Wolfgang Beltracchi Divine Stories

German painter and former art forger Wolfgang Beltracchi (75) presents his contemporary work for the first time in Prague. The exhibition "Divine Stories" at the Municipal House (May 7 – September 25, 2026) features over 90 original paintings and sculptures from 2010–2026, loaned primarily from private collections across Europe. Their estimated market value is around one billion Czech crowns.

The works develop themes inspired by biblical narratives and archetypal subjects – temptation, truth, guilt, punishment, and the possibility of redemption. Beltracchi describes his approach as "Free Method Painting": he rejects a single fixed personal style and works across techniques and periods. The exhibition includes large-scale canvases and several unique sculptures. It was previously presented in Vienna, Venice, and Hamburg.

Beltracchi was convicted in 2011 for art forgery – he had imitated the style of approximately 120 artists spanning four centuries – and after serving his sentence, began building his own international career.

Throughout the exhibition, guided tours with the artist (simultaneous translation) are planned for May, June, and September 2026, during which Beltracchi will personally explain the creation of selected works. Photography and touching the artworks are prohibited at the exhibition, and entry with animals is not permitted. A free cloakroom is available at the main entrance.