Galerie Emila Juliše

Galerie Emila Juliše is a private art gallery in Černčice, a small village right next to Louny in northwestern Bohemia, Czech Republic. It focuses on 20th- and 21st-century Czech visual art, with a strong leaning toward surrealism, fantastical imagery and imaginative art. For travelers who want something beyond castles and town squares, this is a compact, personality-driven exhibition space rather than a large institutional museum.

What should you know before visiting?

The gallery sits at Tylova 151 in Černčice, essentially a suburb of Louny. It was founded in 2009 by Pavel R. Vejrážka — an antiquarian, visual artist and musician all at once. He named the gallery after the poet Emil Juliš, a close friend of his, and the poet's spirit still shapes the atmosphere of the place.

The gallery's focus is clearly defined: modern, fantastical and imaginative art, surrealism, and curiosities of all kinds — not limited strictly to visual art. It isn't a museum with one fixed collection; instead, it's a living space that hosts a rotating program of temporary exhibitions.

Who has exhibited here?

Over the years the gallery has hosted artists connected to the surrealist and fantastical strand of Czech art, including Přemysl Martinec and Jan Kohout among others. In 2012 it staged a locally notable exhibition titled "Kardinální můra" (Cardinal Moth), which was covered by regional press at the time. In its early years, the gallery also collaborated with Africanist Maria Imbrová, giving space to contemporary African art — an unexpected and distinctive programming choice for such a small town.

The gallery also lends its space to visual artists from Louny, functioning not only as an exhibition venue but as a hub for the local creative community.

How do you get there?

Černčice sits directly next to Louny, a town well connected by train and bus from Prague and Most. From central Louny it's just a few minutes by car or on foot to the gallery — Černčice is practically an extension of the town itself. Travelers without a car should head to Louny by train or bus and continue locally, or simply walk, to Tylova 151.

When should you go?

Because the gallery runs on a rotating program of temporary exhibitions and visits are arranged in advance, it's best to plan ahead and check the current show before setting off. This isn't a place for a spontaneous drop-in — its intimate, personal character means it's worth reaching out beforehand to make sure someone can show you around and talk you through what's currently on display.

Who is this place for?

Galerie Emila Juliše appeals to fans of contemporary art, surrealism, and small, character-driven cultural spaces. It also makes an interesting stop for anyone exploring the Louny and Žatec region who's looking for something beyond the standard historical monuments — a place with a genuinely personal touch you won't find in larger museums.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the gallery located? At Tylova 151 in Černčice, a village directly adjoining Louny in northwestern Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Who founded the gallery, and where does its name come from? It was founded in 2009 by Pavel R. Vejrážka, an antiquarian, artist and musician, who named it after his close friend, the poet Emil Juliš.

What kind of art can you see there? Mainly 20th- and 21st-century Czech visual art close to surrealism, along with fantastical and imaginative art and curious artistic phenomena beyond classic visual art.

Can you just walk in without notice? No — visits to the gallery are arranged in advance, so it's best to get in touch before you plan to come.