From Inkwell to Typewriter at Lobkowicz Palace

The temporary exhibition "From Inkwell to Typewriter" at Lobkowicz Palace on Prague Castle runs from October 31, 2025 to October 29, 2026, enriching the museum's permanent collection for one year. It traces the evolution of writing from ancient wax tablets through inkwells, quills, and seals to the elegant typewriters of the First Republic. The exhibition is divided into six thematic sections and presents historical inkwells, seals with semi-precious stones, letters from rulers, nobles, and artists, as well as small personal objects. An exceptional part features autographs – handwritten letters from world figures, with the original letter on display changing every few weeks: visitors can see, for example, letters from Louis XIV to Emperor Leopold I, Rudolf II to William of Rožmberk, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, and Antonio Salieri. Porcelain and ceramic inkwells from the 19th century include curious pieces shaped like a hen's head and a hand-carved writing set of Francis Joseph Maximilian of Lobkowicz. The exhibition concludes by illustrating the transition from pen to typewriter – in the office of diplomat Maximilian Lobkowicz, visitors are transported to the First Republic era, where they can see photographs of T. G. Masaryk with a dedication from Jan Masaryk and correspondence with Sidonia Nádherná. The exhibition also prepares an educational programme for schools. Tickets are available online at lobkowicz.cz.