Stadtholder palais

The Governor's Palace (Stadtholder Palais) is one of the most impressive Baroque buildings in Brno, standing right in the heart of the city's historic centre. Although its origins date back to the mid-14th century, the building owes its present Baroque appearance to a major reconstruction carried out in the mid-18th century by architect Moritz Grimm, who transformed a former Augustinian monastery into a monumental palace.

How do you get to the palace?

The building sits within the dense historic core of Brno, close to the city's other major landmarks, which makes it easy to fold into a walking tour of the old town. The most convenient way to reach it is on foot from Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) or any other central spot in Brno, since most of the city's key attractions lie within a short walk of one another. Trams and buses stop within easy reach of the centre, from where it's just a brief stroll to the palace itself.

What is the history behind the building?

The site began its life as an Augustinian monastery, first recorded in the 14th century. A turning point came under Emperor Joseph II, whose reforms led to the dissolution of numerous monasteries across the Habsburg monarchy. Monks were replaced by officials of the local government and representatives of the regional Estates, who occupied the building right up until the period after the end of World War I. It's this administrative role — as the seat of the Moravian governor, or "Stadtholder" — that gave the palace its name.

What can you see inside today?

Since 1990 the building has formed part of the Moravian Gallery (Moravská galerie), one of the most significant museum institutions in the Czech Republic. Its Baroque halls house a permanent exhibition of art spanning from the Gothic period all the way to the 19th century, offering visitors a chance to trace the development of Central European art across several centuries under one roof. The visit also includes the Drawing and Graphic Cabinet, a dedicated space for works on paper that require special display conditions. The palace additionally features a Baroque hall with seating for around 150 people, used for temporary exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events.

When is the best time to visit?

The palace's art collection is open for most of the year, making it a solid destination regardless of season — a good option for rainy days or hot afternoons when exploring the city outdoors is less appealing. It's worth checking the current schedule of temporary exhibitions before your visit, as the programme in the Baroque hall changes periodically.

Why is it worth visiting?

The Governor's Palace brings together several layers of Brno's history in a single building — from a medieval monastery, through a Baroque transformation, to its present role as a museum. It's a rare chance to experience top-tier Baroque architecture alongside a valuable collection of historical art in one place. For anyone interested in Moravian history or Central European art, it's one of the must-see stops in Brno.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Governor's Palace before it became a gallery? The building originally served as an Augustinian monastery. Following Joseph II's reforms, it became the seat of local government officials and representatives of the regional Estates, who worked there until after World War I.

Who designed the palace's Baroque reconstruction? The building's current Baroque appearance is the work of architect Moritz Grimm, who carried out the reconstruction in the mid-18th century.

What can visitors see there today? Since 1990 the palace has housed part of the Moravian Gallery, featuring a permanent exhibition of art from the Gothic period to the 19th century, as well as the Drawing and Graphic Cabinet.

Are events held at the palace? Yes, the building has a Baroque hall seating around 150 people, used for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.