National Gallery Prague
Prague · Czech Republic · Founded 1796
Quick answer
National Gallery Prague in Prague, Czech Republic — the National Gallery in Prague was founded in 1796 by Czech patriotic nobility as the first public picture gallery in the Habsburg Empire — predating the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna by nearly a century. Open Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays. Admission: CZK 300 per venue (approx. €12); combined ticket for all venues available. Allow 2–3 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
National Gallery Prague at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | CZK 300 per venue (approx. €12); combined ticket for all venues available |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at Veletržní palác. |
| Getting there | Tram: Tram 6, 17, or 24 to Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) in Holešovice |
| Address | Staroměstské náměstí 12, 110 15 Prague 1, Czech Republic (main office; venues across the city) |
| Official website | ngprague.cz |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is National Gallery Prague known for?
The National Gallery in Prague was founded in 1796 — the first public picture gallery in the Habsburg Empire, predating Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum by nearly a century. Today it operates across seven historic buildings in Prague.
The Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) holds the most extensive display — modern and contemporary art including Picasso, Klimt, Schiele, and the Alfons Mucha Slav Epic when on display. The Šternberg Palace on Hradčanské náměstí holds Old Masters.
Czech Cubism — a uniquely Bohemian movement extending Cubist principles to furniture and architecture — is surveyed more completely here than anywhere else. Medieval Bohemian art and Baroque masterpieces fill the historical venues.
A combined ticket covers all venues. Most visitors should prioritise Veletržní palác for a first visit.
Best for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts · First-timers
How long do you need at National Gallery Prague?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Gallery Prague without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Slav Epic (cycle)
📍 Veletržní palác (when on display)
Mucha's 20 monumental canvases depicting the history of Slavic peoples — among the largest painting cycles in art history.
- 2
Medieval Bohemian Altarpiece
📍 Šternberg Palace or Anežský klášter
Gothic panel painting from the court of Charles IV — delicate International Gothic style from the golden age of Bohemian art.
- 3
Czech Cubist Furniture
📍 Veletržní palác
Prague's unique contribution to modernism — Cubist principles applied to chairs, cabinets, and clocks.
- 4
The Water Goblin
📍 Veletržní palác
A Czech Impressionist landscape from the turn of the century — part of the strong holding of Bohemian painting at the Trade Fair Palace.
What are the must-see works at National Gallery Prague?
4 highlights that define the collection: The Slav Epic (cycle), Medieval Bohemian Altarpiece, Czech Cubist Furniture and more.
The Slav Epic (cycle)
Alfons Mucha · 1910–1928
📍 Veletržní palác (when on display)
Mucha's 20 monumental canvases depicting the history of Slavic peoples — among the largest painting cycles in art history. Display status varies; check ngprague.cz.
Medieval Bohemian Altarpiece
Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece · c. 1380
📍 Šternberg Palace or Anežský klášter
Gothic panel painting from the court of Charles IV — delicate International Gothic style from the golden age of Bohemian art.
Czech Cubist Furniture
Josef Gočár · c. 1912
📍 Veletržní palác
Prague's unique contribution to modernism — Cubist principles applied to chairs, cabinets, and clocks. The most complete survey anywhere.
The Water Goblin
Antonín Slavíček · 1903
📍 Veletržní palác
A Czech Impressionist landscape from the turn of the century — part of the strong holding of Bohemian painting at the Trade Fair Palace.
Collections and highlights
- • Alfons Mucha Slav Epic — 20 monumental paintings
- • Czech Cubism — painting, furniture, and design
- • Medieval and Gothic Bohemian art
- • Old Masters at Šternberg Palace — Cranach, Rubens, Rembrandt
- • Modern art — Picasso, Klimt, Schiele, Dalí
- • Seven historic venues across Prague
- • Baroque art at Schwarzenberg Palace
Tips for visiting National Gallery Prague
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at Veletržní palác. Šternberg Palace quieter than the Castle crowds.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Varies by venue — Castle-area galleries busy in summer. Veletržní palác in Holešovice is calmer.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
CZK 300 per venue or combined ticket at ngprague.cz. Check which venues are open — some close for reinstallation.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Café at Veletržní palác; Holešovice restaurants; Castle district cafés near Šternberg Palace.
- 5.
Accessibility
Veletržní palác fully accessible. Historic palaces may have stairs — check per venue.
How do you get to National Gallery Prague?
- tram Tram 6, 17, or 24 to Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) in Holešovice
- metro Line C to Vltavská — 5-minute walk to Veletržní palác
- walk Šternberg Palace on Hradčanské náměstí — 5 minutes from Prague Castle
Address: Staroměstské náměstí 12, 110 15 Prague 1, Czech Republic (main office; venues across the city)
National Gallery Prague: frequently asked questions
What is the best National Gallery venue to visit in Prague?
The Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) holds the most extensive collection and is the best single venue for international and Czech modern art, including the Mucha Slav Epic. The Šternberg Palace is best for Old Masters. Both are excellent.
Where is Mucha's Slav Epic?
The Slav Epic — Alfons Mucha's cycle of 20 massive paintings depicting the history of Slavic peoples — is currently displayed at the Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) of the National Gallery Prague.
How long should I spend at National Gallery Prague?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of National Gallery Prague. Our 4-stop route — The Slav Epic (cycle), Medieval Bohemian Altarpiece, Czech Cubist Furniture and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is National Gallery Prague best known for?
The National Gallery in Prague was founded in 1796 by Czech patriotic nobility as the first public picture gallery in the Habsburg Empire — predating the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna by nearly a century. Today it operates across seven historic buildings in Prague, with the Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) serving as the primary venue for its modern and contemporary art collections. Key highlights include Czech Cubism — the most complete survey of this uniquely Bohemian movement, Alfons Mucha's Slav Epic — 20 monumental paintings displayed at Veletržní palác, Works by Cranach, Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Klimt, and Schiele.
How do I get tickets for National Gallery Prague?
Admission: CZK 300 per venue (approx. €12); combined ticket for all venues available. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.ngprague.cz/en/
Which venue should I visit first?
Veletržní palác for modern art, Mucha, and Czech Cubism. Šternberg Palace for Old Masters. Anežský klášter for medieval art. One venue takes 2–3 hours.
What is Czech Cubism?
A uniquely Prague movement (c. 1910–1914) applying Cubist geometry to painting, furniture, and architecture — distinct from Parisian Cubism. The National Gallery holds the definitive collection.
Is National Gallery Prague open on Mondays?
No — National Gallery Prague is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are National Gallery Prague's opening hours?
National Gallery Prague is open Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is National Gallery Prague free to visit?
No — standard admission is CZK 300 per venue (approx. €12); combined ticket for all venues available.