Rick Steves Tour: Slav Epic, Prague

Slav Epic Tour

ORIENTATION

Background

THE TOUR BEGINS

First Group

Second Group

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Fifth Group

This collection of 20 massive canvases, painted by the great Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha, depicts momentous events in Slavic history. Located at Veletržní Palace, the Slav Epic is one of the most powerful artistic experiences in Europe. It’s easily worth ▲▲▲—don’t miss it. Allow two hours to appreciate this masterpiece.

ORIENTATION

Cost: 180 Kč. A 240-Kč combo-ticket also includes the National Gallery’s huge modern art collection in the same building.

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mon.

Getting There: The blocky, concrete, seemingly misnamed Veletržní “Palace” is located near Holešovice train station at Dukelských Hrdinů 47 (Praha 7; enter under the lion). To get there, catch a tram from any of the following stops to the Veletržní Pálac stop, which is right in front of the building: tram #17 from Národni Divadlo or Staroměstská (five/four stops); tram #24 from Náměstí Republiky (three stops); or tram #12 from Malostranská (three stops). The nearest Metro stop is Vltavská; exiting the Metro, walk through the underpass to the right of tram tracks, continue to the first tram intersection, turn right, and walk two blocks.

Information: An excellent 10-Kč English guide to the Slav Epic is available right in the gallery with the paintings. Tel. 224-301-122, www.ngprague.cz.

While You’re There: Upstairs from the Slav Epic is the National Gallery’s modern art collection, with works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and others, including their Czech contemporaries.

Length of This Tour: At least one hour (or up to two, for those who want to linger over the many details).

Photography: Photos permitted without flash.

Starring: A stunning artistic achievement, and a powerful history lesson about a major—and often overlooked—European culture.

Background

Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) was born in the small Moravian town of Ivanč