Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague

Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague

Since its establishment in 1885 until the conclusion of the First Republic era, the Museum of Decorative Arts (known as UPM) served as a repository for the finest contributions of the Czech modern movement, spanning from Art Nouveau to avant-garde expressions, resulting in an unparalleled collection. Adorned with intricate mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures, the building itself is a testament to artistic craftsmanship, while its ground-floor temporary exhibitions consistently impress.

In recent times, the museum has undergone extensive reconstruction, resulting in the temporary closure of its exhibitions during the renovation period. The primary goal was to refine the curation of its collections, which encompass textiles and lavishly embroidered religious vestments from the 15th to the 18th centuries, lacework from various eras, costumes spanning three centuries, and remarkable displays of glass, ceramics, and pottery—often regarded as the highlight of the museum. Additionally, visitors can explore exhibits featuring furniture, jewelry, curiosities, Czech photography, interwar prints, works by Josef Sudek, avant-garde graphics by Karel Teige, book designs by Josef Váchal, and some of Alfons Mucha's iconic turn-of-the-20th-century Parisian advertising posters.

Tip:
Don't miss the superb design-oriented gift shop and the excellent café, popular among local artists, for a well-rounded experience.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Museum of Decorative Arts on Map

Sight Name: Museum of Decorative Arts
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.

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Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

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One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

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