The Antonín Dvořák Museum is presenting over 45 rare photographs of the composer – from youthful portraits to snapshots from his time in America. The exhibition offers personal insights into Dvořák’s life and the early days of photography.
The Antonín Dvořák Museum in Prague, part of the National Museum (Národní muzeum), is hosting a new exhibition entitled “Antonín Dvořák in Photographs”. The focus is on portraits of the world-renowned composer from various stages of his life. On display are over 45 photographs from Czech and international studios, as well as from Dvořák’s private circle.
The exhibition provides rare glimpses into the composer’s life: in addition to well-known studio portraits, previously unpublished photographs are being shown – from Dvořák’s youth to his final years. Visitors can discover portraits from renowned Prague studios, as well as images taken during his travels or while he was living in the United States.
A particular emphasis is placed on the role of photography in the 19th century. Dvořák’s life coincided with a period of rapid development and growing popularity of photography. The exhibition features works from famous studios such as Langhans, Mulač and Fiedler, as well as international works from London, Vienna, Birmingham and New York.
The display is complemented by personal items belonging to the composer. Loans from the collection of the Antonín Dvořák Museum and from his great-grandson, Petr Dvořák – including a straw hat Dvořák is seen wearing in a photograph taken in the garden of his house in Křečovice – bring the presentation vividly to life. Private snapshots from his summer house in Vysoká u Příbramě are also being shown to the public for the first time.
Further highlights include stereoscopic photographs from his time in the USA (1892–1895), as well as images of Native Americans from his estate. The exhibition is rounded off with historical cameras and a stereoscope from the National Technical Museum in Prague (Národní technické muzeum), which offer an insight into photographic technology of the era.
The exhibition Antonín Dvořák in Photographs will be on display at the Antonín Dvořák Museum in Prague until 27 April 2026.
Antonín Dvořák Museum
Ke Karlovu 20, Praha 2
Website | Facebook | Instagram
