Prague Castle Picture Gallery

A collection with roots in the 16th century

The gallery’s history reaches back to Emperor Rudolph II, whose art collection began in the 16th century. The present display brings together more than 100 paintings from the Prague Castle collection, which holds over 4,000 works. Much of the gallery’s selection dates from the 17th century, alongside paintings from later periods.

Italian, German, Dutch and Flemish artists are represented, as are Czech painters of the Baroque period. The gallery gives a concentrated view of painting across these traditions rather than a broad survey of every work held by the castle.

Paintings to look for

Joos van Cleve’s Adoration of the Magi is a triptych filled with carefully rendered textiles and objects. The donor’s family appears in the side panels, accompanied by Saint Jerome and Saint Lucy. Its detailed surfaces reward a close look.

Tintoretto’s Flagellation of Christ brings a sharper sense of movement. Angled limbs and expressive brushwork direct attention through the scene. For a quieter encounter, look for Johann Rudolf Byss’s Saint Peter, painted around 1710. Byss worked in Prague and helped bring Italian and Central European styles together in his painting.

Fra Semplice da Verona’s Pietà with Saint Francis and an Angel is another notable work. Rubens’s Assembly of the Gods on Mount Olympus provides a grander scene among the gallery’s paintings.

Finding the gallery inside Prague Castle

The Picture Gallery is in the former stables beneath the Spanish Hall, in the castle’s second courtyard. Its rooms have vaulted ceilings and parquet floors. The entrance is in the north wing, just past the security check, so it can be easy to pass by while exploring the castle.

Some works are not evenly lit, which can make details difficult to see. Interactive guides and exhibition lectures are available for visitors who want more context, including families with children.