Palace of Illustration
An exhibition of the Collection of Illustrations featuring nearly 800 works by 33 illustrators from all over Europe and hundreds of children’s books.
A New Cultural Landmark in Český Krumlov: The Palace of Illustration offers a journey into the world of book illustration, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the town.
Set in the Baroque former Mint building, the Palace tells a story that sounds like a fairy tale – only it truly happened. It’s a story of remarkable illustrations, their passionate collector, beloved children’s books, and a place like no other. On display are works that have travelled the world and caught the attention of the Spanish king and the Japanese empress. The collection features nearly 800 original illustrations by 33 artists from across Europe, along with hundreds of children's books.
The illustrations – created primarily for children's books – come mainly from the second half of the 20th century, a time when things were made slowly, by hand, and with great care. The Palace of Illustration was developed in the same spirit: as a space for unhurried discovery, where visitors can take their time exploring original artworks and the stories behind them.
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The Collection
Nearly 800 works by 33 illustrators from across Europe, hundreds of children's books, dozens of exhibition catalogues – a truly unique European collection, offering a representative cross-section of techniques and some of the finest illustration work of the second half of the 20th century. At its heart are illustrations associated with the legendary publishing house Bohem Press, known for its dedication to craftsmanship, powerful storytelling, and its boldness in addressing sensitive topics such as environmental protection, death, or addiction. Among the most renowned artists featured are Józef Wilkoń, David McKee, Jan Lenica, Stasys Eidrigevičius, and Štěpán Zavřel.
