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

After nearly two decades, an exhibition of Jan Zrzavý returns to Telč 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 National Gallery Prague's newest acquisition is on display – Portrait of Miss Tydlitátová (a painting from 1932 that remained in a private collection for over 80 years and was virtually unknown to the public; the National Gallery Prague acquired it in 2024 with support from the Ministry of Culture for 3 million crowns). The exhibition also includes one of the versions of the famous painting Cleopatra. The paintings are complemented by works by Adolf Gärtner, a bust by Marta Jirásková, and photographs by Václav Chochola and Miroslav Khol. The exhibition is supplemented by an interactive studio with a reading corner, a card file of supplementary materials (personal correspondence, reproductions of drawings, recordings from the Czech Radio archive). The exhibition's title comes from Zrzavý's statement: "No artist trying to depict reality, the reality and essence of things, can paint more than just their dream of reality." The Jan Zrzavý Gallery at Telč Castle previously operated in 1988–2007; the current spaces were completely renovated in 2024–2025 at a total cost of 14.5 million crowns. Entry to the gallery is from the garden near the ground-floor arcades. The exhibition is accessible year-round during castle visiting hours (until the end of August: Tue–Sun 9:00–16:30; September: Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00; October: Tue–Sun 10:00–15:00; November–December: Fri–Sun 10:00–15:00). The exhibition is curated by Alice Němcová.