Top 10 Must-Visit Galleries and Museums You Can’t Afford to Skip!

Prague is not just renowned for its shopping and historical sites; it is also brimming with numerous galleries and art museums.

If you have a passion for classical art, modern avant-garde styles, or innovative contemporary pieces, you will find something to match every artistic preference. But which gallery is perfect for everyone, including young children?

Here is a carefully selected list of the 10 top galleries and exhibition venues in Prague that feature permanent collections.

1. Salm Palace: new exhibition of Asian art

From Friday, April 25, 2025, the Salmov Palace located in Hradčany Square will introduce a new exhibition titled Art of Asia Across Space and Time. This exhibition will showcase more than 520 artifacts from Asian and Islamic cultures that span over 5,000 years, offering an in-depth look into the history of Asian art collections within the Czech Republic. It will also illuminate the provenance of these remarkable pieces, providing insights into how the National Gallery and its collectors acquired them.

The National Gallery in Prague presents both historical and modern art across seven locations in the city center. It brings attention to prominent themes and figures that have helped shape Czech, European, and global art movements. Temporary exhibitions can be found at the Veletržní Palace and the Wallenstein Riding School. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery offers a vibrant array of programs including lectures, workshops, seminars, art courses for all ages, and guided tours.

2. Prague Castle Picture Gallery: Exhibition of Old Masters

The Prague Castle Picture Gallery offers engaging interactive guides, escape games, and exhibition lectures designed to make art accessible for everyone, including children. Its permanent exhibition features over 100 meticulously selected paintings from the Prague Castle collection, providing insights into the evolution of art history. The Picture Gallery is also significant as it manages a remarkable collection of more than 4,000 artworks, making it the oldest continuously maintained painting collection in the Czech Republic.

This impressive collection dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and includes essential masterpieces from European art, preserving a rich artistic legacy. Among the most esteemed works are paintings by renowned Renaissance and Baroque artists like Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, and Hendrick Goltzius, as well as pieces by famous Czech painters such as Karel Škréta and Petr Brandl.

3. Rudolfinum Gallery: exhibitions of contemporary art

The Rudolfinum Gallery is a modern exhibition institution of the Kunsthalle type that focuses on both contemporary Czech and international art. This gallery regularly organizes educational programs for schools and the public, including lectures, seminars, theater performances, and music events. Various publications are also produced by the gallery.

If you want to introduce art to children and young audiences in a fun way, consider visiting Artpark, which features more playful and easily comprehensible exhibitions.

You can explore the current program or enjoy some offerings from the permanent program. This includes a compact exhibition in the foyer at the entrance to Dvořák Hall titled About the Rudolfinum in the foyer. You can also indulge in recordings from the Czech Philharmonic, which can be savored in the tranquil the Jiří Bělohlávek Listening Lounge. Both areas are open daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, narrative catalogs from exhibitions and other publications can be perused in the Rudolfinum Gallery Library daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Address: Alšovo nábřeží 79/12, Prague 1-Old Town
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm, Thursday 10 am-8 pm
• Admission: usually free

4. DOX: a space open to discussions

The DOX Gallery in Prague is a privately operated museum that encourages dialogues on crucial social matters through art, literature, and performance. It provides a platform for critical thinking, nurturing free expression and creativity. Alongside showcasing contemporary art exhibits, DOX hosts discussions, workshops, concerts, film screenings, and educational initiatives for schools. For greater detail, you can visit the DOX Gallery’s website.

DOX Gallery is an excellent choice for families with children as it has a dedicated children’s area where young visitors can interact with art in an engaging and educational manner while having a wonderful time. Be sure to check the regular family-themed events that are worth attending. For older children, an interactive game is available for each exhibition, making their visit more enjoyable and that allows parents to appreciate the exhibitions at their own pace.

After exploring, don’t miss the chance to visit the on-site café, bistro, bookstore, design shop, or the fine arts archive, all of which may also feature some exhibitions. The gallery, housed within former industrial space, is notable for its original architecture; leading Czech architects Ivan Kroupa, Petr Hájek, and Martin Rajniš contributed to its reconstruction and enhancements.

• Address: Poupětova 1, Prague 7-Holešovice
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-7 pm
• Admission: 330 CZK, reduced to 120-180 CZK

5. Art Palace Prague: a meeting of history and modern art

Art Palace Prague is situated within the neo-Renaissance structure of the former Živnostenská banka, or Land Bank of the Kingdom of Bohemia, established in the late 19th century. The gallery first opened in November 2024 and aims to become one of the premier cultural institutions in Prague. It displays contemporary and historical art from Europe and beyond, with every thoughtfully arranged exhibition offering visitors an opportunity to delve into various artistic movements, featuring an eclectic mix of works ranging from classical to modern and experimental art styles.

The building itself, designed by architect Oskar Polívka, is quite striking, with culture and art enveloping you from every direction. Its decorations were contributed by notable Czech artists, including Max Švabinský, Stanislav Sucharda, and Ladislav Šaloun.

• Address: Na Příkopě 858/20, Prague 4-New Town
• Opening hours: daily April-September 10 am-9 pm, October-March 10 am-7 pm
• Admission: 300 CZK, reduced 150 CZK

6. Kunsthalle Prague: contemporary art without a permanent collection

The Prague Kunsthalle is a contemporary art exhibition venue located in the former Zenger transformer station in Klárov. Unlike traditional galleries that maintain extensive permanent collections, it emphasizes rotating exhibitions that tackle current social issues and showcase innovative trends in 20th and 21st-century art.

Its goal is to enhance understanding of both Czech and international art from these periods while connecting the Czech art landscape to the global scene. In addition to its exhibitions, the Kunsthalle provides a variety of supplementary activities, including lectures, discussions, and educational programs meant to enrich public engagement with contemporary art.

The Kunsthalle is home to three expansive gallery spaces; thus, after your tour, take a break in the café with views of Petřín Hill and Prague Castle. If you seek a moment of “zen” to reflect on your thoughts, check out the Schwestern – the observation tower, where you can contemplate your impressions from the exhibitions while enjoying an uninterrupted view of Prague Castle and the Letná skyline.

• Address: Klárov 132/5, Prague 1-Malá Strana
• Opening hours: daily except Tuesday, 11 am-7 pm, Wednesday until 9 pm
• Admission: 320 CZK, reduced 200 CZK

7. Kampa Museum: avant-garde icons and today’s work

For those wishing to experience modern art in one of Prague’s most charming locations, Museum Kampa is the perfect destination. The museum displays iconic pieces from both Czech and European avant-garde and other art from various eras, all set within the beautiful surroundings of the former Sovový mlýn, providing stunning views of the Vltava River and Charles Bridge.

What makes Museum Kampa especially distinctive is its unique method for organizing collections—works are grouped by theme instead of by material. Alongside its permanent displays, the museum regularly features temporary exhibitions that highlight current trends in visual art.

Among its highlights is a permanent exhibition called Kupka / Gutfreund: Masters of World Art. The works by František Kupka and Otto Gutfreund are crucial components of the Kampa Museum’s offerings. The museum’s founder, Meda Mládková, aimed to popularize both artists in the USA and raise awareness of Czech art. External projects from the museum, including exhibitions focused on August 1968 and others occurring outside of Prague, also add to its breadth.

• Address: U Sovových mlýnů 2, Prague 1-Malá Strana
• Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
• Admission: entire museum 350 CZK, reduced 220 CZK; permanent exhibition only 190 CZK, reduced 100 CZK; exhibitions according to the program, observation deck 30 CZK

8. Leica Gallery Prague: world and Czech photography

For photography enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of this medium, the Leica Gallery in Prague is an ideal destination. Since its inception in 2002, the gallery has been dedicated to acquiring striking photographs and organizing unique, unconventional exhibitions.

In addition to featuring works by world-class artists, the gallery places a strong emphasis on promoting Czech and Slovak photography. Exhibitions are displayed both within the gallery’s premises and in the café, which also houses a bookstore that focuses on Czech and international photographic art.

The gallery typically hosts around five exhibitions each year, accompanied by diverse programs such as discussions, guided tours, and art workshops for children, among others. It also stands out as the only Czech gallery that has participated four times in Paris Photo, one of the top photography fairs in Europe. In 2012, Leica joined a global network of galleries representing several key cities around the world.

• Address: Školská 28, Prague 1-New Town
• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10 am–8 pm; weekends and holidays, 11 am–6 pm; during July and August, daily from 11 am–6 pm
• Admission: 100 CZK, reduced 45-60 CZK

9. Kooperativa Gallery: a leading private collection

On the third floor of the Kooperativa Insurance Company headquarters in Karlín, you will find an exceptional collection of Czech fine art spanning from the 18th century to present day. The gallery holds around three thousand pieces that feature celebrated artists such as Josef Mánes, Mikoláš Aleš, Jan Zrzavý, and Josef Čapek. Each year, the gallery presents two exhibitions free to the public, showcasing select works from this expansive collection. The gallery also hosts discussions, events, and guided tours.

After your visit, you can enjoy a delightful dessert and superb coffee at Café Between the Lines, a café that employs and supports individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the gallery publishes accompanying publications for its exhibitions, created in collaboration with the Mánes association, allowing you to relive the experience of each exhibition whenever you like.

• Address: Pobřežní 665/21, Prague 8-Karlín
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 12–18:00, weekends 10–18:00
• Admission: free

10. Central Gallery: Mucha, Dalí and Warhol

The Central Gallery, located in the heart of Old Town Square, is a three-level art haven that immerses visitors in the realms of iconic artists like Salvador Dali, Alfons Mucha, and Andy Warhol. Each floor is dedicated to one of these illustrious figures, offering unique perspectives on their artwork that may surprise even their most ardent admirers. A guided tour of each exhibition typically takes around 40 minutes.

After your visit to the gallery, make sure to stop by the souvenir shop, which is inspired by the artworks on display. You’ll find various items such as porcelain featuring motifs from Alfons Mucha, Salvador Dali’s iconic melting clocks, Andy Warhol posters, art books, ceramics, and postcards available. This shop is open to all, including those who have not purchased tickets to the exhibitions.

• Address: Staroměstské nám. 15, Prague 1-Old Town
• Opening hours: daily 10 am–8 pm
• Admission: 250-500 CZK, reduced 200-400 CZK, family tickets 600-1200 CZK depending on the number of exhibitions