House of Photography

House of Photography (Dům fotografie) is a photography gallery tucked into Prague's Old Town, on Revoluční street just a short walk from Náměstí Republiky. Run by the Prague City Gallery (Galerie hlavního města Prahy, GHMP), the city's institution for contemporary art, it has grown into one of Central Europe's most respected photography venues.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The gallery occupies a building at Revoluční 1006/5, in the Staré Město district. You enter through a passage that links Revoluční and Benediktská streets, with the exhibition rooms spread across the mezzanine and first floor. The easiest way in is Metro line B to Náměstí Republiky — from there it's only a few minutes on foot. Several tram lines also stop nearby, and the neighboring Kotva department store makes the spot easy to spot on a map.

What will you find inside?

The building itself has a story worth knowing: it was built in 1937 to designs by architect Friedrich Lehmann as the seat of the Victoria insurance company. After decades serving other purposes, it underwent a thorough renovation and reopened in 2013 as a space dedicated entirely to photography.

The programme leans heavily on Czech photography but regularly brings in international names as well. Up to ten temporary exhibitions run here each year, spanning classic documentary work, art photography, and experimental projects by contemporary artists. Beyond the exhibition halls, the building houses a collection depository, a library, and a lecture hall with its own darkroom, used for photography courses and workshops for anyone wanting to get hands-on with the medium.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Most days it runs from 10 am to 6 pm, while Thursdays stretch to 8 pm — a handy option if you're sightseeing after work or want to dodge the morning crowds. Mondays are closed, worth factoring into any Old Town itinerary. A standard adult ticket costs 150 CZK; it's worth checking current prices before you go, since GHMP also offers discounts and combined tickets covering its other venues.

Accessibility

The exhibition spaces are wheelchair accessible — the building is barrier-free, and there's a lift you can reach by calling ahead on site. If you're travelling with someone who has mobility needs, it's worth arranging that access in advance rather than on arrival.

Why it's worth the detour

House of Photography is easy to miss if you're sticking to a classic sightseeing route through Prague, which is a shame — the shows rotate several times a year, so no two visits to the city look quite the same here. It's also a good way to see Prague from a different angle than the usual monuments: through the lens of Czech and international photographers documenting and interpreting both the city and the wider world.

Frequently asked questions

How far is House of Photography from Náměstí Republiky? It's a genuinely short walk — the gallery sits on Revoluční street, right next to that square and the Kotva department store.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? No, there's no need — standard tickets at 150 CZK are bought on site before entering the exhibition.

Is the gallery wheelchair accessible? Yes, the building is barrier-free and has a lift, though access to it needs to be requested by phone on arrival.

What kind of exhibitions does it show? Mostly Czech photography, complemented by international projects — ranging from classic documentary work to contemporary artistic experiments, with up to ten shows a year.