Decades after its initial ruination, what was once the old Smíchov Distillery has been resurrected as a unique cultural hub. This is the Musoleum. The Musoleum stands as a testament to the provocative and eye-catching work of David Černý. This five-story gallery is more than just a museum. Černý himself playfully calls it a “musoleum.”
Located in the Smíchov district, the Musoleum opened its doors in April 2023. It is housed within the original, historic Varna building which means brewhouse. This building had been left in ruins for over two decades. In 2021, the Trigema group and Černý’s architectural studio, Black n’ Arch, collaborated to breathe new life into the site. They transformed it into a residential complex with a vibrant gastronomic and cultural center.
Černý explained that preserving the listed building led to the decision to create an art institution. The National Gallery wanted Černý to do a solo exhibition. However, an agreement could not be reached which ultimately led to the creation of the Musoleum.
Inside the Musoleum, you will discover five floors brimming with Černý’s lesser-known works. You’ll also find replicas and smaller versions of his famous sculptures scattered throughout Prague. Keep an eye out for the Quo Vadis Trabant Car and the London Booster sculpture.
The Musoleum also features an exhibition hall. David Černý uses it to host his artist friends, offering a free space to display their work. Be sure to visit the café on the ground floor. It serves excellent coffee and black-styled pastries which is a nod to Černý’s name. Cerny means “Black” in Czech. Try the Black Cherry Bomb. It is a croissant-type pastry filled with black cherries and vanilla custard. These pastries come from Artic Bakehouse. It is one of the best artisan bakeries in Prague.
Don’t miss the chance to step onto the Musoleum’s terrace. It provides a unique and unforgettable perspective of Prague.
One notable piece with a smaller version in the Musoleum is the London Booster. It is a red London Bus doing push-ups. It was created for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The bus actually dates back to 1958.
Another piece is the Quo Vadis. It is a Trabant car on four legs. The original statue is in Leipzig, Germany. Another copy resides in the garden of the German Embassy. The Trabant car was a popular car in former Czechoslovakia. It was cheap to produce. The Quo Vadis sculpture represents the emigration of East Germans to West Germany. They often left their Trabants behind.
The Musoleum is easily accessible by tram. Take tram number 5, 12, or 20 to the Lihovar stop. It’s about a 20-minute ride from the center of Prague. The admission fee to the Musoleum is 250 CZK. Access to the cafe is free. The Musoleum is a celebration of David Černý’s art. It is housed in a revitalized historical building. It offers a unique cultural and gastronomic experience in Prague.