Historic Savarin Palace to become permanent home of Alfons Mucha Museum

The newly reconstructed Baroque Savarin Palace on the street Na Příkopě in central Prague will serve as the permanent home of the Alfons Mucha Museum. The partnership was announced earlier this week by the Mucha Foundation and Crestyl, the developer behind the Savarin project.

Architect Eva Jiřičná, who recently received the Order of the White Lion for her contributions to Czech culture, is designing the museum’s exhibitions, covering over 1,100 square meters. The museum will officially open on January 24, 2025.

Marcus Mucha|Photo: Alexis Rosenzweig, Radio Prague International

“The existing premises were very crowded, especially in summer, so we sought a new location where more people could appreciate Mucha’s work. We hope this new setting will attract both tourists and Czechs alike, making it a favorite destination,” says Marcus Mucha, great-grandson of Alfons Mucha and executive director of the Mucha Foundation.

The museum will also present previously unseen works, including early oil paintings, hand-drawn studies, and items reflecting Mucha’s interest in Freemasonry. Additionally, this move could pave the way for displaying Mucha’s Slav Epic in the Savarin, a goal since 2022 when city officials and Crestyl expressed interest in a 25-year lease with an option to extend.

However, this potential relocation has faced criticism. Jaroslava Mucha Plocková, granddaughter of Alfons Mucha, argues that Prague should prioritize city-owned locations, such as the Industrial Palace at the Exhibition Grounds in  Prague’s Holešovice district, which is currently being renovated. For now, the Slav Epic remains on loan to Moravský Krumlov Castle until 2026.

The Savarin complex, designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Previously closed to the public, the 1.5-hectare site is now being transformed into a public space with walkways, terraces, and a restored Baroque garden.