Becherova vila
Branch of the Karlovy Vary Gallery of Art (Galerie umění Karlovy Vary) in the villa of the Becher family, with exhibitions of contemporary art and a permanent exhibition on the history of the villa.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Becher Villa in Karlovy Vary was completed in 1914 as the family villa of the Becher family, owned by Gustav Becher. The two-storey building with a mansard attic had an atrium hall lit by a skylight, a winter garden and a mosaic fountain. It used the technical novelties of the time, such as ventilation and external blinds operated from inside.
After Becher's death in 1921, the villa was acquired by the Society for Chemical and Metallurgical Production from Ústí nad Labem. During the Second World War it housed the regional SS headquarters. After 1945 it was nationalised, and from 1951 to 1987 it served as a House of Pioneers and Youth. Afterwards it stood empty.
It was saved when the building was transferred to the Karlovy Vary Region. In 2009–2011 it was restored at a cost of CZK 88.7 million, and since 2011 it has operated as an interactive gallery for young artists. The ground floor has a social hall and panels on the history of the Becher family. On the first floor, exhibitions of mostly contemporary artists rotate roughly every two months, and in the basement studios educational programmes and workshops take place.
Highlights
- family villa completed in 1914, with an atrium hall
- permanent exhibition “O historii Becherovy vily” (On the History of the Becher Villa), with guided commentary
- rotating exhibitions of contemporary art on the first floor
- studios for educational programmes and workshops in the basement
Permanent exhibition
- O historii Vily Becher – Permanent exhibition with commentary on the history of the villa, its architecture and the fate of the Becher family. Panels on the topic are on the ground floor.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Galerie umění Karlovy Vary, příspěvková organizace Karlovarského kraje
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 80 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 40 Kčchildren under 15, secondary and university students, apprentices, seniors, holders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards and their companions, and holders of ISIC, ITIC, Karlovy Vary Region Card and Senior Pass |
| Children & teens | 40 Kčfree up to age 5 · Children under 15 pay the reduced price; children under 6 enter free. |
| Seniors | 40 Kč |
| Visitors with disabilities | 40 KčHolders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards and their companions receive a 50% discount. |
| Students & apprentices | 40 KčSecondary and university students, apprentices, and holders of an ISIC card. |
| Families | 60 KčPrice per person when visiting together with at least one child under 15 accompanied by 2 adults. |
| Guided tour (no discount) | 80 Kč |
| Permanent exhibition On the History of the Becher Villa (with commentary) | 40 Kč |
Free admission for children under 6, members of ICOM, UHS and AICA, employees of state and regional galleries and art museums, journalists and war veterans. Members of AVP and KPVU also receive a discount. Prices for workshops and gallery animations are individual.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Step-free access to the building is provided, including the exhibition halls, concert hall, studios and toilets.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 60 Kč · Price per person when visiting together with at least one child under 15 accompanied by 2 adults. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The villa is designed as an interactive gallery with educational programmes and studios. A family ticket is available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Krále Jiřího
City bus line 4, stop Krále Jiřího.
The branch is located in the Westend district of Karlovy Vary.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The gallery offers educational programmes and art workshops for nursery, primary and secondary schools (for example On the History of the Becher Villa, 120–150 minutes, CZK 50; book at vargova@galeriekvary.cz or +420 734 788 029). The premises are monitored by a camera system. |
