Šternberský Palace

The people working there are incredibly rude. We visited on a day where there were barely any people there, and it seems as though that’s not a rare occasion. The place is very dirty and worn, and had no information in English. A security lady followed us around in an almost creepy manner, as though we were going to steal their paintings. She scolded us for being to close to the paintings, though we kept half a meters distance at all times and there were no ropes or indicators of distance between viewer and paintings. In the end we left because another old security guard stopped as an spoke in a reprimanding way to us in Czech, which we let her know we do not speak. Her colleague who was stalking us told us “no bag” and we assumed she meant we could not carry our backpacks in the museum. An understandable request, which we answered: we will put it in the wardrobe. This did not satisfy her and she kept pulling us aside and bugging us while we tried to leave the place. We were forced to carry our backpacks in hand, as she would not let us walk away if we carried them correctly on our backs. We sped out the building with 2-3 security guards in our heels until the moment we stepped out again. Very uncomfortable experience, totally ruined our visit and enjoyment of the art.

The coffee shop next to the gallery is a quiet gem where anyone can reconstruct their thoughts and find a complete peace.

Now this is what I call a great museum. The collection of art itself is very important, in here boasting with antic ceramics, medieval icons to dutch masters (which I must say am really fond of) - so I dare say it is well worth the visit. It is here that you can find the only Rembrandt in the Czech Republic. Most of the works have interesting plaques in English, which is great for international visitors. The gallery is well hidden, you have to go through a gate next to arcbishop palace, but the whole place is not all that full so you can really enjoy the beautiful exposition in an equally beautiful building.

There are many more interesting things to see in Prague. The rooms were mostly empty of other people, so you can admire the art by yourself. All the plaques have English translations. But if you are visiting other art museums in Europe, you will not be impressed with the selection here. If it is a rainy day and you need some place to shelter, the museum will be dry. There are many paintings of the same genre so you can compare many madonnas, many Dutch landscapes, etc. On a hot day, keep in mind it does not appear to have air conditioning and you will be warm.

One of the best private collections there is. And the family history behind it is more than intriguing. A must for art lovers