Schwarzenberg Palace

Schwarzenberg Palace is a National Gallery Prague museum on Hradčanské Square, close to Prague Castle. Its Renaissance façade is covered in black-and-white sgraffito, and the interior has painted decoration and preserved ceilings. Inside, you can see Old Master paintings spanning the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, including works by European artists and figures connected with Bohemia. An armory occupies the top floor. The museum is compact, but exhibitions spread across different parts of the palace, so allow time to explore beyond the main rooms.

A Renaissance palace on Hradčanské Square

Schwarzenberg Palace stands on Hradčanské Square in the Hradčany district, opposite Prague Castle. Built in the mid-16th century, it is a prominent example of Bohemian Renaissance architecture. Its exterior is marked by black-and-white sgraffito, a decorative treatment that rewards a closer look as you walk across the square.

The building is part of the National Gallery Prague and now houses an art collection. The palace itself is also part of the visit: painted decoration and preserved ceilings give the exhibition rooms a historic setting.

Old Masters and the armory

The gallery presents paintings from the late Renaissance through the Baroque period, with works connected to Bohemia alongside pieces by artists from elsewhere in Europe. The collection includes paintings by Rembrandt and Bronzino, as well as works by Peter Paul Rubens and Karel Škréta. The palace also displays sculpture by Ferdinand Maxmilián Brokoff and Matthias Bernard Braun.

A collection of arms is on the top floor, adding another subject to the visit. Exhibitions occupy different areas of the palace, so allow more than a quick look through the main rooms if you want to see the range on display.