of Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

The Treasury of St. Vitus

Where: Prague Castle

When: Permanent

Last but not least, The Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral is on permanent display at Prague Castle. This is one of the largest church treasuries in Europe, containing objects in a variety of styles and precious materials, and with the oldest items dating back to 929. This exhibition will guide you through the most significant phases of Prague’s history, so be sure to see it before your semester at UNYP is over and you head home for the holidays.