Independent Art Galleries

The Václava Špály Gallery, located in the city center of Prague on Národní Street is an independent Prague gallery that focuses on connecting the general public with contemporary art.

Dating back to 1957 when the gallery was founded and named after 20th century Czech painter Václav Špála, this gallery has an important place in society. Under such amazing direction of Czech art theoretician and curator Jindřich Chalupecký, the gallery enjoyed its golden years from 1965 - 1970 when it showcased exhibitions of controversial works of known artists including Marcel Duchamp, a French/American artist known for his contribution to Dadaism and Surrealism. Chalupecký also installed a brilliant program called Buy and Borrow a Painting or Sculpture that helped spread interest in the current artwork on display in his gallery. Unfortunately in the 1970s Communist officials banned the curator from doing what he did best, and instead turned the gallery into a showcase of regime-approved art. After the Communist regime collapsed the gallery was once again in the caring hands of an inspirational curator, Jaroslav Krbůšek who was responsible for presenting contemporary Czech artists to the public; these avant-garde paintings were just what the public needed after years of dull grayness. The gallery is now under the PPF Group through its subdsidiary, PPF Art. The company is also responsible for the operation of Josef Sudek's Studio in Prague. The gallery was completely restored in 2007 and continues to be one of the best independent art galleries for contemporary art in Prague.