Museum Montanelli: A Hidden Gem of Contemporary Art in Prague

Museum Montanelli, situated on the charming Nerudova Street in Prague's Malá Strana (Lesser Town), is a unique, privately-owned gallery focused on contemporary art. Established in 2006 by Dadja Altenburg-Kohl, the museum's mission is to promote public interest in contemporary art and encourage a deeper understanding through diverse exhibitions and programs. MuMo doesn't maintain a permanent collection but instead hosts regular exhibitions of Czech and international artists, often juxtaposing contemporary works with historical contexts. These exhibitions, which typically run for about three months, showcase both established names and emerging talents. The DrAK Foundation manages the museum and its collections, aiming to connect artistic expression with freedom, a vision inspired by the fall of the Iron Curtain. The museum building itself has a rich history. Archaeological digs have revealed early medieval ceramics dating back to the 10th-12th centuries, as well as remnants of 13th-century structures. In 1666, a one-story, four-axis house with a triangular gable was built on the site. Towards the end of the 19th century, a Late Rococo building was constructed according to the plans of architect V. Cibula. Visitors can explore the exhibition spaces on two levels, including the street and courtyard ground floors, as well as the basement. In addition to the main hall, there's a smaller L-shaped room equipped for video screenings. A spiral staircase connects the upper level to the complex basement rooms, while another staircase links the halls to the courtyard ground floor, where you'll find another exhibition space and a cozy café. The ground floor was completely renovated in 2003 to accommodate the museum's needs. Museum Montanelli also provides guided tours and workshops for children, making it an engaging experience for all ages.