Galerie Klatovy / Klenová

About the museum

Klenová Castle stands about 13 km west of Klatovy, not far from the Czech-German border. The first mention of the lords of Klenová dates from 1287, so the beginnings of the castle are placed in the second half of the 13th century. From that period the lower part of the north wall of the palace and a prismatic tower have survived; its lower round part served as the castle prison. The castle was surrounded by a moat, which survives almost all around the site.

In the 14th and 15th centuries several generations of lords of Klenová and Janovice held the castle. From 1420 to 1465 the seat was owned by Přibík of Klenová, a Hussite warrior and one of the significant figures of political life of the time. In the 1830s a neo-Gothic chateau was added to the castle, and in the second half of the 19th century a complete complex of residential and farm buildings grew up around it (granary, villa, St Felix Chapel, farmstead). The Stadion Chapel, completed in 1837, has its original interior preserved as a rarity; after restoration it has been accessible since 1 April 2017 as part of a guided tour.

The Klenová District Gallery was founded in 1964, and its first director, the Klatovy painter Vladimír Levora, was responsible for opening the then derelict castle and chateau to the public. In 1973 the gallery lost its independence and became part of the Klatovy District Museum. The present Galerie Klatovy / Klenová was created after 1989 by merging the Klenová gallery with exhibition spaces in house No. 149/I on the Klatovy square, and acquired a new founder. It manages Klenová Castle and chateau and organises exhibitions of Czech and foreign art.

Highlights

• Ruins of a medieval castle with a prismatic tower and views of central Šumava
• Neo-Gothic chateau with a historical exhibition and exhibitions of contemporary art
• Stadion Chapel from 1837 with its original interior
• Audio guide in Czech, German, English and sign language
• Second exhibition space: Gallery U Bílého jednorožce in Klatovy

Permanent exhibition

• Historická expozice hradu a zámku Klenová – The permanent exhibition on the ground floor of the chateau presents the history of the castle and chateau; the tour also covers the ruins of the medieval castle.

Founded

1964

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the castle tour, the permanent exhibition on the ground floor of the chateau and temporary exhibitions (chateau, granary, castle exteriors), and is also valid for one visit to Gallery U Bílého jednorožce. Free admission is granted to children under 6, teachers accompanying a group of pupils, journalists, and staff of museums and galleries (AMG, RG ČR, ICOM, ICOMOS).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The commentary is also available in sign language via the audio guide.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The castle lies about 13 km west of Klatovy, not far from the Czech-German border.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The chateau restaurant is named after the Renaissance humanist Kryštof Harant z Polžic a Bezdružic; in summer there is seating on the castle terrace.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Wedding ceremonies take place in the former chateau library. The castle ruins and courtyard can also be used for other social events by arrangement with the management; banquets are offered by the chateau restaurant.

Plan your visit