Local Galleries Offer Titian, Švabinský, and Modern Art

Anyone who travels for art will be thrilled by Kroměříž. Right here, world-class treasures are within reach, treasures others travel thousands of kilometers to see. The impression of visiting unique historical and modern exhibitions is enhanced by the overall aesthetic and culturally historic appearance of historic Kroměříž. It’s no wonder that the impressive face of the city has always been an inspiration for artists of all kinds.

“Castle Picture Gallery”

Lucas Cranach, Hans von Aachen, Jan Brueghel, Anthonis van Dyck, and of course, Titian Vecellio are just a few of the famous names featured in the gallery of the Kroměříž Castle, which is the second most valuable picture gallery in the Czech Republic. Displayed here are 85 selected originals of significant European painters from the Gothic period to the Rococo era, which is only a fraction of the extensive and unique collection of rare paintings founded by the bishop of Olomouc, Karel II from Lichtenstein-Castelcorna, in the latter half of the 17th century. The greatest gem is Titian’s famous painting Apollo and Marsyas.

“Max Švabinský Memorial”

Kroměříž native Max Švabinský is one of the most significant Czech artists of the twentieth century. The memorial in the Museum of the Kroměříž Region presents seventy years of Švabinský’s work, filled mainly with his love for nature and deeply connected with his personal life as a renowned painter and graphic artist. He is presented as the author of a series of paintings, graphic sheets, creator of monumental forms depicted in mosaics or stained glass, as well as graphics for postage stamps and banknotes. However, Švabinský’s works can also be found elsewhere in Kroměříž. In the premises of the former Franciscan monastery (now Hotel Octárna) are his mosaic lunettes, originally intended for the decoration of the National Theatre in Prague. And visit the ceremonial hall of the Kroměříž town hall to see the most popular and largest masterpiece by Švabinský, The Harvest from 1927.

“Hell’s Sleds Gallery”

Kroměříž’s artistic offerings would not be complete without contemporary art. Hell’s Sleds Gallery, named after a sculpture by artist Karel Nepraš, exhibits works by contemporary Czech and Central European artists. It features three exhibition spaces where twelve exhibitions are held annually. The exhibition projects are supplemented with regular Thursday lectures and artistic workshops. The gallery is located in the renovated building of the former stable of the 3rd Infantry Emperor’s Regiment from the mid-19th century.