In Prague’s Old Town, the National Gallery Prague at the Convent of St. Agnes pairs a medieval Gothic complex with a collection of religious art from Bohemia and Central Europe. The former convent dates to the 13th century and includes cloisters, a sanctuary and a church. You can explore parts of the building and its gardens without a ticket; admission is needed for the gallery exhibitions. Look for Gothic altar paintings and painted religious sculptures, then take time to see the upper-floor collection.
A 13th-century convent in Old Town
The Convent of St. Agnes stands in the northeastern part of Prague’s Old Town. Founded in the 13th century by Agnes of Bohemia and her brother, King Wenceslas I, it is one of the city’s oldest surviving Gothic buildings. The restored complex is now part of the National Gallery Prague.
Its historic buildings include a cloister, a sanctuary and a church in the French Gothic style. The rooms and courtyards let you see the architecture as well as the art, so leave time to look around the complex rather than heading straight to the exhibition.
Medieval art from Bohemia and Central Europe
The National Gallery’s collection includes medieval and early Renaissance works from Bohemia and Central Europe, dating from 1200 to 1550. Gothic altar paintings and polychrome religious sculptures are among the works to look for. The collection includes paintings by the Master of the Třeboň Altarpiece, an artist whose identity is unknown.
The exhibition is on the upper floor, and there is a substantial amount to see. Give the works time, especially if you are interested in the development of Gothic religious art. Admission to the exhibitions is ticketed; parts of the convent can be explored without a paid ticket.
The convent grounds and activities
The gardens offer a calm place to pause after the galleries, with contemporary art also displayed in the complex. On a sunny day, take a walk through the grounds and look for the historic tombs displayed there.
Children can try activities such as pressing paper or writing with feather quills. The site also has a café, and concerts are held in the convent. If a concert is part of your plans, check the National Gallery’s website for current details.
Perguntas frequentes
Do you need a ticket to visit the Convent of St. Agnes?
Parts of the convent, including the ground-floor areas, can be visited without a paid ticket. You need admission for the National Gallery exhibitions.
What is on display at the National Gallery in the convent?
The collection includes medieval and early Renaissance art from Bohemia and Central Europe, with Gothic altar paintings and polychrome religious sculptures.
How long should you spend at the Convent of St. Agnes?
Allow about an hour to explore the complex. Set aside more time if you plan to see the upper-floor exhibition in detail.
Is the Convent of St. Agnes suitable for children?
Yes. Activities include pressing paper and writing with feather quills.
