Big Day for Art Nouveau Lovers

The villa was designed by important Czech artist František Bílek (1872-1941) whose artworks are usually seen as prime examples of Art Nouveau or Symbolism. Bílek is celebrated mainly for his original sculptural compositions made from wood, clay and other materials, but he was also a respected and original graphic designer, illustrator and architect. It is the last-mentioned talent that helped Bílek design his unique villa, which served him as a home and a studio from its completion a hundred years ago until 1939, when he left Prague for good and moved back to his native Chýnov where he spent the final two years of his life.

The villa of František Bílek features a noteworthy ground plan, which copies the shape left behind by a scythe when corn is plowed. This shape is a symbol of "life as a field full of ripe grains, every day offering food for the brothers". The museum of František Bílek located inside the villa features a representative sample of the artist's work including Bílek's massive wooden sculptures, such as "Astonishment", "Adam and Eve" or the early "Golgotha", which was once seen as an affront to the artistic conventions. In addition, the visitors of Bilek's villa can enjoy period interiors including original furniture designed by Bílek himself. The villa's attic has been transformed into an exhibition space that will host regular yearlong art exhibitions. The present exhibition focuses on Bílek’s book works. The museum is opened for the public every day except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.