Šternberský palác

About the museum

Count Václav Vojtěch of Šternberk built the Šternberský palác in 1699–1708, probably to a design by Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. He had bought the plot next to the Archbishop’s Palace in 1690, and on the sloping site above Jelení příkop (Deer Moat) a spacious residence arose, which was only partly finished when its builder died.

The palace remained in the family until 1811. Afterwards it housed the Society of Patriotic Friends of Art, whose picture gallery was the forerunner of the National Gallery. The society sold the building in 1871; it then served for several years as an institution for the mentally ill, and from the First World War it belonged to the army.

After the Second World War the palace became the seat of the newly founded National Gallery, and since 1947 it has housed the gallery’s masterpieces. Although the original decoration survives only in part, the building is one of the most valuable examples of high Baroque in Prague. The complex also includes the garden at Jelení příkop, which is open from April to September.

Highlights

• Italian painting of the 14th and 15th centuries, reportedly the largest collection of so-called Italian primitives outside Italy
• Dutch and Flemish painting, including works by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Rubens and Van Dyck
• Altarpiece with the Crucifixion by Hans Raphon
• Collection of icons preserved in Prague and works by Hans Baldung Grien
• The high Baroque architecture of the palace with its garden at Jelení příkop

Permanent exhibition

• Staří mistři II – The exhibition follows on from Old Masters I in the Schwarzenberg Palace. It includes 14th- and 15th-century Italian painting, largely from the collection of Franz Ferdinand d’Este, Dutch and Flemish painting from the 15th to the 18th century, German and Austrian art of the 17th and 18th centuries, French and Spanish art, and a collection of icons.

Founded

1947

Operated by

Národní galerie Praha

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Children up to and including 15 years enter all exhibitions and collection displays free. In 2026, the permanent collections are also free on 28 October and 17 November (10:00–18:00).

The ticket is valid for up to 6 months from purchase and is intended for a single entry. When buying tickets for two or more exhibitions in the same building, there is a 10% discount on the basic admission (only at NGP ticket offices). Members of the NGP Friends Club enter free; holders of Komerční banka payment cards receive a 20% discount if the stated conditions are met.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The palace is not step-free; a staircase leads to the exhibition.

Kids & families

Children up to and including 15 years enter all exhibitions and collection displays free. The palace is not step-free, so with a pushchair you need to allow for the staircase. The National Gallery’s family programmes take place mainly at the Veletržní palác.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The NGP bookshop and gallery shop are also listed for the Šternberský palác.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rental of National Gallery premises is handled by the business department (pronajmy@ngprague.cz).

Plan your visit