- Address: Novotného lávka 201/1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic
- Opening date: May 12, 1936
- Working hours: 10:00 - 17:00, closed - Tuesday
In the capital of the Czech Republic, on the bank of the Vltava, there is the museum of Bedřich Smetany (Muzeum Bedřicha Smetany), dedicated to the creative path and life of the composer. The exposition is based on the heritage that belonged to the author. The institution is visited not only by specialists of a narrow circle, but also by thousands of tourists from all over the world.
General information
Bedřich Smetana is considered the founder of Czech music. In his works he used folk stories and motifs. This composer was the first in the country to write an opera in the state language. He also played the piano perfectly and was an excellent conductor.
The institution was opened on May 12, 1966. It belongs to the National Museum . The exposition was placed in the old three-story mansion of Prague , which was erected at the end of the XIX century for water service. In 1984, before the entrance, a monument to Bedrijah Smetane was erected. The author of the statue is a well-known Czech sculptor named Josef Malejovský.
Description of the facade of the building
The structure was built in a neo-Renaissance style designed by the architect Vigla. The facade is painted in sgraffito technique - scratching out the top coat of paint. These works were carried out by Czech authors - Frantisek Zhenishek and Mikolash Alesha.
On the walls they depicted scenes from the historical battle with the Swedes, which occurred in the middle of the XVII century on the Charles Bridge . Before the museum exhibits were placed here, the building was completely restored.
What to see in the Bedřich Smetana museum?
The exposition consists of 4 permanent exhibitions:
- A collection dedicated to children's and school years , as well as to the beginning of the musical career of Bedrich Smetana, when he performed abroad: in Holland, Germany and Switzerland.
- Exhibits, which tell of the author's active musical activity after his return to the Czech Republic.
- Composition associated with the life and work of the composer , when he left Prague due to deafness. At this time, Bedrizhik settled with his daughter on a farm in Yabkenitsy and continued his work.
- Exposition consisting of various documents , letters, musical manuscripts, musical instruments (in particular, a personal grand piano), family photographs and portraits belonging to the great composer.
During the tour of the museum, tourists will be able to listen to the famous works of Bedrich Smetana. For this purpose, a special room with excellent acoustic qualities was equipped here. By the way, visitors choose songs themselves with the help of a laser conductor's stick. The most popular is the symphonic poem "Vltava", which is called the unofficial Czech anthem.
Temporary exhibitions
In the museum of Bedrich Smetana, temporary exhibitions are often held, which are connected with the era of this composer or with music in general. For example, here you can see the sculptural images of the author, made by different masters.
The institution often hosts musical concerts. During the interval guests exchange opinions about the composer and his works. Tickets for these events must be booked in advance, as they are in great demand.
Features of visit
The cost of the ticket is $ 2.3 for adults and $ 1.5 for children from 6 to 15 years. If you come here by family, then for the input you pay about $ 4. The museum of Bedrich Smetana works every day, except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
How to get there?
You can reach the place by metro , trams Nos. 2, 17, 18 (in the afternoon) and 93 (at night), buses Nos. 9, 12, 15 and 20. The stop is called Staroměstská. Also from the center of Prague to the museum you will reach Žitná street. The distance is about 3 km.