The Josef Sudek Studio

The Josef Sudek Studio is a small photography gallery tucked into a courtyard on Prague's Újezd street, right beneath Petřín Hill. The pavilion is a faithful reconstruction of the studio the famed Czech photographer used from 1927 to 1976, and the site has been protected as a Czech cultural monument since 1990.

What will you find inside?

The building itself is modest by design — a single-storey structure of only 61 square metres, set among greenery in the courtyard between two apartment blocks. Today it houses a contemporary art gallery run by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, with a programme built around photography's role in present-day art. Exhibitions mostly showcase Czech photographers of the younger and middle generation who approach the medium through post-conceptual currents — this isn't a biographical museum with display cases of memorabilia, but a working exhibition space.

Why does this place matter?

Sudek worked here for half a century, producing his most celebrated series — views from the studio window, still lifes, and misty panoramas of Prague. The atelier was more than a workplace for him: after losing his arm during the First World War, he spent long hours here experimenting with the light pouring through the pavilion's glazed walls. The gallery today deliberately keeps that legacy alive — every summer the programme includes at least one exhibition connected directly to Sudek's own work or that of his peers and disciples.

How do you get there?

The entrance sits in the courtyard of the apartment houses at Újezd 432, in Malá Strana, close to the Újezd tram stop served by lines linking the city centre with Petřín and Smíchov. It's an easy stop to pair with a ride on the Petřín funicular or a walk along the Vltava embankment — though the place itself is easy to miss, since the street-facing gate gives little away.

When should you visit?

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 12:00 to 18:00, and guided tours can be arranged on request. Given the pavilion's small footprint, it's worth timing a visit outside peak tourist hours — weekday mornings tend to be quietest, giving you room to take in the exhibits at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original studio Sudek used? The building is a faithful reconstruction of the pavilion where the photographer worked between 1927 and 1976 — its structure and layout recreate the historical original.

Will I see Sudek's own photographs here? The exhibition programme mostly features contemporary Czech photographers, but every summer brings a show connected directly to Sudek's work or his circle.

How long does a visit take? Given the pavilion's small size (61 m²), a visit typically takes 30–45 minutes, longer if you join a guided tour.

Is the entrance hard to find? Yes — access is through the courtyard at Újezd 432, and the street-level gate is easy to walk past, so it helps to watch the building numbers closely.