Czech museum experiences that are worth leaving Prague for

Prague may be the epicenter of the Czech art world with enough museums and galleries to keep you busy all year round but there are definitely some out-of-town art experiences that are worth going the extra mile for. Many are not far from the city and easy to get to in a day by train or by car. As an added bonus you will get to see some beautiful countryside, while the historic towns will charm you in a way that you will fall in love with the Czech Republic all over again. 

Here are my top art trips worth exploring in the coming months: 

GASK, the Gallery of Central Bohemia is in the stunning medieval city of Kutná Hora. Housed in a former Jesuit College, you can explore the award-winning modern art exhibition States of Mind on human emotion and thought, as well as A Path Predestined by Fate until March 19 with paintings by sisters Květa and Jitka Válovy. 4,000 pieces from their Estate were donated to the gallery in 2021, giving visitors an unprecedented insight into the life of these leading Czech artists. The town also offers many cafes to hang out in, and the stunning St Barbara cathedral with its medieval frescos is also well worth a visit.

For an immersive and exciting contemporary art experience, the 8Smička Foundation is highly recommended. Situated halfway between Prague and Brno in the town of Humpolec, this contemporary art zone in an old converted textile mill hosts both events and exhibitions. A new exhibition Sites of Reverberation runs from March 4 to May 21 with artists from Poland, German, Austria, and the Czech Republic creating a series of architectural sound explorations. There is also a permanent exhibition of 20th-century art, a delicious cafe, and art courses for the enthusiast.

Prague's rival city Brno offers two more excellent trip opportunities. The outstanding Villa Tugendhat is the only example of Czech modern architecture on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site list. Designed 1929-1930 by Mies van der Rohe, it was a controversial icon of modern design and raised questions at the time as to whether its sleek art deco interior could even be lived in! Today the house and garden can be appreciated through a guided tour, but tickets must be bought in advance. 

A well-kept secret is the Moravian Art Gallery, the Czech Republic's second-largest art museum containing 200,000 art objects, spread over several buildings across the city. Old Master highlights include Peter Paul Ruben's "Head of the Medusa," and there are also fine Baroque paintings, as well as early Modern and Contemporary works by Czech and International artists. The museum offers a rich program of exhibitions and it is well worth including in your Brno trip.

Twenty huge canvases make up artist Alphonse Mucha's extraordinary masterpiece featuring the history of the Slavic people. Mucha made the paintings his life's work and continued them through the hardships of the First World War. They were completed on the 10th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. The visionary paintings caused a sensation when they were last displayed in Prague. You can now experience them at the stunning chateau art gallery in the beautiful town of Moravský Krumlov.

Last but not least, the magnificent renaissance Zámek Nelahozeves opens on April 1 and is well worth a visit. Set high above the Vltava river and belonging to the prestigious Lobkowicz family, the chateau has been lovingly restored and hosts a superb collection of old master paintings, ceramics, and furniture. Its beautiful gardens also offer a pleasant stroll in the warmer weather. Refreshments are available while a playground allows children to let off steam.

So get planning now and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring while also culturally enriching your weekends.