Galerie Kotelna

Galerie Kotelna is a small contemporary art gallery in Říčany, a town on the eastern edge of Prague. It occupies a former boiler house on Plynární street – the name "Kotelna" literally means "boiler room" in Czech – which has been gradually converted into an exhibition space since 2005. Today it's regarded as one of the more interesting galleries in the Prague-East district.

What will you see at Galerie Kotelna?

The exhibition program focuses mainly on emerging Czech artists building their reputation in the art world, alongside established names such as Michal Singer and Marie Blabolilová. The raw, industrial interior of the old boiler house gives paintings, prints, and other visual art an unusual backdrop that few white-cube galleries can match. Shows rotate regularly, so a return visit often means seeing a completely different set of works.

Is it just an exhibition space?

No – Galerie Kotelna also operates as a commercial gallery. Visitors interested in art as an investment can arrange a consultation and speak directly with people working professionally in the visual art market. Pieces on display can typically be purchased through the gallery, and staff are available to advise first-time collectors. On top of that, the gallery runs visual art courses, aimed both at hobbyists and at people looking to sharpen their artistic skills.

How to get to Galerie Kotelna?

The gallery sits at Plynární 1815/1 in Říčany, an easily reachable part of town just east of Prague. Říčany is a popular day-trip destination from the Czech capital, reachable by train or bus in roughly half an hour. From the town center, it's only a short walk to the gallery. Since it's a small, independently run space rather than a large museum, it's worth checking current opening hours before setting out, as it doesn't keep the same daily schedule as bigger institutions.

When should you visit?

The best time to come is while a specific exhibition is running, since the program changes several times a year and is worth following in advance. For fans of contemporary art, or anyone who wants to add something beyond a stroll around the main square to a trip to Říčany, Galerie Kotelna makes for a worthwhile stop – especially if you're curious about what the younger generation of Czech artists is producing.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Galerie Kotelna come from? The gallery is housed in a former neighborhood boiler house that was gradually adapted into an exhibition space, and its name refers directly to that original purpose.

Which artists does the gallery show? The program leans toward young Czech artists, but it also features names established on the Czech art scene, including Michal Singer and Marie Blabolilová.

Can you buy artwork at Galerie Kotelna? Yes, it operates as a sales gallery and offers consultations for visitors interested in art as an investment.

Does the gallery do anything besides exhibitions? Yes, it runs visual art courses for different skill levels, from casual hobbyists to people wanting to develop their artistic technique.