subject: Top Study Travel Destinations: Pragues Artistic Treasures [print this page] Any educator contemplating the benefits of study travel to Europe will find a treasure trove of a city in Prague, especially for budding young artists and art lovers. This lively and culture-filled city promises an eye opening and inspiring experience for any student. With its galleries and museums, its rich artistic heritage, and even its very architecture, the Czech capital is a perfect destination for those with a particular interest in visual arts, not to mention providing a great way to explore art in its social context on an international level. For an idea of the best of Pragues artistic possibilities, read on.
National Gallery
Boasting a proud artistic legacy, the National Gallery in Prague has existed in one form or another since the 18th century, when it was founded by a group of aristocrats and intellectuals to embody Enlightenment values. Today, it spans the city in a number of different buildings, each with their own character and themed collections, providing plenty of opportunities for study travel groups to explore a diverse wealth of styles and ideas. The largest building is the Veletrzni Palace, home to an enviable collection of 20th and 21st century artworks, both Czech and international. This is an ideal place to start for groups seeking to learn more about the evolution of Czech modern and contemporary art, in its own context as well as in comparison to work from elsewhere. For a glimpse into a very different era, the gallerys collection of Medieval and early Renaissance art, housed in the striking Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, is a wonderful look at the drama of religious painting in bygone times. Also worth investigating are the collections of Czech Cubism and Art of the Old World.
Museum of Decorative Arts
While the National Gallery includes some design and decorative art pieces among its collections, its focus is on fine arts; if your study travel group includes students interested in design, the Museum of Decorative Arts could be a great addition to your itinerary. The building alone is worth a visit - a Neo-Renaissance creation from the late 19th century based on the work of Josef Schulz. Its impressive collections range across the eras, with a focus on arts and crafts from Bohemian Europe including objects in wood, metal, glass and ceramic, jewellery, textiles, graphic art, clocks, furniture and toys.
Mucha Museum
Established in 1998 by the Mucha Foundation, this is the worlds only museum dedicated to the life and work of Alphonse Mucha, one of the most important Czech artists and a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement. Included in its collections are the iconic decorative panels he produced in fin-de-sicle Paris, as well as his posters, prints, oil paintings, sketches, and a reconstruction of his studio that offers a fascinating insight into the artists world.
by: Angela Bowden
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