10 Best Moravian Gallery Art Collections to Visit in Brno
Brno is a vibrant city in the heart of the Czech Republic. It is home to the second largest art museum in the country. The Moravian Gallery art collections are spread across five unique buildings. Each site offers a different look at European creativity. You can explore everything from medieval statues to modern fashion design.
The city of Brno is famous for its rich history and stunning architecture. Many visitors come for the cultural attractions in Brno that line the streets. The Moravian Gallery is the crown jewel of this local scene. It manages thousands of works that span many centuries. This makes it a perfect stop for any traveler.
Planning a trip to see these collections is easy. Most of the buildings are within walking distance in the city center. You can find more information on the official Go To Brno tourism portal. This guide will help you find the best pieces to see. We have picked ten highlights you should not miss in 2026.
Planning Your Visit to Moravian Gallery Art Collections
Before you start your tour, you should know how the gallery works. It is not just one building. The network includes three palaces in the center and two historic houses. You can buy a single ticket for one site or a combined pass. This allows you to see all the Moravian Gallery art collections at a discount.
Most buildings are open from Wednesday to Sunday. They usually open at 10:00 AM and close around 6:00 PM. Thursday is a great day to visit because they often stay open later. You should check the official Visit Czechia site for seasonal changes. Crowds are usually light during the weekday mornings.
To get around, you can use the efficient tram system. The DPMB public transport network connects all the major gallery sites. Most locations have lockers for your bags and small cafes for breaks. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking. The historic floors in the palaces can be quite hard.
10 Must-See Moravian Gallery Art Collections and Sites
The following list includes the best spots to see art in Brno. We have mixed iconic sights with unique local experiences. Use these Quick picks to plan your day:
- Best overall: Pražák Palace
- Best for families: Museum of Applied Arts
- Best rainy-day: Governor's Palace
- Best free: Pražák Palace courtyard and shop
- Name: Pražák Palace Type: Museum/Modern Art Why go: This is the headquarters of the gallery. It houses a massive collection of 20th-century Czech art. You can see works by famous artists like Emil Filla. Best for: Modern art fans Where: Husova Street, City Center Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Approx. 150-200 CZK Getting there: Tram stop Šilingrovo náměstí Tip: Don't miss the slide that goes between floors for a fun exit.
- Name: Governor's Palace Type: Historic Palace/Old Masters Why go: This building sits next to the Old Town Hall area. It features Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance art. The architecture of the palace itself is a masterpiece. Best for: History buffs Where: Moravské náměstí Time: 1.5-2 hours Cost: Approx. 150 CZK Getting there: Tram stop Moravské náměstí Tip: Look for the Rubens paintings in the permanent collection.
- Name: Museum of Applied Arts Type: Design/Indoor Why go: It was recently renovated with a focus on design and fashion. The "ART DESIGN FASHION" exhibition is world-class. It shows how art meets everyday life. Best for: Design lovers Where: Husova Street Time: 2 hours Cost: Approx. 180 CZK Getting there: Walk from Pražák Palace Tip: Visit the "Cave of Wonders" for a unique sensory experience.
- Name: Jurkovič House Type: Architecture/Nature Why go: This is one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau villas in Brno. It was the home of architect Dušan Jurkovič. It is located near the forest and offers a peaceful escape. It is a great alternative to the Villa Tugendhat tour. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Žabovřesky district Time: 1 hour Cost: Approx. 120 CZK Getting there: Tram 1 to Bráfova Tip: You must book your guided tour in advance online.
- Name: Josef Hoffmann Birthplace Type: Day Trip/Design Why go: This house is in Brtnice, a short trip from Brno. It honors the co-founder of the Wiener Werkstätte. The interior shows his famous geometric style. Best for: Die-hard design fans Where: Brtnice (60km from Brno) Time: Half-day trip Cost: Approx. 100 CZK Getting there: Regional bus or car Tip: Check the bus schedule carefully as trips are limited.
- Name: "Art is Here" Exhibition Type: Experience Why go: Located inside Pražák Palace, this is a very interactive display. It makes modern art easy to understand for everyone. It is divided into "New Art" and "Modern Art" sections. Best for: First-time visitors Where: Pražák Palace Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Included in palace ticket Getting there: Husova Street Tip: Use the interactive touch screens to learn about the artists.
- Name: The Cloud (Mrak) Installation Type: Viewpoint/Art Why go: This is a giant glass and metal structure at the Museum of Applied Arts. It changes colors and glows at night. You can walk through it on the upper levels. Best for: Photographers Where: Museum of Applied Arts Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in museum ticket Getting there: Husova Street Tip: Visit at dusk to see the light show at its best.
- Name: Gothic Altarpieces Collection Type: Museum/Religious Art Why go: This collection inside the Governor's Palace is very rare. It features stunning gold-leaf woodwork from the Middle Ages. The detail in the carvings is incredible. Best for: Fans of medieval history Where: Governor's Palace Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in palace ticket Getting there: Moravské náměstí Tip: Ask for the English audio guide to hear the stories behind the saints.
- Name: The Designshop Type: Market/Shopping Why go: This is not just a store; it is a curated collection of Czech design. You can buy jewelry, glass, and books. It supports local artists and designers. Best for: Souvenir hunters Where: Museum of Applied Arts Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free entry Getting there: Husova Street Tip: Look for the unique "Brno-themed" glass pieces.
- Name: Špilberk Castle Art Gallery Type: Day Trip/Sights Why go: While managed by the City Museum, it often partners with the Moravian Gallery. The castle offers art exhibitions and amazing views of Brno. It is a short walk from the Husova street sites. Best for: General sightseeing Where: Špilberk Hill Time: 3 hours Cost: Approx. 150-250 CZK Getting there: Walk up from Husova Street Tip: Check out the Špilberk Castle history before you climb the hill.
Practical Tips for Art Lovers in Brno
Walking is the best way to see the Moravian Gallery art collections in the center. Pražák Palace, the Museum of Applied Arts, and the Governor's Palace form a triangle. You can walk between them in less than ten minutes. This allows you to see the best of Brno art in one afternoon.
If you have extra time, consider visiting other architectural sites. Brno is famous for its functionalist style from the 1920s. Many of these buildings are close to the gallery locations. You can see how the art inside the museums matches the buildings outside. The city is very safe and easy to navigate on foot.
Photography is usually allowed for personal use. However, you should never use a flash. Flash can damage the old paintings and textiles. Some special exhibitions may have stricter rules. Always look for the signs at the entrance of each room. This keeps the art safe for future visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Moravian Gallery building for families?
The Museum of Applied Arts is the best choice for families. It features interactive design displays and the famous Cloud installation. Children enjoy the colorful fashion exhibits and the spacious, modern layout. There are also creative workshops held throughout the year for younger visitors.
Can I see the Moravian Gallery art collections for free?
Some parts of the Moravian Gallery offer free entry. This often includes the ground floor courtyards and the design shops. Occasionally, the gallery offers free entry days for the permanent collections. You should check their official website for special dates and holiday openings during your visit.
How long do I need to see the main gallery sites?
You should plan for at least one full day to see the three main central buildings. Each palace takes about two hours to explore properly. If you wish to visit the Jurkovič House or the Hoffmann Birthplace, you will need a second day. Brno's art scene is best enjoyed slowly.
The Moravian Gallery art collections are a must-see for any visitor to Brno. From the historic Governor's Palace to the modern Museum of Applied Arts, there is something for everyone. You will leave with a deep appreciation for Czech culture and design. Don't forget to explore other local gems like the Villa Stiassni architecture tour. Start planning your art-filled journey to Brno today!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
