A Dream of Reality – Paintings by Jan Zrzavý from the National Gallery Prague Collection at Telč Castle

After nearly two decades, an exhibition of Jan Zrzavý returns to Telč State Castle. A new permanent gallery in completely renovated spaces of the castle's eastern wing presents a selection of more than thirty works from the National Gallery Prague collection. The exhibition is divided into six loosely connected chapters: from self-portraits and self-stylization, through inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's work, early works from the Sursum association period, biblical motifs and paradise landscapes, paintings of Brittany connected with the Vysočina region, to the theme of a fateful woman. For the first time, the newest NGP acquisition is on display – Portrait of Miss Tydlitátová, which remained in a private collection for more than 80 years and was practically unknown to the public. The exhibition also includes one of the versions of the famous painting Cleopatra II. The exhibition is complemented by an interactive studio with a reading corner, a card file of supplementary materials, reproductions of drawings, and recordings from the Czech Radio archive. The Jan Zrzavý Gallery at Telč Castle previously operated in 1988–2007; the current spaces were completely renovated in 2024–2025 at a cost of 14.5 million crowns and meet the most demanding gallery standards. The exhibition is accessible year-round during the same visiting hours as the castle.