The Culture of Prague

The culture of Prague is full of art, music and architecture. The people from Prague value their art very much, as can be seen in their buildings, monuments, and bridges. It’s exciting to know that they continue to cultivate their culture and nourish their past. The many museums in Prague is a testimony of their dedication to their art.

National Museum

You can find the National Museum in Wenceslas Square. It is the most impressive building in the square. This building which houses the National museum was built in 1818 whose founder were aristocrats of Libstein – the Count of Kolowrat and Kaspar Maria, Count of Sternberg.

There are 5 major departments in the National Museum. These are:

• The Scientific Museum
• The Historical Museum
• The Museum of Czech Music
• The Museum of Asian, African and American Culture
• The Library of the National Museum

National Gallery

Prague’s National Gallery is composed of several buildings and boasts of having some of the most famous art collections of Prague, and art from other part of the world.

To see the National Gallery’s treasures, you will have to travel around Prague to seven different locations in the city.

1. Prague Castle – here you can find painting and sculpture from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
2. Kinsky Palace – this is home to a collection of valuable drawings and prints
3. Veletrzni Palace – here you will be able to enjoy a large collection of contemporary and modern art
4. St. George’s Convent – you can visit this convent and see many ancient art collections that has been compiled together
5. Zbraslav Monastery – from Asia to Prague – see a permanent exhibit of Asian art
6. Sternberg Palace – a favorite among art lovers, this palace is home
   to the art of the Old Masters
7. St. Agnes Convent – home to original Czech medieval, non Gothic, and 19th century art

National Theatre

The people of Prague do not just value art in the form of music, sculpture, and paintings. They also love opera, drama and ballet. The National Theatre is home to Prague opera and ballet, and is in fact home of the National Opera and Laterna Magika.

There are three main theaters here – the National Theatre, the Kolowrat Theatre, and the Estates Theatre. While ballet, drama and opera showcase the best of the classics, they are also known for their modern and contemporary interpretations and shows.

From the people of Prague came the money to build this magnificent National Theatre, and it formally opened its door on June 11, 1881. Unfortunately it soon burned down and had to be repaired. It again opened it doors more than 2 years after on November 18, 1883.

The Estates Theatre is known to be one of the more beautiful theatres in all of Europe. It opened in1783, and two years later started having regular shows for the people.

Kolowrat Theatre houses the drama section and the administration offices of the National Gallery. After several years of reconstructive work, the drama department was able to launch its activity on December 2, 1991. Since then it has been the venue for major drama shows.