The National Gallery Prague’s Waldstein Riding School is an exhibition space in a historic building within the Wallenstein Palace grounds in Malá Strana. Its programme changes, with shows on Czech and international artists as well as themes such as Buddhist art and women artists. Past exhibitions have included Alfons Mucha, Petr Brandl and Buddhist works spanning several centuries. The spacious interior gives large-scale displays room to breathe; interactive areas upstairs add another way to explore. Leave time for the Wallenstein garden after your gallery visit.
Changing exhibitions in a historic riding school
The gallery is housed in the historic Waldstein Riding School, part of the Wallenstein Palace and garden in Malá Strana. Rather than presenting one permanent collection, it hosts different exhibitions of Czech and international art. Shows stay for a few months at a time, so the programme changes; check the National Gallery Prague website for current exhibitions before you go.
Past displays have ranged from work by Alfons Mucha and Czech painter Petr Brandl to exhibitions about women in art and Buddhist art. A show on Petr Brandl presented his paintings on glass panels that appeared to float in the large space. It also included details from his personal life alongside interpretations of his work.
Buddhist art and interactive displays
An exhibition titled “The Buddha Up Close” brought together Buddhist art from the Museum Rietberg in Zurich and the National Gallery, exploring the Buddha’s life and times. Another exhibition presented objects from different centuries in a well-lit display. The gallery has also hosted a thoughtfully curated focus on women artists, tracing their work and the challenges they faced.
Look for the interactive areas upstairs as you move through the exhibitions. After leaving the gallery, the Wallenstein garden is close by. Its fountains and sculptures make it a natural addition to a visit to the palace grounds.
FAQ
Where is the Waldstein Riding School?
It is at Valdštejnská 3 in Malá Strana, within the grounds of Wallenstein Palace and garden.
What can you see at the National Gallery Prague’s Waldstein Riding School?
The venue hosts changing exhibitions of Czech and international art. Past shows have covered Alfons Mucha, Petr Brandl, women artists and Buddhist art.
Are there interactive displays?
Interactive areas are located upstairs.
What can I visit after the gallery?
The Wallenstein garden is part of the palace grounds and has fountains and sculptures.
