Dům pánů z Kunštátu

Dům pánů z Kunštátu (House of the Lords of Kunštát) is a Renaissance palace in the heart of Brno's old town, on Dominikánská street. It is one of only two surviving Renaissance monuments in Brno's historic core, and today it houses a contemporary art gallery run by the Brno House of Arts.

Where does the name come from?

The site was occupied from the mid-14th century by burgher houses. One of them belonged to Heralt z Kunštátu, a member of a powerful Moravian noble family, while the neighbouring house was later bought by Petr z Kunštátu — the source of the building's name. Its current, unified appearance, however, dates from the ownership of Jan z Pernštejn, who between 1585 and 1599 had the two houses merged through a thorough Renaissance rebuilding. The palace has kept that form ever since.

What can you see inside?

The façade is decorated with sgraffito and rustication typical of Central European Renaissance architecture. Stepping inside, visitors reach an inner courtyard lined with arcades resting on Tuscan columns — one of the most photogenic corners of Renaissance Brno. Inside, richly decorated ceilings and coffered woodwork survive, testifying to the building's former status as a noble residence. The palace is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What happens in the building today?

Since 1958, Dům pánů z Kunštátu has been part of the Brno House of Arts (Dům umění města Brna) and serves as an exhibition venue. It mainly hosts contemporary art shows — photography, painting, installations, and graduation exhibitions by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Brno University of Technology (FaVU VUT). The building also houses Gallery G99 and the Trojka café, a good spot to pause between exhibition rooms.

How to get there?

The building stands at Dominikánská 9, within easy walking distance of Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) and the main sights of Brno's Old Town. The most convenient way to arrive is on foot from the main railway station (about 10–15 minutes), or by tram to a stop in the city centre followed by a short walk. Since the gallery regularly changes its exhibitions, it is worth checking the current programme on the House of Arts website before visiting.

When is the best time to visit?

The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, and until 20:00 on Wednesdays, making an evening visit after work possible. It is closed on Mondays. For a quieter visit without crowds, weekday mornings are the best choice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dům pánů z Kunštátu a castle or a gallery? It is a former Renaissance burgher palace that today functions as a contemporary art gallery operated by the Brno House of Arts.

How long does a visit take? Depending on the current exhibition, a visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, including a walk around the arcaded courtyard.

Is there a café on site? Yes, the Trojka café operates inside the building and is a good place for a break during your visit.

Is admission free? Ticket prices and rules depend on the current exhibition — it is best to check details directly on the Brno House of Arts website before visiting.