The highly acclaimed Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkowiczký palác) is part of the Prague Castle complex. The palace is open to the public as one of the finest museums in Prague, while its most beautiful room, the 17th century Baroque Concert Hall, is the setting for lunchtime classical concerts.
Lobkowicz Palace was built in the 16th century by Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn, and was originally named the Pernštejn Palace. It entered the Lobkowicz family by way of marriage.
The Lobkowicz Palace Museum is a series of exquisitely decorated rooms, filled with priceless exhibits drawn from the private collections of the Lobkowicz family. The museum features works of art by 12th-20th century painters, including masterpieces by Canaletto, Brueghel the Elder and Velazquez; weapons and ceramics spanning five centuries; historic musical instruments; and rare manuscripts penned by composers such as Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.
The Museum Ticket includes a free audio tour, which allows visitors to explore the palace at their own pace.
The history of the palace reflects some of Bohemia’s most significant historical events. In 1618, when Protestant rebels threw their Catholic Imperial ministers from the windows of Prague Castle (the “defenestration”), it was in Lobkowicz Palace that the survivors took refuge, at great political risk to the Lobkowicz family.
In the 20th century, the palace was confiscated by the state and allowed to deteriorate. However, in the 21st century, after 40 years of communist rule and a further 12 years seeking its restitution, the Lobkowicz family regained ownership. In 2002, the family embarked on an extensive programme of renovation, and thankfully today, all periods of Lobkowicz Palace's architectural history survive. Of particular note are the chapel and the magnificent reception rooms: the Marble Hall, Balcony Room and the Concert Hall; the lunchtime classical concerts offer visitors the opportunity to experience the true splendour of the Concert Hall.
For refreshments, the Lobkowicz Palace Café offers casual dining and drinks. It has a small balcony from where you can enjoy fine views over the city.
HOW TO VISIT LOBKOWICZ PALACE Lobkowicz Palace is the only privately owned building in the Prague Castle complex, so entrance is not included in Prague Castle tickets or in Prague tours. Visitors must buy a separate ticket. There are 3 ways to visit: 1. Museum TicketA Lobkowicz Palace Museum Ticket allows visitors to take a self-guided tour of the palace with an audio guide in Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian or Spanish. The audio tour lasts one hour, although commentary can be paused, so with so much to see visitors may wish to allow longer. Price: Adult 290 CZK. Senior/Student/Child (7-15 yrs) 220 CZK. Buy tickets at the palace on the day - advance reservations are not necessary. 2. Concert Ticket The 17th century Baroque Concert Hall at Lobkowicz Palace is the setting for classical concerts, which run several times a week at 13:00. Price: 490 CZK. Buy tickets from Prague Experience via our concert listings: search the listings for the day you wish to attend, then click book. Advance reservations are essential. Listings and tickets: Book Concerts. 3. Museum & Concert Package The Package combines a Museum Ticket (including free audio tour) with a Concert Ticket. It allows you to visit the palace any time from 10:00-18:00 on the day of the concert, and is priced at a discount to buying separate museum and concert tickets. Price: 690 CZK. Buy tickets from Prague Experience via our concert listings: search the listings for the day you wish to attend, then click book. Advance reservations are essential. Listings and tickets: Book Museum & Concert Package. ---------------------------------------------- Tip: We highly recommend Lobkowicz Palace, particularly the Museum & Concert Package: It presents excellent value for money, and could easily turn out to be the highlight of your whole Prague trip. |