Top current exhibitions at Olomouc Museum of Modern Art

The museum complex is vast and diverse. It covers everything from ancient religious relics to bold modern sculptures. You should allow plenty of time to explore each section. Here are the top 10 experiences you cannot miss during your visit.

• Best overall: A Century of Relativity
• Best for history: The Zdík Palace
• Best for families: SEFO Interactive Gallery
• Best free activity: Museum Café and Terrace

1. Name: A Century of Relativity Type: Permanent exhibition Why go: This is the museum's flagship collection. It showcases the best of Czech and international art from the 20th century. You will see how styles changed over 100 years. Best for: Art history enthusiasts. Where: Main building, Denisova Street. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Standard entry fee applies. Getting there: Take tram 2, 3, or 4 to the Náměstí Republiky stop. Tip: Look for the works by Emil Filla and Toyen.
2. Name: The Zdík Palace Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is a rare Romanesque palace from the 12th century. It is part of the museum complex. The stone carvings are incredibly well-preserved. Best for: History and architecture lovers. Where: Wenceslas Square area. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in the Archdiocesan Museum ticket. Getting there: A short walk from the Olomouc Cathedral. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best natural light on the stone.
3. Name: SEFO (Central European Forum) Type: Experience Why go: SEFO focuses on art from the Central European region. It bridges the gap between East and West. You will see unique cultural attractions in Olomouc through a modern lens. Best for: Fans of contemporary social themes. Where: Main building galleries. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Standard entry fee. Getting there: Located in the city center. Tip: Check for temporary workshops held in this space.
4. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This site won the European Heritage Label. It holds treasures from the local bishops. The golden carriage is a highlight for every visitor. Best for: Fans of Baroque and religious art. Where: Near the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Usually around 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main square. Tip: Do not miss the treasury room on the upper floor.
5. Name: Café 87 Type: Unique local experience Why go: This is one of the most famous museum cafes in the country. It is known for its legendary chocolate cake. The view of the street below is perfect for people-watching. Best for: A relaxing break between galleries. Where: First floor of the Modern Art building. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Price of a coffee and cake (approx. 150 CZK). Getting there: Stairs or elevator from the main lobby. Tip: Try the "Chocolate Cake of the Museum"—it is world-famous.
6. Name: The Mozarteum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This hall is named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He stayed in this building as a child. Today, it hosts concerts and modern art installations. Best for: Music and history fans. Where: Archdiocesan Museum wing. Time: 30 minutes (unless attending a show). Cost: Included in general admission. Getting there: Accessible through the museum courtyard. Tip: Check the museum website for evening concert schedules.
7. Name: The Picture Gallery Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: It features Old Master paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries. The collection is surprisingly large for a regional city. You will see works by famous European painters. Best for: Traditional gallery fans. Where: Archdiocesan Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in the main ticket. Getting there: Follow the signs for the "Obrazárna." Tip: Spend extra time looking at the Dutch landscapes.
8. Name: Mansarda Gallery Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This attic space hosts the most experimental current exhibitions at Olomouc Museum of Modern Art. It often features video art and photography. The architecture of the attic itself is very cool. Best for: Photography and digital art fans. Where: Top floor of the main building. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Standard entry fee. Getting there: Take the elevator to the highest level. Tip: The lighting here is unique, making it great for photos.
9. Name: Kroměříž Archdiocesan Museum Type: Day trip Why go: This is a sister site located in a nearby UNESCO town. It houses the famous Titian painting "The Flaying of Marsyas." The gardens nearby are also world-class. Best for: A full-day cultural excursion. Where: Kroměříž (approx. 45 mins from Olomouc). Time: 4-6 hours (including travel). Cost: Separate ticket required; check Visit Czechia for details. Getting there: Direct train or bus from Olomouc main station. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the palace and the gardens.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: While not a museum building, it is an artistic masterpiece. The Baroque basilica sits on a hill overlooking the city. Many artists from the museum have drawn inspiration here. Best for: Views and fresh air. Where: Suburbs of Olomouc. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free to walk; small fee for basilica tours. Getting there: Bus 11 from the Olomouc train station. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best views of the city skyline.

Planning your visit to the museum

Visiting the museum is easy with a little planning. Most galleries are open from Tuesday to Sunday. They are usually closed on Mondays. You should check the entry fees for Museum of Modern Art Olomouc before you go. Prices are very reasonable compared to Prague. Students and seniors often get big discounts.

The museum has two main locations in the city center. The Modern Art building is on Denisova Street. The Archdiocesan Museum is near the Cathedral. You can walk between them in about ten minutes. This makes it easy to see both in one day. Most staff speak basic English and are very helpful.

Photography is usually allowed without a flash. However, some temporary exhibitions might have different rules. Always look for the signs at the entrance of each room. If you have a large bag, use the free lockers in the lobby. This will make your walk through the galleries much more comfortable.