Veletržní Palace

The huge, functionalist Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace), built in 1928 to house trade exhibitions, is now home of the National Gallery’s superb collection of 20th- and 21st-century Czech and European art. You could easily spend an entire day here – the collection is spread over three floors of the vast, ocean-liner-like building – but if you have only an hour to spare, head for the 3rd floor (Czech Art 1900–30, and 19th- and 20th-century French Art) to see the paintings of František Kupka, pioneer of abstract art, and the art, furniture and ceramics of the Czech Cubists. The French section includes some sculpture by Rodin, a few Impressionist works, Gaugin’s Flight and Van Gogh’s Green Wheat. The 1st floor (20th-century Foreign Art) includes works by Klimt, Schiele and Picasso, while the 2nd floor (Czech Art 1930 to present day) has early examples of kinetic art, some Socialist Realist stuff from the communist era and various amusing works by contemporary artists.