THE PRINCELY COLLECTIONS
One of the most significant family collections in Europe, the Lobkowicz Collections are comprised of paintings, decorative arts, original musical scores and instruments, an extensive library of rare books and archives, and important arms and armor, spanning seven centuries of art and music patronage.
The new, permanent exhibition entitled The Princely Collections is housed in the Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle and opened to the public on April 2, 2007. This unique and dynamic installation dramatically expands the family’s efforts to restore additional rare objects and make this extraordinary heritage of the Czech nation even more accessible to local and international audiences.
Highlights of the works exhibited at this outstanding location, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the jewels of the old master paintings, namely two world-renowned views of London by Canaletto, The River Thames on Lord Mayor’s Day and The River Thames with Westminster Bridge, both painted in the late 1740´s, and Haymaking by Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1565). Portraiture from the largest collection of 16th century Spanish paintings outside of Spain and Austria is now on view at Prague Castle in a display of family and dynastic portraits reflecting innumerable connections between the courts of Prague, Madrid and Vienna.
The Lobkowicz Princes’ exceptional patronage of composers, most notably Beethoven, are illuminated by an installation of the family’s most important musical manuscripts and instruments. The best examples of the extraordinarily diverse and vast ceramics collection, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, are also on display. An armory, containing one of the finest and rarest collections of firearms in Central Europe, is featured in two rooms. These pieces, resplendent works of art in their own right, are displayed together for the first time in a single magnificent setting.
This is by far the most ambitious endeavor that the Lobkowicz family has undertaken in the sixteen years they have spent preserving, protecting and making accessible their unique cultural heritage in the Czech Republic. In concept with the considerable educational programs already available at Nelahozeves Castle – opened to the public by President Václav Havel in 1997 – and the ongoing display of the Collections there, this major project revitalizes an important cultural site in the heart of Europe by increasing public access to some of the world’s greatest works of art.
VISITORS COMMENTS
"A more idyllic romp through history and culture cannot be imagined."
"This palace is a gem! It has some of the most beautiful things that I have seen in this beautiful city. And the narration by the family members was not only very informative, it was very touching."
"It was almost magical – you felt like part of the family."
"Simply stupendous. Done in perfect taste. The best!"
"This was my first trip to Prague. By combining your family history/experience with your wonderful collection you created a profoundly unique visit."
"Loved it. What a brilliant walk through time and a well told story of family history."
"An incredibly wonderful and powerful collection."
"Wonderful artifacts beautifully presented. Worth visiting Prague just to visit this gallery."
"The audio guide is excellent. And as I looked at the original orchestra parts with Beethoven’s own corrections, my hand was shaking."
"This is one of the most wonderful museums I have ever visited in Europe."
"Absolutely amazing. A fantastic collection which was beautifully described with the audioguide."
"A major highlight of our visit to Prague."
"Amazing collection! As musicians, we are thrilled to see the original manuscripts and pay homage to the Lobkowicz family who supported some of the world’s greatest composers!"
"The best discovery in Praha in more than 20 years of visiting."
"Superb collection of one family’s treasures…An amazing experience – not to be missed by any visitor to Prague."
"Really extraordinary combination (a grand alliance) between family self-awareness and refined aesthetics. I’ve not seen anything like it, anywhere."
"One of the best audio tours (and most personal) I have ever used!"
"Beautiful place. What a wonderful experience for our whole family."
"One of the most moving visits I have ever had – truly wonderful. Particularly the music room which made me cry! Thank you."
"Having traveled around the globe in many circles I have yet to behold such relevant beauty and family history artfully placed in such a spectacular setting. Today’s experience in your palace escapes the common tourist in most countries. In one hour I learned more about this part of the world from an insider’s perspective; the audio tour was personable and informative."
"By chance we stumbled upon the museum and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the midday concert, terrace café and rooms of the collections."
"This history and insight into the Lobkowicz family and their great gift to our artistic and musical culture has moved us deeply and we are grateful to be among the first to be visitors to the place that will be the pinnacle of most visits to the beautiful city of Prague."
"A truly magnificent experience. So well presented. Your staff are so enthusiastic and so willing to please."
"A wonderful experience, well-managed and thought out. Staff who are very considerate. The highlight of our visit. Do not change anything."
"Was absolutely breathtaking!"
"A wonderful visit to your castle concert as well as your gift shop service."
"Marvelous collections which evoke the great family history with impressive taste and vision. We were wonderfully surprised by the presentation and the professionalism and attitude of staff members. We would surely recommend the museum to future visitors."
"One of the best museums I have ever visited – the thought and care taken to put this together is very evident."
"A truly remarkable collection presented with a very special touch. The audio guide is special, too, adds a personal warmth that brings the collection to life in a way that sets this apart from everything else we have visited."
"By far the best audio guided tour I have enjoyed anywhere in the world."
"The best food in Prague + the best view as well + the best beer."
"This is a wonderful exhibition, a treat for the eye, ear and soul. A splendid commentary, as if you were the personal guests of the Lobkowicz family, strolling down the centuries with them. The whole is done with intelligence and a quiet humor. A must see for anyone who cares about Czech culture."
"We are so glad that we happened upon this exhibit. Being in the same room as Beethoven’s symphonies was breathtaking!"
"One of the most enjoyable collections we have ever visited + the audio was definitely the best produced. What a remarkable family!"
"The most lucid and elegant introduction to Czech history since we’ve arrived. So wonderful it made me cry."
"Incredible! I’ve seen palaces and art exhibits all over the world – Hong Kong, Singapore, Athens, Istanbul, London, Paris, Vienna, Washington, Dublin, Edinburgh and now Prague – and I’ve never enjoyed myself more than my enriching and informative tour through (the) Lobkowicz Palace. Thank you for your dedication to history!"
"Bravo!"