Prague’s Top Antique Shops

With Prague’s rich history spanning centuries and almost countless collectible items in circulation, this capital city houses an impressive amount of antique stores. Without any insight or informed guidance, it may be very difficult to navigate through the many options available. This is precisely why I sat down with Miroslav Švarc, the owner of czechantik.cz and a lecturer at Prague’s leading Antiquities school. Whether you are looking to purchase antique furniture, jewelry, pottery, a statue or any other historical item of value, we have compiled a list of 6 respected, trustworthy and high-quality antique shops to inspire you to visit.

This elegant and classic shop in the proximity of the Jewish Quarter is a perfect example of a relatively hidden, but fascinating location. The displayed items in the windows and the well-lit glass cabinets house some of the most stunning examples from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods. Mr. Jankovský who owns and manages this shop is known for his attention to details and for selling some of the finest items on the market. Don’t let the size of the shop fool you. His masterfully displayed and arranged display cabinets and a clean, refined interior of his shop are exemplary. This shop is definitely in line with some of the best shops across the World. If Art Deco and Art Nouveau suits your liking, then you will not leave disappointed.

Very close to Mr. Jankovský’s antique store and on the main street right by the Staroměstská tram stop, you will find this little jewel run by Alena Langerová. Upon entering the shop premises, you will stumble across items from numerous periods, all tastefully arranged in well-lit and decorated cabinets. Ambra is well known and in fact specializes in quality antique jewelry ranging from bijoux, fascinating Art Deco jewelry all the way to captivating Art Nouveau charms and rings rarely seen these days. If you are looking to impress your loved one or simply want to explore this journey back in time, this may well be the right location for you. I know for one that I enjoy every visit to this shop.

Right in the heart of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, in the famous Maiselova street, you are likely to run across a well-know, yet relatively “new” antique shop run by Ing. Martin Cinolter. A relative newcomer since 2001, Cinolter offers, much like Starožitnosti Ambra, a wide array of jewelry, specializing in precious stones of various types. Although this is their specialty, they do offer an extensive range of other fine arts items, all displayed tastefully for visitors to feast on. Unlike many other antique shops, Cinolter offers a consultancy service related to purchasing precious stones. If you are about to purchase or have purchased, it may be worth considering having it checked here.

This antique store near Národní Třída offers a refined assortment of items primarily from the 19th Century. The tasteful, classic cabinets and the interior of the shop contain many items including statues, pictures and high-quality porcelain. Mr. Uhlíř is one of the most renowned, honest and respected antique shop owners from the Old School of antique dealers. Upon entering the shop, you are welcome by the vibrance of a classical and beautiful Prague antique shop. Mr. Uhlíř and his colleague Mr. Roubíček are very friendly, open and always willing to help you. You will find that a visit to this wonderful shop is about more than just the items on display.

Antique Újezd, located at a great central location in Malá Strana is yet another antique shop gem in the very heart of Prague. With the growing appeal of European-quality Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, this store has some of the nicest offerings in this area, similar to those of Mr. Jankovský and unrivalled by most other antique shops across Prague. Antique Újezd also operates a professional and renowned jewelry workshop. Should you need your jewelry repaired or amended, this shop offers this service as well. Although it is relatively small, there is plenty on display for sale. From little statues, to furniture and paintings, there is considerable amount to choose from.

This traditional family-owned shop run by the Olomouc-based Urban family has opened about six months ago in the Rytířská Street. Upon visiting the shop, you will be welcome by one of the sons. The shop offers items dating back from the Baroque era all the way to paintings by true masters from the first half of the 20th Century. The shop focuses primarily on collectable high-quality clocks as well as rare historical weapons. The modern look and arrangement is very much pleasing to walk through and explore. It becomes clear that the shop prides itself in offering items of utmost quality and with precious historical value.

Many people still prefer visiting a shop where they can see the items in person prior to purchase. There is definitely a growing trend of items being sold online via specialized portals such as Miroslav Švarc’s czechantik.cz, auction-house Dorotheum or globally, via ebay.com and similar portals. Essentially, with new technologies come new methods. I for one believe that antique shops are here to stay and recommend that you pay some of the above mentioned a visit. I am confident that you will not regret it!