Things to Do in Moravian Gallery, Česko

The Moravian Gallery (Moravská galerie) in Brno represents one of the Czech Republic's most significant art institutions, serving as the country's second-largest gallery after the National Gallery in Prague. Founded in 1961, this prestigious cultural institution houses an impressive collection spanning from medieval art to contemporary works, with particular strengths in Gothic art, 19th and 20th-century Czech painting, and modern European art. The gallery operates across multiple historic venues throughout Brno, including the stunning Pražák Palace and the Governor's Palace, each offering unique architectural backdrops for world-class exhibitions. Brno itself, the Czech Republic's second-largest city and the capital of South Moravia, provides an ideal setting for this cultural gem. The city seamlessly blends its rich medieval heritage with vibrant modern energy, featuring Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and functionalist architecture alongside bustling cafes, innovative restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. As a major university town, Brno maintains a youthful atmosphere while preserving its historical significance as a former textile manufacturing center and important trade hub in Central Europe.

Top Things to Do in Moravian Gallery

Moravian Gallery Art Tours

Explore the extensive collections across multiple venues of the Moravian Gallery, including medieval sculptures, Czech modern art, and international contemporary works. The gallery's permanent exhibitions showcase everything from Gothic altarpieces to avant-garde installations, housed in beautifully restored historic palaces. Special temporary exhibitions frequently feature renowned international artists and thematic displays.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around 120-180 CZK for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Purchase combination tickets for multiple venues to save money. Book guided tours in advance during peak season (April-October) and check the website for special exhibition schedules.

Historic Brno Walking Tour

Discover Brno's medieval old town, including the iconic Špilberk Castle, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and the unique astronomical clock on Freedom Square. The walking tour covers over 1000 years of history, from the city's founding to its role in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Visit the historic underground tunnels and learn about Brno's significance in Czech history and culture.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily from April to October, meeting at Freedom Square at 10:30 AM. Private guided tours cost 1500-2500 CZK for groups up to 6 people. Book 2-3 days in advance during summer months and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Špilberk Castle Exploration

Visit this 13th-century fortress that dominates Brno's skyline and houses the Brno City Museum. The castle served as a notorious Habsburg prison and now offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding Moravian countryside. Explore the historic casemates, torture chambers, and learn about famous prisoners who were held here.

Booking Tip: Castle admission costs 130-180 CZK depending on exhibitions visited. Combined tickets with the city museum offer better value. Visit during late afternoon for the best photography light and fewer crowds. Open daily except Mondays from April to October.

Traditional Czech Cuisine Experience

Sample authentic Moravian specialties including svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), goulash, and local wines from the South Moravian wine region. Many restaurants offer traditional Czech beer pairings and cooking classes featuring regional dishes. Experience the local food culture in historic cellars, modern bistros, or traditional beer halls.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost 1200-2000 CZK per person and should be booked 3-5 days in advance. Food tours run 800-1500 CZK and include 4-5 tastings. Look for experiences that include local wine tastings, as South Moravia produces excellent varieties.

South Moravian Wine Tasting

Explore the renowned wine region surrounding Brno, known for producing some of the Czech Republic's finest white wines including Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Blanc. Visit traditional wine cellars, family-owned vineyards, and modern wineries in picturesque villages like Mikulov and Znojmo. Learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions and sample award-winning vintages.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours cost 1500-2500 CZK including transportation and 5-6 tastings. Full-day tours to multiple wineries run 2500-4000 CZK. Book tours from May to October for the best experience, and designate a non-drinking driver or use organized transportation.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from Prague (2.5-3 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours) with regular daily services. The city's main railway station (Brno hlavní nádraží) is centrally located and well-connected to the public transport network. By air, Brno-Tuřany Airport offers limited flights, but Vienna International Airport (130km away) provides extensive international connections with direct bus services to Brno. Driving from Prague takes approximately 2 hours via the D1 motorway, while buses operate frequently from major Czech and international cities.

Getting Around

Brno has an excellent integrated public transport system consisting of trams, buses, and trolleybuses operated by DPMB. Single tickets cost 25 CZK and day passes are available for 110 CZK, valid across all transport modes. The historic city center is compact and easily walkable, with most major attractions within 15 minutes of each other on foot. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, while bike-sharing systems and rental shops provide eco-friendly alternatives for exploring the city and surrounding areas.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Špilberk District

Žabovřesky

Černá Pole

Trnitá

Veveří

Food & Dining

Brno's dining scene combines traditional Czech cuisine with modern international influences, reflecting its status as a university city. The Old Town offers numerous traditional restaurants serving hearty Moravian specialties like roasted duck and dumplings, paired with excellent local wines from the South Moravian region. Modern bistros and cafes around Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) and Jakubské náměstí provide innovative takes on Czech classics, while the student areas near Masaryk University feature affordable international cuisines. Don't miss the historic wine cellars and modern wine bars showcasing the region's acclaimed vintages, particularly the crisp white wines that have gained international recognition.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Brno and the Moravian Gallery is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and all attractions operate full schedules. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the perfect combination of mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant colors in the surrounding countryside. Summer months (July-August) can be busy with tourists and students, but provide the warmest weather for outdoor exploration. Winter visits (November-March) offer a more intimate experience with lower hotel prices and cozy indoor cultural activities, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Brno City Card for free public transport and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions throughout the city

Visit the Moravian Gallery's venues on the first Wednesday of each month for free admission to permanent exhibitions

Explore the underground tunnels beneath Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) for a unique perspective on medieval Brno's history and architecture

Things to Do in Moravian Gallery