Lobkowicz Palace

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The collection contains the only surviving copy of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 with the composer's own handwritten annotations.

2. 2

   Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 ('Eroica') and Symphony No. 5 were both dedicated to Prince Joseph Franz Maximilian Lobkowicz.

3. 3

   The family's private library contains thousands of volumes, including rare maps and early prints.

4. 4

   The museum holds an extensive collection of Delft pottery and 17th-century ceramics.

5. 5

   The palace interior retains period-specific decor, including original stuccowork and ceiling frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries.

6. 6

   The current Lobkowicz family still oversees the maintenance and curation of the palace today.

7. 7

   The palace survived multiple regime changes in the 20th century, though it was seized twice by state authorities before its restitution.

8. 8

   The courtyard features a restored 16th-century arcaded loggia.

9. 9

   The collection includes hunting weapons and porcelain sets used by the family during the Austro-Hungarian era.

Overview

Lobkowicz Palace is the only privately owned building within the Prague Castle complex. It houses the Lobkowicz Collections, an extensive assemblage of fine art, musical instruments, and manuscripts spanning several centuries. The palace was originally built in the 16th century and has undergone significant structural changes, including 17th-century baroque renovations. Visitors can explore a permanent exhibition featuring works by masters such as Canaletto, Velázquez, and Bruegel the Elder. The collection also includes annotated original musical scores by Beethoven and Mozart. The property was returned to the Lobkowicz family in 2002 following decades of nationalization. It remains a rare example of a family-curated historical collection kept largely intact. The palace hosts daily classical music concerts in its baroque concert hall. It serves as a center for cultural diplomacy and international research.

Insider tips

• Download the digital audio guide before arrival to get the most context from the Lobkowicz family members who narrate the history.

• Check the concert schedule in advance, as the palace hall offers one of the best acoustic environments in the city for chamber music.

• Save time to visit the palace cafe terrace, which provides an elevated view over the rooftops of Prague's Malá Strana district.