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Den medieval art exhibition at the Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, hidden in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, is a window into the past. The National Gallery Prague’s permanent exhibition showcases more than 200 great works of Czech medieval art and their European counterparts, spanning three centuries of innovation, commitment, and cultural interchange. It is one of Central Europe’s most complete presentations of medieval Bohemian art, with each painting, sculpture, and altar telling a tale that is still relevant today.
Whether you’re interested in religious art, history, or discovering Prague’s cultural treasures, this medieval art exhibition offers an extraordinary glimpse into the spiritual and visual imagination of the medieval period.
A journey through 300 years of medieval art
Den medieval art exhibition i den Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia takes you on an unforgettable visual trip through three centuries of religious creativity. With almost 200 artworks from Central Europe, it conveys the essence of a continent in change.
More than 200 artworks from Central Europe
The collection includes masterpieces from Bohemia, Austria, Saxony, and Franconia. These territories, long linked by trade and faith, are now unified in a single immersive exhibition showcasing the complexity and richness of medieval civilisation.
A combination of painting, sculpture, and craft.
The display features a wide range of media, from bright altarpieces to carved wooden saints and goldsmith relics. Each piece, made between 1200 and 1550, provides insight into daily devotion, spiritual ideals, and the extraordinary talent of medieval craftsmen.
The National Gallery’s permanent exhibition
This long-term exhibition has been organised by the National Gallery Prague, which has carefully maintained and presented Czech medieval art. The exhibition is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Mediaeval Art Prague, making it available to anyone.
Local traditions and European influence
The artworks on display demonstrate a relationship between native and European styles. While profoundly founded in Bohemian religious tradition, the art incorporates influences from Italy, Germany, and the Low Countries, demonstrating the region’s receptivity to new ideas and its major role in creating medieval aesthetics.
Highlights of Czech medieval art
Czech mediaeval art peaked in the 14th century, under the reign of Karl IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia.
His backing spawned the “Beautiful Style,” a distinct Bohemian a different light of Gothic art characterised by elegant forms, delicate features, and emotional depth.
At the centre of this golden age were artists whose works continue to inspire:
- Master Theodoric, Charles IV’s court painter, is famed for his intense, dazzling portraits of saints.
- The Master of the Vyšší Brod Altar’s delicate panels depict the life of Christ with elegance and care.
- The Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece was a pioneer of light and mood in religious art.
These painters shaped the soul of medieval Bohemia, combining dedication and technical brilliance. Their paintings embody the Gothic ideal, spiritual, symbolic, and profoundly human, and establish the groundwork for the early Renaissance.
Discover medieval Bohemian art diversity
As the medieval art exhibition progresses, you will learn how medieval Bohemian art evolved in response to changing circumstances.
The Renaissance’s impact began to appear in the late 15th century, particularly under Jagellonian rulers Vladislav II and Louis II. Artists experimented with reality, emotion, and perspective, indicating an evolving worldview.
The show emphasises this change with pieces from numerous creators, including:
- The mysterious Monogrammist IP is famed for its intricate miniatures and woodcuts.
- Hans Pleydenwurff’s German precision brought new clarity to Czech masterpieces.
- Lucas Cranach the Elder was a significant player in early Renaissance portraits and religious themes.
These artists represent the breadth of medieval Bohemian art diversity, demonstrating how Bohemia absorbed and recreated forms from throughout Central Europe.
Visit the museum of medieval art in Prague
Step into the serene Gothic halls of the Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, where centuries of faith and artistry come to life at the Museum of Medieval Art Prague. This evocative venue in Prague’s Old Town has one of Europe’s most valuable collections of medieval sacred art.
📍Where to find the exhibition?
The museum is situated in Na Františku, Prague 1, a short walk from the Vltava River and historic Old Town sites.
🕰 Operating hours
Plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. and 18:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Ticket information
Tickets can be purchased online through the National Gallery Prague website or at the door.
🖐️Interactive sculpture experience
On the ground level, don’t miss the interactive sculpture section, where you may use your hands to explore the textures and patterns of medieval craftsmanship.
📱 Download the free mobile app, your Smart Art guide.
Get the “Hidden Secrets of Medieval Paintings” app for free. It enhances your museum experience with auditory, visual, and historical insights, making it ideal for both new and experienced art enthusiasts.
What else to see in Prague after your visit
After you’ve seen the medieval art exhibition, go outside and enjoy the splendour of Prague’s Old Town. Just a short walk from the convent are the Franz Kafka Museum, Museum Kampa, and seasonal shows such as the Czech Open Air Festival.
Need a break? Enjoy a stroll along the Vltava River or relax in one of the Malá Strana cafés, which are surrounded by baroque architecture and cobbled paths. There are guided walking tours, hidden courtyards, and architectural marvels nearby. Here are some additional ideas:
Medieval dinner in Prague with show & unlimited drinks
Travel back in time in a medieval tavern with dinner, unlimited drinks, and a live show of music, dance, and swordplay in the heart of Prague.
Explore Prague’s medieval underground & hidden Old Town secrets
Uncover Prague’s hidden past in a guided tour of Old Town’s underground, dungeons, and medieval secrets, including the Golem and torture chambers.
Guided tour of Prague Castle with expert local guide
Explore Prague Castle with a local guide. Visit St. Vitus, Golden Lane, palaces, chapels and more. Skip the line and enjoy included tram access.
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