THE MORAVIAN GALLERY IN BRNO CANCELS ENTRANCE FEES TO ITS
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
Moravian Gallery in Brno /
Tisková zpráva / Press Release
the Permanent Exhibitions:
Six Centuries of European Art in Governor´s Palace / Brno, Moravské nám. 1a
Modern and Contemporary Art in Pražák Palace / Brno, Husova 18
Applied Art and Design in Museum of Applied Arts / Brno, Husova 14
www.moravska-galerie.cz
The Moravian Gallery in Brno is the first state art museum in the Czech Republic to cancel entrance fees to
its permanent exhibitions. From 1 December 2013 visitors to the Moravian Gallery can get acquainted with
the impressive collections in the modern art exhibition in the Pražák Palace, early art collections in the
Governor’s Palace and collections of applied arts in the Museum of Applied Arts for free. In contrast to the
previous fee of 60 crowns (reduced fee 30 crowns), visitors won’t have to pay anything; alternatively, they can
donate a voluntary sum for which architect Tomáš Svoboda has designed a special box. A unique new feature
of the “Six Centuries of European Art” exhibition in the Governor’s Palace is The Ride of the Kings (1897), a
monumental painting by Joža Uprka that has been restored and returns to Brno after 35 years.
This public-friendly step has both a pragmatic and symbolic level. “With the entrance fees cancelled, we
expect a massive increase in the numbers of visitors; however, we also want art in Brno to be available for
everybody,” says Jan Press, MG Director. His decision was based on foreign practice, especially that of London
museums and galleries.
“Our chief objective is not only the improved statistics of visitors’ numbers. Free admission enables, for
example, repeated visits to permanent exhibitions through which viewers can get a more profound insight into
the history of art,” says Press. He believes that visits to the Moravian Gallery will become an attractive
alternative to free-time activities in the city centre. “The Moravian Gallery understands the cancellation of
entrance fees, first and foremost, as an invitation for the public to its exhibitions. The cancellation of entrance
fees might help remove an imaginary yet in many cases real barrier between the public and the Moravian
Gallery. The increase in the numbers of visitors and time they spend in the Moravian Gallery will be also
contributed to by further changes: we are planning to open two new cafes, in the Pražák Palace and the
Governor’s Palace of the MG and to expand the museum shops next year,” comments Press.
Although the permanent exhibitions will be free of charge, visitors can donate money which will be used for
the run of the art collections. “We invest large sums in the building and running of the permanent exhibitions.
The new status of ‘voluntary entrance fee’ will enable visitors to contribute not only to their upkeep but, in
particular, to their further expansion,” adds Jan Press.
The cancellation of entrance fees does not apply to two buildings administered by the MG, the Jurkovič House
and the Josef Hoffmann Birthplace. Short-term shows will be charged for as well.
PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Six Centuries of European Art / Governor´s Palace, Moravské nám. 1a
The central motif of the exhibition is the painting by Peter Paul Rubens The Head of Medusa. According
to Greek mythology whoever looked artist succeeded in transposing part of the magic power into the
Tisková zpráva / Press Release
picture, horrifying and fascinating at the same time. The exhibition presents the most valuable examples
of European art from the collections of the MG from the 14 th to the 19 th century – including works by
unknown mediaeval masters as well as by Lucas Cranach, Paolo Pagani, Bernardo Strozzi, Franz
Anton Maulbertsch, Ondřej Schweigl, etc., complemented by works on loan owned by other institutions.
Free entry.
Applied Art and Design / Pražák Palace / Brno, Husova 18
The permanent exhibition traces the development and style changes in the furniture, textiles, glass
artefacts, ceramics, porcelain and precious metal objects from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the
20 th century. Outstanding among Renaissance works is a set of Italian majolica and a gilded wedding
chest called cassoni. The Baroque room features a remarkable collection of engraved and cut goblets,
the Brussels workshop of U. Leyniers is represented by the tapestry called Kimon’s Battle from the 18 th
century. Exhibits from the 19 th century that demand our attention include Vranov earthenware inspired
by the English Wedgwood and a series of Thonet chairs. The final part of the exhibition is dedicated to
the beginning of the 20 th century with works by J. Hoffmann, the WW, etc. Free entry.
Modern and Contemporary Art / Museum of Applied Arts / Brno, Husova 14
The permanent exhibition of fine art from the first half of the 20 th century presents the works of Czech
modernism and the inter-war avant-garde as a robust presence in the collection of the MG – František
Foltýn, Vincenc Makovský and Linka and Antonína Procházka, as well as Václav Špála, Emil Filla, Josef
Čapek and Otto Gutfreund. The creative efforts of the cubist painters, sculptors and architects in the
sphere of applied art are shown by some important works by Vlastislav Hoffman, Pavel Janák and Josef
Gočár. The paintings and sculptures are displayed together with drawings, photographs and applied art.
Free entry.
PARTNERS
CONTACT FOR MEDIA: Martina Vašková, tisk@moravska-galerie.cz, t +420 532 169 174, m +420 724
516 672