Bílek Villa

Prague


This striking art-nouveau villa, designed by sculptor František Bílek in 1911, houses a museum of his unconventional works - a must for art nouveau fans. Bílek's distinctive sculptures, mostly in wood, take inspiration from his religious beliefs. Dramatic compositions such as The Fall show Adam and Eve cowering in fear of God's wrath, while Wonderment expresses the feeling of awe at God's presence.

Bílek's most famous work is a wooden relief of The Crucifixion, on display in St Vitus Cathedral – you can see a charcoal preliminary sketch of it among the artist's drawings in the 1st-floor gallery. The villa served not only as a studio but also as the artist's home, and there are several rooms with handmade art-nouveau furniture designed by Bílek, all rich in symbolism. Be sure to ask for an English text at the ticket desk – it will provide some much-needed context.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Prague attractions

1. Summer Palace

0.17 MILES

Built between 1538 and 1560, and also known as the Belvedere, this is perhaps the most authentic Italian Renaissance building outside Italy. Find it in…

2. Daliborka

0.25 MILES

Accessed from Zlatá ulička, this tower is named after the knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, incarcerated here in 1498 for supporting a peasant rebellion, and…

4. Lobkowicz Palace

0.29 MILES

This 16th-century palace houses a private museum known as the Princely Collections, which includes priceless paintings, furniture and musical memorabilia…

5. Golden Lane

0.29 MILES

This picturesque alley runs along the northern wall of the castle. Its tiny, colourful cottages were built in the 16th century for the sharpshooters of…

6. Palace Gardens Beneath Prague Castle

0.31 MILES

The beautiful, terraced gardens on the steep southern slopes below the castle date from the 17th and 18th centuries, when they were created for the owners…

7. Rosenberg Palace

0.31 MILES

This Renaissance palace once served as the 'Institute of Noblewomen' – effectively a home for aristocratic ladies fallen on hard times, founded by Empress…

8. Wallenstein Palace

0.36 MILES

Valdštejnské náměstí, a small square northeast of Malostranské náměstí, is dominated by the monumental 1630 palace of Albrecht of Wallenstein, general of…