The castle is preparing an open day: the new Picture Gallery and the Museum of the Order of the White Lion are free

The Prague Castle Gallery has been closed since 2019, when the air conditioning necessary to maintain the constant climate needed by the rare works broke down. Back in the summer, representatives of the Prague Castle Administration (SPH) did not know when the building would be opened due to a lack of money. After the unexpected change of SPH leadership in the autumn, this will finally happen from the New Year. The head of the presidential office, Vratislav Mynář, called the procedure around the closed Art Gallery a “gross mistake of the former SPH management” and praised the quick preparation of the premises and technical facilities for their opening.

A new shop will also be opened in the building’s vestibule, where, according to Jan Novák, who is in charge of SPH management, they will be available “not only high-quality and affordable souvenirs, but also more valuable souvenirs representing Czech craftsmanship” and the Czech Republic. In January, Jan Novák also promises to launch the new Prague Castle e-shop.

The basic entrance fee will be 150 crowns, reduced 80 crowns. Admission will be free on Sunday, January 1. Seniors over 70 will also have free entry to the building in the following days. From the beginning of November, they could visit the basic visitor circuit of Prague Castle and the exhibition The Story of Prague Castle for free. The event was supposed to be valid until the end of the year, but according to Vít Novák, it was will be extended until further notice due to “extraordinarily positive response”. Jan Novák said that in addition to the Picture Gallery, seniors can get to the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Alley and St. George’s Basilica for free, and they can also view the exhibition The Story of Prague Castle.

According to spokesman Novák, over 16,000 visitors have picked up a free ticket to the Prague Castle circuit since the beginning of November, and about 12,500 people have picked up a ticket to the Prague Castle Story exhibition.

Museum and castle guard

In addition to the Picture Gallery, visitors can also view recently opened ones for free on Sundays Museum of the Order of the White Lion. It will be accessible from 12:30 to 17:00. The permanent exhibition, which is normally accessible only as part of organized tours, is devoted to the history and present of state awards.

Half an hour before the opening of the museum, people can come to the Castle to watch the extended changing of the Castle Guard ceremony. It will be held on the occasion of 30 years since the establishment of the Czech Republic. “During the ceremony, the national flag will be brought to the courtyard accompanied by guards. The alternating units will honor this important event by paying tribute to the sound of the national anthem of the Czech Republic performed by the Castle Guard Music, which will present itself in a larger formation than usual“, said Vít Novák.