Galerie z ruky (Czech Republic)

Galerie z ruky is a small art gallery in Křížovice, a hamlet that belongs to the village of Doubravník in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. It sits on a hillside above the Svratka river valley, surrounded by forest, just a short drive from Pernštejn Castle, one of the region's best-known fortified castles. The gallery is run by sculptor Zdeněk Macháček, who converted an old barn into an exhibition space in 2012, blending visual art, craft and live music.

What will you find inside?

The gallery occupies two floors of the former farm building. The lower level hosts rotating solo shows, and every opening is paired with roughly an hour-long concert, so a vernissage here is always as much a musical evening as an art event. Upstairs, visitors can view and buy work from the gallery's core group of resident artists alongside pieces from newcomers. The range on display covers paintings, sculpture, art glass, graphics, jewelry, silk scarves, handbags and ceramics — a broad slice of contemporary craft from the region and beyond.

The sculptor's amphitheater

One of the site's most distinctive features is an open-air amphitheater lined with Macháček's own wooden sculptures. In summer it hosts outdoor concerts and music-and-literature evenings — informal, low-key events that draw both locals and travelers passing through on their way to Pernštejn. The whole place has a relaxed feel: art spills out of the barn and into the landscape, and visitors move freely between the indoor exhibits and the sculptures scattered outside.

How do you get there?

The gallery's address is Křížovice 3, Doubravník, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district. It's a tiny village well known to tourists heading for Pernštejn Castle, which is only a short drive away. The surrounding countryside is hilly and wooded, so it's worth building a visit into a longer walk or cycling trip through the Svratka valley rather than treating it as a quick stop.

When should you visit?

The gallery operates seasonally, from May to mid-August, and is closed the rest of the year. If you're planning a trip to this corner of the Highlands, it's worth checking current opening hours in advance — and, if you want to catch one of the opening-night concerts, the date of the next exhibition launch. Summer weekends are the best bet, since that's when a visit to the exhibition is most likely to coincide with a concert in the amphitheater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Galerie z ruky? A seasonal art gallery in Křížovice near Doubravník, housed in a former barn and run by sculptor Zdeněk Macháček.

What can you buy there? Paintings, sculpture, art glass, graphics, jewelry, silk scarves, handbags and ceramics, made by the gallery's resident artists and guest exhibitors.

Is it close to Pernštejn Castle? Yes, the gallery is only a short drive from Pernštejn Castle, so the two make an easy combined day trip.

When is the gallery open? Seasonally, from May to mid-August; it is closed outside that window.