Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Králové (Galerie moderního umění v Hradci Králové)
Královéhradecký kraj
The Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Králové is a prominent regional art institution located in the heart of the city. It is situated in a magnificent Art Nouveau building originally constructed in 1912 as the palace of the Credit and Saving Institute. The architectural design was masterminded by the renowned architect Osvald Polívka. The building's exterior is a masterpiece in itself, featuring monumental sculptures entitled 'Harvest' and 'Trade' by Ladislav Šaloun at the main entrance. Additionally, the cornice is elegantly supported by three 'Atlant' figures crafted by sculptor František Fabiánek. Inside, visitors can admire beautifully preserved original artistic decorations, including intricate stained glass windows and ornate stucco applications. Between 2014 and 2016, the building underwent an extensive and sensitive reconstruction to modernize its exhibition spaces while restoring its historical charm. Today, the gallery manages a comprehensive collection of Czech and foreign fine art spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. It stands as a vital cultural hub, continually expanding its focus and collections to reflect the dynamic evolution of modern and contemporary art.
Planifiez votre voyage en Tchéquie avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Take time to admire the exterior architectural details before entering, especially the monumental sculptures by Ladislav Šaloun. The modernized interior from the 2014-2016 reconstruction offers a highly accessible viewing experience, so be sure to look out for the preserved 1912 stained glass windows and stucco work alongside the contemporary art.
Faits intéressants
- •The gallery's current building was originally designed in 1912 as the palace of the Credit and Saving Institute.
- •Before the gallery moved in after 1989, the Art Nouveau building was used as the communist Museum of Revolutionary Traditions.
- •In 1930, famous architect Josef Gočár designed a four-winged modernist gallery for the city, featuring an underground operational area and an atrium garden, but it was never built.
- •The gallery's foundational collection started with a donation of exactly one hundred paintings and works on paper from Bishop Josef Doubrava.
- •In 2021, the gallery significantly expanded its contemporary holdings by purchasing the extensive art collection of Karel Tutsch.
Histoire
The origins of the gallery trace back to the Municipal Picture Gallery (1919–1953), founded upon a donation of one hundred artworks by Bishop Josef Doubrava.
In 1930, architect Josef Gočár designed a modernist gallery building for the riverbank, but the project was never realized due to local opposition and World War II.
The gallery was officially established as an independent institution in 1953, initially opening to the public in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou castle in 1954.
It relocated to the Bishop's Residence in Hradec Králové in 1962, opening its first permanent exhibition there a year later.
Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the institution moved to its current Art Nouveau premises, a building that had previously housed the communist Museum of Revolutionary Traditions.
Guide du lieu
The Art Nouveau Building Exterior1912
The magnificent facade of the former Credit and Saving Institute palace, designed by Osvald Polívka. It features striking sculptural elements that highlight the building's original financial purpose.
Preserved Historical Interiors1912
The internal spaces of the gallery showcase the restored elegance of early 20th-century design, seamlessly blended with modernized exhibition facilities following the 2014-2016 reconstruction.
Permanent Art Collections19th - 21st century
A comprehensive exhibition of fine arts spanning three centuries, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression in the region and beyond.
Contact
Téléphone: 495 512 538