Lobkowicz Palace

Lobkowicz Palace, the only privately owned building in the Prague Castle complex, is home to the highly acclaimed Lobkowicz Palace Museum, Lobkowicz Palace Café, Midday Classic Concert and Museum Shop, as well as numerous elegant venues for private functions.

After 40 years of Communist rule, and a further 12 years seeking its restitution, the Lobkowicz family finally regained ownership of their palace in 2002. Lobkowicz Palace was originally named the Pernštejn Palace. It was built in the mid-16th century by Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn.

It has witnessed some of Bohemia’s significant historical events. In 1618 the infamous “defenestration” of Prague took place, when Protestant rebels threw their Catholic Imperial ministers from the windows of Prague Castle. Surviving the fall, the ministers took refuge in the adjoining Lobkowicz Palace. Lobkowicz Palace has undergone a number of changes over the years, but fortunately all periods of its architectural history can be seen. Of particular note are the palace chapel and the magnificent reception rooms, known today as the Concert Hall, the Balcony Room and the Marble Hall.

The Museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Europe through the unique perspective and exquisite Collections of this noble family. Set in 22 beautifully appointed galleries, the Museum displays a selection of some of the finest pieces of the Lobkowicz Collections, including many of international significance.

Highlights of the exhibition include works by masters such as Canaletto, Brueghel the Elder and Velázquez; an impressive display of family and royal portraits; fine porcelain, ceramics and rare decorative arts dating from the 16th to 20th centuries; an extensive collection of military and sporting rifles from the 16th to 18th centuries; and musical instruments and original scores and manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart, including Beethoven’s 4th and 5th symphonies and Mozart’s re-orchestration of Handel’s Messiah.

Visitors are ushered through the galleries by the museum's very popular audio guide, which explains important details of European history and the six-hundred-year history of the Lobkowiczes, including the dramatic story of how the family lost everything twice and got it back - twice. Narrated by two generations of Lobkowiczes and the Chief Curator of the Collections, this engaging and informative FREE audio guide in 8 languages is always highly recommended by visitors from all over the world.

How to get there:
Go by metro to the station Malostranska (green line A) or trams no. 22 and 23 stops either Malostranska, Prazsky hrad or Pohorelec. Jirska street runs from the square U sv. Jiri (St. George square) in the direction of the eastern gate of Prague Castle. Standing on the southern side in its lower part is Lobkowicz Palace.

More informations : http://www.lobkowicz.cz/Lobkowicz-Palace-9.htm