Mucha museum set to open in renovated Baroque Savarin Palace, Prague

he Mucha Museum will soon find a new home in the recently renovated Savarin Palace, a historic baroque landmark in the heart of Prague. The Mucha Foundation and the Savarin project developer, Crestyl, announced the museum’s relocation today. Renowned architect Eva Jiřičná and her studio AI Design will oversee the design of the new exhibition, which will cover over 1,100 square meters of some of the palace’s most historically significant spaces. Following extensive restoration work, these areas will soon be open to the public, with the museum scheduled to open on January 24, 2025.

“The previous space often became crowded, especially in peak seasons. Moving to Savarin allows us to present Mucha’s work in an iconic setting with more room for both tourists and locals,” said Marcus Mucha, Executive Director of the Mucha Foundation and great-grandson of artist Alfons Mucha. “The palace’s historic ties to Czech culture make it the ideal setting for this new museum.”

The museum will showcase a range of previously unseen works, including early oil paintings, studies for decorative pieces, and items reflecting Mucha’s interest in Freemasonry and Slavic history. In addition, the exhibition will be regularly updated to maintain a fresh experience for returning visitors.

Historically, Savarin Palace has hosted significant cultural activities. It was once home to the Ethnographic Museum, now part of the National Museum, and later, a popular social club frequented by prominent Czech figures. Crestyl’s director, Simon Johnson, highlighted the transformation of the palace from a former casino into a cultural destination. “Replacing the casino with a museum dedicated to Alfons Mucha aligns perfectly with our goal to revitalize these historic spaces and put them on the cultural map of Prague,” he stated.

The palace’s restoration, led by Crestyl, began in late 2021 and was completed in September, revealing valuable architectural details. Eleven restored Baroque sculptures now adorn the façade, part of a meticulous renovation effort with an investment exceeding half a billion crowns.

Architect Eva Jiřičná expressed her excitement for the project, noting, “Creating a museum in a setting like Savarin Palace allows us to blend 18th-century grandeur with Mucha’s artistic legacy. Our aim is to create harmony between two distinct worlds – baroque architecture and Mucha’s work – to foster a deeper understanding of art and cultural history.”

The Mucha Museum’s opening in January will bring new life to Savarin Palace, and ongoing plans for the Savarin complex aim to establish a dynamic public space with gardens, cultural venues, and a new gallery dedicated to the Slavic Epic, strengthening the cultural connection between Prague’s iconic Wenceslas Square and surrounding streets.