National Gallery Prague, Trade Fair Palace

At the National Gallery Prague, we care for the most significant collection of Czech and international art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. These collections are exceptional not only in their scope, but also in the fact that we present them in unique historic buildings.

What is the most bizarre thing you’ve ever had to deal with as part of installing an exhibition?

OLDŘICH BYSTŘICKÝ, EDUCATOR (OB): Every exhibition brings new and unexpected challenges, whether related to installation or transport—for example, when a work of art doesn’t fit through the door or requires specific lighting or climate conditions. Sometimes, however, it is precisely these unexpected complications that push our curators and production teams to create something exceptional.

What does it usually look like 20 minutes before an opening?

OB: An institution of our scale is not flexible enough for much to change twenty minutes before the opening. If someone or something isn’t there by then, we will probably have to do without them.

How do you know when an exhibition has really been a success?

OB: A successful exhibition receives positive feedback from visitors, and you can usually tell very quickly.

Which exhibition will you never forget, and why?

OB: Every one of our exhibitions is unforgettable to us, and choosing just one as the best would be like choosing between your own children.