Dare to step into a world where moments are frozen in time. Welcome to the House of Photography. It is a part of the City of Prague Gallery. Here, Czech and international photography come to life. Both contemporary and historical works are showcased.
Located just off Revoluční Street, the House of Photography resides in an arcade. This arcade was built in 1937 for the Victoria insurance company. The location itself holds a sense of history, doesn’t it?
The exhibitions here are temporary. This means there is always something new to discover. Each visit offers a fresh perspective on the world through the lens of different photographers. It is located near Republic Square and the Kotva department store.
Now, let’s delve into some of the stories behind the photographs. Have you ever wondered who captured the very first images of Prague? It was Austrian photographer Andreas Groll. He is widely credited with taking some of the earliest photographs of Prague. He also captured Plzeň and Kutná Hora in the 1850s.
Groll’s work was so impressive that he exhibited some of his photos at the World’s Fair in Paris in 1855. Just two years later, Emperor Franz Joseph I awarded him a medal for his outstanding work. His focus was on Prague’s famous landmarks. These included sights in and around Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. These images offer us a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
Until May 8, you can see Groll’s early photography of Prague. The exhibit is titled Andreas Groll (1812–1872): Unknown Photographer. It’s held right here at the House of Photography. Admission is 120 CZK.
But the House of Photography is not just about historical images. It also supports emerging talent. From 1993 to 1997, it held exhibitions called Nová jména, which translates to New Names. This competition showcased the work of young and often still-studying photographers. Markéta Othová and Veronika Bromová are among those who presented here.
The House of Photography has faced challenges over the years. After being forced to leave its location on Husova Street in 1998. Also after the 2002 floods, the collections and facilities were partially destroyed. But it has reopened. Since 2014 the Prague House of Photography has been under the management of the City Gallery Prague.
Before we move on, remember to visit the Dům fotografie bookstore. It’s located within the House of Photography. It stocks numerous publications on Czech and international photography. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the House of Photography offers a captivating experience. It connects us to the past and present through the art of photography.