Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1885, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is housed in a Neo-Renaissance
edifice built in 1897–1901 after the designs of architect Josef Schulz. The Museum’s rich collections include decorative and applied art
s and design work ranging from Late Antiquity
to the present day, with focus on European objects, particularly arts and crafts
created in the Bohemian Lands. The impressive interior of the permanent exhibition “Stories of Materials” offers visitors an excursion into the history and development of decorative arts: glass and ceramics, graphic art
and design, objects made in metal, wood and other materials, jewellery, clocks and watches
, textiles, fashion, toys and furniture.
collects and preserves for future generations—in both national and international contexts—examples of historical and contemporary crafts, as well as applied arts and design. We believe in harmony between function, quality and beauty; our ambition is to inspire, educate and entertain in a unique way.
in 1873, the Prague museum soon became an important cultural and educational centre in the Crown Lands of Bohemia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
. The unfavourable impact of the Industrial Revolution
on the aesthetic appearance and, consequently, the quality of products had for a long time been the subject of justified criticisms from artists, theorists and the public. The idea of establishing a permanent exhibition of decorative and applied arts in Prague was realised through an exhibition arranged by the Arkadia Association in 1861 at the Old Town Hall in Prague. Another source of inspiration had been the founding of a similar institution – the South Kensington Museum (now Victoria and Albert Museum
), which opened in London in 1852, originally containing a collection of objects of applied and decorative arts. More important for the Czech public, however, was the Österreichisches Museum für Kunst und Industrie, which opened in Vienna in 1864.
In 1868, in cooperation with the Vienna museum, the Prague Chamber of Trade
and Commerce held an exhibition on Žofín Island of objects obtained from the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867, supplemented by historical arts and crafts mostly from the collection of Vojtěch Lanna (who became the Museum’s most important donor and sponsor). In a period when funds and suitable buildings were hard to find, the promise of the exhibition area in the Rudolfinum
(the House of the Artists), made in 1872 and realised in 1885 when the presidium of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce decided to establish an independent museum, also contributed greatly to the birth of the Museum. Between 1897 and 1900, a Museum building in Neo-Renaissance style was built according to the design of the architect Josef Schulz on a plot of land located between the Old Jewish Cemetery and a street on the edge of Josefov
quarter.
The Museum’s history, founders and patrons of the Museums, and their gifts.
The history of secular clothing and ecclesiastical vestments
, tapestries, embroideries, fashion accessories
and toys.
Sculptural and ornamental clocks, watches and measuring instrument
s.
The stylistic and technical development of glass, ceramics and porcelain, tableware, mirrors and interior accessories.
Information through print and image, book bindings and illustrations, the development of script, posters, photographs, small commercial-art prints.
Gold and silverware including liturgical treasures, jewellery, cast iron
, brass and pewter, semi-precious stones
, ivory and other materials.
A small gallery that holds photographic displays of works by the world-reputed photographer Josef Sudek and others.
The permanent exhibition “Baroque Masterpieces from the Collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague”, accompanying the exposition of Baroque art
in Bohemia of the National Gallery in Prague
, consists of three sections: Liturgical Objects, Tableware and Ornamentation.
The permanent exhibition of the National Gallery “19th-Century Art in Bohemia” is complemented by a selection of artworks from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.
Exhibits from the Museum’s collections form part of the Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries—an interdisciplinary permanent exhibition of the National Gallery in Prague.
Apart from its fine art
s collection, the National Gallery’s Museum of Czech Cubism also contains Cubist furniture, and glass and ceramics from UPM’s holdings.
In Chateaus and Elsewhere
Displays of wrought-iron
objects, children’s toys, the study collection of 19th- and 20th-century furniture from UPM’s holdings. The “Museum of the Senses”—an installation of the Municipal Museum in Kamenice, and short-term exhibitions.
The sole museum in the Czech Republic
that specializes in the history of textile production. Its collections survey the evolvement of textile-making over the centuries, notably of printed fabrics. The Museum organizes regular, short-term exhibitions.
An exhibition of Bohemian porcelain, with examples of Chinese and Japanese wares and porcelain produced in Europe.
The exhibition examines the art of furniture-making throughout the ages: from the Baroque to the Art Nouveau
.
The exhibition halls of the Museum and the Library are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchair access
is possible through the garden, located about 40 metres to the right of the main entrance when facing the building. The lavatories on the first floor are suitable for capable users with mechanical wheelchairs; other barrier-free lavatories are in the Rudolfinum across the street.
Neo-Renaissance
Renaissance Revival is an all-encompassing designation that covers many 19th century architectural revival styles which were neither Grecian nor Gothic but which instead drew inspiration from a wide range of classicizing Italian modes...
edifice built in 1897–1901 after the designs of architect Josef Schulz. The Museum’s rich collections include decorative and applied art
Applied art
Applied art is the application of design and aesthetics to objects of function and everyday use. Whereas fine arts serve as intellectual stimulation to the viewer or academic sensibilities, the applied arts incorporate design and creative ideals to objects of utility, such as a cup, magazine or...
s and design work ranging from Late Antiquity
Late Antiquity
Late Antiquity is a periodization used by historians to describe the time of transition from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages, in both mainland Europe and the Mediterranean world. Precise boundaries for the period are a matter of debate, but noted historian of the period Peter Brown proposed...
to the present day, with focus on European objects, particularly arts and crafts
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts comprise a whole host of activities and hobbies that are related to making things with one's hands and skill. These can be sub-divided into handicrafts or "traditional crafts" and "the rest"...
created in the Bohemian Lands. The impressive interior of the permanent exhibition “Stories of Materials” offers visitors an excursion into the history and development of decorative arts: glass and ceramics, graphic art
Graphic design
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
and design, objects made in metal, wood and other materials, jewellery, clocks and watches
Clock
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
, textiles, fashion, toys and furniture.
Mission
The Museum of Decorative Arts in PraguePrague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
collects and preserves for future generations—in both national and international contexts—examples of historical and contemporary crafts, as well as applied arts and design. We believe in harmony between function, quality and beauty; our ambition is to inspire, educate and entertain in a unique way.
History of the Museum
The foundation of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague in 1885 reflected the dramatic development of Czech society at the time. Following the establishment of a similar institution in BrnoBrno
Brno by population and area is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the largest Moravian city, and the historical capital city of the Margraviate of Moravia. Brno is the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region where it forms a separate district Brno-City District...
in 1873, the Prague museum soon became an important cultural and educational centre in the Crown Lands of Bohemia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary , more formally known as the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen, was a constitutional monarchic union between the crowns of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary in...
. The unfavourable impact of the Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...
on the aesthetic appearance and, consequently, the quality of products had for a long time been the subject of justified criticisms from artists, theorists and the public. The idea of establishing a permanent exhibition of decorative and applied arts in Prague was realised through an exhibition arranged by the Arkadia Association in 1861 at the Old Town Hall in Prague. Another source of inspiration had been the founding of a similar institution – the South Kensington Museum (now Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum , set in the Brompton district of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects...
), which opened in London in 1852, originally containing a collection of objects of applied and decorative arts. More important for the Czech public, however, was the Österreichisches Museum für Kunst und Industrie, which opened in Vienna in 1864.
In 1868, in cooperation with the Vienna museum, the Prague Chamber of Trade
Chamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
and Commerce held an exhibition on Žofín Island of objects obtained from the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867, supplemented by historical arts and crafts mostly from the collection of Vojtěch Lanna (who became the Museum’s most important donor and sponsor). In a period when funds and suitable buildings were hard to find, the promise of the exhibition area in the Rudolfinum
Rudolfinum
The Rudolfinum is a music auditorium in Prague, Czech Republic. It is designed in the neo-renaissance style and is situated on Jan Palach Square on the bank of the river Vltava.-Overview:...
(the House of the Artists), made in 1872 and realised in 1885 when the presidium of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce decided to establish an independent museum, also contributed greatly to the birth of the Museum. Between 1897 and 1900, a Museum building in Neo-Renaissance style was built according to the design of the architect Josef Schulz on a plot of land located between the Old Jewish Cemetery and a street on the edge of Josefov
Josefov (Prague)
Josefov is a town quarter and the smallest cadastral area of Prague, today Czech Republic, formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. It is completely surrounded by Old Town...
quarter.
Permanent exhibition
The Stories of Materials- Founders’ Hall
The Museum’s history, founders and patrons of the Museums, and their gifts.
- The Story of Fibre: Textiles and Fashion
The history of secular clothing and ecclesiastical vestments
Vestment
Vestments are liturgical garments and articles associated primarily with the Christian religion, especially among Latin Rite and other Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans...
, tapestries, embroideries, fashion accessories
Fashion accessory
Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement and complement clothes, such as jewelery, gloves, handbags, hats, belts, scarves, wigs, watches, sunglasses, pins, stockings, bow ties, hand fans, leg warmers, leggings, neckties, suspenders, and tights....
and toys.
- Time Machines: Clocks and Watches
Sculptural and ornamental clocks, watches and measuring instrument
Measuring instrument
In the physical sciences, quality assurance, and engineering, measurement is the activity of obtaining and comparing physical quantities of real-world objects and events. Established standard objects and events are used as units, and the process of measurement gives a number relating the item...
s.
- The Fire Arts: Glass and Ceramics
The stylistic and technical development of glass, ceramics and porcelain, tableware, mirrors and interior accessories.
- Print and Picture: Graphic Design and Photography
Information through print and image, book bindings and illustrations, the development of script, posters, photographs, small commercial-art prints.
- The Treasury: Metals and Other Materials
Gold and silverware including liturgical treasures, jewellery, cast iron
Cast iron
Cast iron is derived from pig iron, and while it usually refers to gray iron, it also identifies a large group of ferrous alloys which solidify with a eutectic. The color of a fractured surface can be used to identify an alloy. White cast iron is named after its white surface when fractured, due...
, brass and pewter, semi-precious stones
Gemstone
A gemstone or gem is a piece of mineral, which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments...
, ivory and other materials.
Other exhibitions
In Prague- The Josef Sudek Gallery - 24 Úvoz, Prague 1Prague 1Prague 1, formally the Prague 1 Municipal District , is a second-tier municipality in Prague. It is co-extensive with the national administrative district of the same name....
A small gallery that holds photographic displays of works by the world-reputed photographer Josef Sudek and others.
- The Schwarzenberg PalacePalais SchwarzenbergPalais Schwarzenberg is a Baroque palace in front of Schwarzenbergplatz, Landstraße, the 3rd district of Vienna, Austria. It is owned by the princely Schwarzenberg family....
- 2 Hradčanské náměstí, Prague 1
The permanent exhibition “Baroque Masterpieces from the Collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague”, accompanying the exposition of Baroque art
Baroque art
Baroque painting is the painting associated with the Baroque cultural movement. The movement is often identified with Absolutism, the Counter Reformation and Catholic Revival, but the existence of important Baroque art and architecture in non-absolutist and Protestant states throughout Western...
in Bohemia of the National Gallery in Prague
National Gallery in Prague
The National Gallery in Prague is a state-owned art gallery in Prague, Czech Republic. It is housed in different locations within the city, the largest being the Veletržní Palác....
, consists of three sections: Liturgical Objects, Tableware and Ornamentation.
- St. George’s Convent - 33 Jiřské náměstí, Prague CastlePrague CastlePrague Castle is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here...
The permanent exhibition of the National Gallery “19th-Century Art in Bohemia” is complemented by a selection of artworks from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.
- The Trade Fair Palace - 47 Dukelských hrdinů, Prague 7
Exhibits from the Museum’s collections form part of the Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries—an interdisciplinary permanent exhibition of the National Gallery in Prague.
- The House of the Black MadonnaHouse of the Black MadonnaThe House of the Black Madonna is a cubist building in the "Old Town" area of Prague, Czech republic. It was designed by Josef Gočár. It is currently in use as a small museum of Cubism and is open to the public....
- 19 Ovocný trh, Prague 1
Apart from its fine art
Fine art
Fine art or the fine arts encompass art forms developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application. Art is often a synonym for fine art, as employed in the term "art gallery"....
s collection, the National Gallery’s Museum of Czech Cubism also contains Cubist furniture, and glass and ceramics from UPM’s holdings.
In Chateaus and Elsewhere
- Kamenice nad LipouKamenice nad LipouKamenice nad Lipou is a small town situated in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands between Pelhřimov and Jindřichův Hradec. Its most important sight is a castle. It took part of its name after an ancient lime tree that still grows in the garden adjacent to the castle . The tree is believed to be...
Chateau - 1 Náměstí Čsl. Armády
Displays of wrought-iron
Wrought iron
thumb|The [[Eiffel tower]] is constructed from [[puddle iron]], a form of wrought ironWrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon...
objects, children’s toys, the study collection of 19th- and 20th-century furniture from UPM’s holdings. The “Museum of the Senses”—an installation of the Municipal Museum in Kamenice, and short-term exhibitions.
- The Textile Museum in Česká SkaliceCeská SkaliceČeská Skalice is a town in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It has cca 5,500 inhabitants.-External links:* *...
The sole museum in the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
that specializes in the history of textile production. Its collections survey the evolvement of textile-making over the centuries, notably of printed fabrics. The Museum organizes regular, short-term exhibitions.
- Klášterec nad OhříKlášterec nad OhríKlášterec nad Ohří is a town in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic. The River Ohře runs through the town.The town has around 15,700 inhabitants...
Chateau - 1 Chomutovská
An exhibition of Bohemian porcelain, with examples of Chinese and Japanese wares and porcelain produced in Europe.
- Nové Hrady Chateau - 1 Nové Hrady (near Litomyšl)
The exhibition examines the art of furniture-making throughout the ages: from the Baroque to the Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that were most popular during 1890–1910. The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art"...
.
Library
The largest Czech library specializing in the arts and related fields is an integral part of the Museum. It holds 172,000 volumes, including authoritative art encyclopaedias, dictionaries of artists and comprehensive works on iconography, topography and heraldry. Apart from art books and other scholarly publications, the Library contains a great many other reference manuals and periodicals. The Library provides on-premise use of resources, database access, and searching in the Art and Architecture (ART) subject gateway.The exhibition halls of the Museum and the Library are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchair access
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
is possible through the garden, located about 40 metres to the right of the main entrance when facing the building. The lavatories on the first floor are suitable for capable users with mechanical wheelchairs; other barrier-free lavatories are in the Rudolfinum across the street.
See also
- Josef Sudek GalleryJosef Sudek GalleryThe Josef Sudek Gallery is situated near Hradčany in Prague, in a house, where Josef Sudek lived from 1959 until his death. Part of his photographic output was transferred to the MDA in Prague in the years 1978 - 1988. Since 1989 the MDA in Prague has also been administering the artist’s flat,...
- The Chateau at Klášterec nad OhříThe Chateau at Klášterec nad OhříAn exhibition of porcelain from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.The chateau complex, situated on the left bank of the Ohře River, constitutes a dominant landmark in the town’s recently restored urban conservation area. The chateau is set in the middle of extensive landscaped grounds with...
- Museum of Textile in Česká SkaliceMuseum of Textile in Česká SkaliceThe textile museum in Česká Skalice is the only Czech museum specialized in the history of textile production. Its displays and collections represent a unique body of work reflecting the development of textile industry, especially cloth printing, in the Czech Republic and abroad...
- The Chateau at Kamenice nad Lipou