Art Museum

Moravian Gallery in Brno

Moravian Gallery in Brno is an art museum in Brno, Czech Republic.

About Moravian Gallery in Brno

Overview & Institutional Status

The Moravian Gallery in Brno stands as the second-largest and second-oldest art museum in the Czech Republic, following its establishment in 1818 originally as the Františkovo muzeum (Francis Museum). It is distinguished by its comprehensive scope, being the only museum in the country to actively engage with the entire artistic spectrum, including traditional fine arts, photography, applied arts, graphic design, and architecture. Beyond its role as a public exhibition space, the institution functions as a significant research center, managing a vast collection of over 200,000 works that span from the Middle Ages to contemporary design.

Multi-Venue Architecture & Locations

Rather than operating from a single site, the gallery administers five architecturally renowned buildings across Brno, each serving a distinct curatorial purpose. The headquarters are located in the Pražák Palace, which houses modern and contemporary art. The Museum of Applied Arts is situated in a building purpose-built in 1882 to house the oldest museum of applied arts in Bohemia and Moravia. Other key venues include the Baroque Governor's Palace (Místodržitelský palác), the Art Nouveau Jurkovič Villa, and the Josef Hoffmann Museum. This multi-venue structure allows the gallery to present a diverse range of historical and modern contexts.

Permanent Exhibitions & Collections

The gallery's permanent exhibitions offer a chronological and thematic journey through visual culture. The Pražák Palace features the 'ART IS HERE' exhibition, divided into modern art of the first half of the 20th century and contemporary works. The Museum of Applied Arts presents 'ART DESIGN FASHION,' showcasing collections of glass, ceramics, porcelain, textiles, furniture, and metalware. The Jurkovič Villa is dedicated to the life and work of the architect Dušan Jurkovič, while the Josef Hoffmann Museum explores his inspirations. These venues collectively cover art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

International Biennial of Graphic Design

A cornerstone of the gallery's international reputation is the International Biennial of Graphic Design, which was first held in 1963 and remains the institution's event with the strongest global impact. This prestigious competition highlights the gallery's specific focus on graphic design as a major artistic discipline. The biennial is part of a broader program that includes various exhibitions and events, reinforcing the gallery's status as a leading center for design history and contemporary practice within the European context.

Educational Outreach & Accessibility

The Moravian Gallery places a special emphasis on education and accessibility, offering a varied range of events for children, both individually and in organized groups. It has established unique collections of art for the blind and visually impaired, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive exhibition projects. Educational activities include workshops, guided tours, lectures, and family-friendly programs. The institution also operates an art lending library and provides creative spaces for workshops, ensuring that its resources are accessible to students, families, and the wider public.

Behind-the-Scenes & Research Facilities

The gallery offers unique access to its internal operations through its Open Depository, a facility that allows visitors to observe how art collections are stored, catalogued, conserved, and prepared for exhibitions. This transparency provides a rare glimpse into museum work rarely seen elsewhere. Additionally, the institution maintains a public library and serves as a research hub with specialized departments for fine arts, applied arts, restoration, and conservation. The gallery also manages the Archive and Collection of Jiří Valoch, further cementing its role in art historical scholarship.

Plan your visit

Moravian Gallery in Brno

What's on

  • Jan Černý. FLOW STATE6 Feb 2026 – 24 Jan 2027
  • ART DESIGN FASHION6 Feb 2026 – 24 Jan 2027
  • VÝSTAVY6 Feb 2026 – 24 Jan 2027
Artworks shown from Moravian Gallery in Brno are in the public domain; images via the open-access programs of their source collections. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.