Galérie Benedikta Rejta

Galerie Benedikta Rejta (the Benedikt Rejt Gallery) is one of the most interesting contemporary art venues in northwestern Bohemia, set right in the historic centre of Louny. The gallery occupies a modernly reconstructed former town brewery on Pivovarská street, standing directly next to the town hall and the main square, so it fits naturally into a walk around the old town.

How to get there?

The gallery sits in the middle of Louny, just a few minutes on foot from both the bus and train stations. Louny is well connected to Prague and Most, which makes a day trip perfectly manageable — after seeing the exhibitions, it's worth staying a little longer to stroll through the historic old town that borders the gallery building itself.

What will you see?

The exhibition space covers nearly 1,500 square metres spread across four floors, partly built into the remains of the town's medieval fortifications. It's this combination of historic defensive architecture with a modern interior layout that tends to leave the strongest impression on visitors.

The collection holds more than 18,000 works, including roughly 3,000 drawings and 6,500 prints. Its core is Czech and international art from the second half of the 20th century, with a particular focus on geometric abstraction and constructivist tendencies. Beyond painting and sculpture, the gallery's programme also includes photography and light installations, shown as part of rotating temporary exhibitions.

The institution's name honours Benedikt Rejt (1454–1536), an architect whose work combined Gothic decorative naturalism with the strict geometry of Renaissance construction. That reference isn't a coincidence: since becoming an independent institution in March 1966, the gallery has consistently championed art in which form and construction play the leading role.

When should you visit?

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, giving visitors plenty of flexibility when planning a visit. Since the programme of temporary exhibitions changes throughout the year, it's worth checking the gallery's website beforehand — that way you can time your trip to a specific show or accompanying event.

How much does it cost?

A full-price ticket costs 100 CZK, with a reduced ticket at 50 CZK — making it one of the more affordable cultural attractions in the region given the size and quality of the collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is Galerie Benedikta Rejta suitable for a visit with children? Given the nature of the collection (abstract and constructivist art), the gallery works best for older children and teenagers with an interest in contemporary art, though the interiors of the former fortifications are an interesting experience for visitors of any age.

How much time should I set aside for a visit? With exhibitions spread across four floors, a relaxed visit usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how many temporary exhibitions are on at the time.

Does the gallery have permanent exhibits, or only temporary ones? The gallery shows both selected works from its permanent collection of post-war art and regularly changing temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific artists or themes.

Is it worth combining a visit with sightseeing in Louny? Absolutely — the gallery stands right next to the main square and town hall, making it a natural stop on any walk through the historic town centre.