On April 1st, a new museum dedicated to Czech artist and sculptor David Cerny opened in Prague. The museum, called Musoleum, is located in a renovated building that was once a distillery in the Smichov district of the city. The building is listed as an architectural monument, and so it was impossible to demolish it and build a new structure in its place. Instead, the space was turned into a cultural center that showcases the artist’s work.

Musoleum spans five floors and covers an area of 1200 square meters. It provides visitors with a comprehensive look at Cerny’s creative career, displaying finished sculptures, sketches, unfinished projects, and other exhibits. Along with exhibition halls, the space includes a bar and two open terraces that offer a unique view of Prague.

The artist himself came up with the name for the museum, which is a combination of the words “museum” and “mausoleum.” Cerny explained that the name was meant to be ironic, emphasizing the unconventional nature of the space.

The idea for the museum emerged a few years ago when the National Gallery asked Cerny to create an exhibition for them. However, the artist was put off by the inflexibility of the institution and postponed the project twice. Eventually, he decided to create a museum space of his own, which became Musoleum.

The opening of Musoleum provides visitors with a new way to experience the work of David Cerny, a celebrated figure in the Czech art world. The artist’s distinctive style has earned him international recognition and made him a household name in his home country. With its unique location and one-of-a-kind exhibits, Musoleum promises to be an exciting addition to Prague’s cultural landscape.

Article by Prague Forum