Prague: Lobkowicz Palace Ticket & Audio Guide

If you’re wandering through Prague and looking for a blend of art, history, and spectacular city views, the Lobkowicz Palace offers a compelling experience. This tour isn’t just about admiring pretty paintings; it’s a deep dive into centuries of European history, narrated by the very family that owns the collection. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special, along with some practical considerations, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

Two things we really love about this tour? First, the quality of the collection—it’s the largest private art collection in Central Europe, featuring works by masters like Velázquez, Canaletto, and Brueghel. Second, the audio guide, which is not only informative but also narrated by the Lobkowicz family themselves, adding a personal touch that brings the exhibits to life. A potential downside? The ticket doesn’t include entrance to Prague Castle itself, so if you’re planning to explore the entire castle complex, that’s an additional expense. This tour suits history and art buffs, those craving an insightful, less crowded cultural experience, or anyone interested in Prague’s aristocratic past.

Key Points

• Private art collection with masterpieces by renowned European painters
• Narration by the Lobkowicz family and chief curator adds a personalized element
• Excellent views of Prague from the palace terrace
• Affordable entry price for a comprehensive cultural experience
• Suitable for those who appreciate art, history, and music, with accessible options for different languages
• Not ideal for visitors with mobility issues, as it’s not wheelchair accessible

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Lobkowicz Palace: More Than Just Art

If you’re after a unique cultural experience in Prague, the Lobkowicz Palace stands out. It’s located within the Prague Castle complex, but what sets it apart is its private collection—something you won’t find in most public museums. At just $17 per person, this ticket opens the door to a treasure trove of art, porcelain, military artifacts, and musical memorabilia. Plus, the narration by the family behind the collection gives it an intimate feel, making history much more engaging.

We love how this experience combines visual splendor with storytelling. The audio guide, available in multiple languages including English, German, French, Japanese, and Chinese, ensures that visitors from around the world can enjoy the story of the collection. And for music lovers, hearing original scores by Mozart and Beethoven adds a special layer of richness. But keep in mind, the ticket does not include entry to the entire Prague Castle complex, so plan to buy that separately if you want to explore the castle grounds further.

While the palace’s exhibits are impressive, the real highlight for many is the stunning panoramic views of Prague from the terrace café. After exploring the galleries, it’s a lovely spot to unwind with a coffee and soak in the cityscape. With a flexible schedule (valid for one day), you can choose a time that suits your itinerary, and if you opt for the upgrade, you can also experience a classical music concert at 1 PM daily.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Your ticket covers entrance to Lobkowicz Palace, the audio guide, and the midday concert if you choose that option. It’s a good value considering the quality of the exhibits and the storytelling. However, you will need to cover personal expenses and purchase an additional ticket if you wish to visit the entire Prague Castle complex, which is separate.

Inside the Palace: What to Expect

Once inside, you’ll meander through 22 galleries filled with art pieces spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The collection includes impressive paintings by Velázquez, Canaletto, and Brueghel, as well as authentic family portraits. The displays aren’t just about the art—they tell stories of the Lobkowicz family, their rise, fall, and resurgence, narrated by two generations of the family and the chief curator.

One of the crowd favorites, according to reviews, is the storytelling aspect. As John notes, “I really enjoyed the story of the Lobkowicz family through the excellent audio guide. The stunning paintings and antiquities brought the story to life.” And Maria adds, “The audioguide is very informative, and the views are breathtaking. The ceilings alone are worth the visit.”

The exhibits also include military items, such as rifles from the 16th-18th centuries, and musical artifacts, including original scores and instruments from Mozart and Beethoven. Beethoven’s 4th and 5th symphonies, along with Mozart’s re-orchestration of Handel’s Messiah, are among the highlights for music enthusiasts. Seeing these personal items makes the experience feel more tangible and meaningful.

The Art and the History: Why It Matters

What makes this collection special is not just the quality of the art but the story behind it. The Lobkowicz family has a history spanning over 600 years, marked by dramatic ups and downs. The narration brings to life their resilience, including how they lost everything and then managed to reclaim it. This personal touch makes the entire visit more relatable, especially if you enjoy stories of perseverance and heritage.

On top of that, the collection’s breadth—from ornate porcelain to military rifles—offers a glimpse into aristocratic life across centuries. It’s a well-curated mix that balances visual appeal with historical context, making it a well-rounded experience.

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Viewing Prague from the Palace Terrace

After exploring the galleries, don’t skip the terrace. The views of Prague are truly spectacular—on clear days, you’ll see the red roofs and spires stretching across the city. It’s a perfect spot for photos or just to sit and absorb the atmosphere. Many reviews mention how this is a highlight; Thomas notes, “the collection was well displayed, and the narration by the family brought the palace to life. I ended up spending over an hour there, just taking in the views.”

The Practical Side: Accessibility, Timing, and Costs

The tour’s flexible one-day validity makes it easy to slot into your itinerary. The meeting point is straightforward—at the far eastern end of Prague Castle, easily accessible by foot, tram, or metro. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s worth noting that it might not be suitable for visitors with mobility impairments, as per the tour info.

Pricing at $17 is quite reasonable, especially considering the quality and depth of experience. For comparison, the ticket price is a small investment for such a comprehensive look at European art and history, especially with the added benefit of an engaging audio guide. The optional midday concert is an attractive upgrade if you’re into classical music, offering a little extra cultural enrichment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re someone who appreciates art, history, and music, and you value stories told by passionate hosts, this tour is a good choice. It offers a rich, intimate look at a private collection that’s hard to find elsewhere, paired with stunning views and a chance to relax in the palace café afterward.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or looking to cover every inch of Prague Castle, you’ll need to plan for additional tickets and time. It’s not geared towards visitors with mobility challenges, and the admission doesn’t include the entire castle complex.

Overall, for its price, the Lobkowicz Palace Ticket & Audio Guide provides a well-rounded, enriching experience that appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of Prague’s aristocratic past and artistic treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this ticket include entrance to Prague Castle?
No, the ticket covers only the Lobkowicz Palace. Entrance to the broader Prague Castle complex is not included and requires a separate ticket.

Is the audio guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, the audio guide is offered in several languages, including English, Spanish, Czech, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Ukrainian, Korean, and Chinese.

Can I visit the palace at any time during the day?
The ticket is valid for one day, but you’ll need to check availability for starting times. It’s best to reserve in advance to secure your preferred slot.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not specifically geared towards children, the exhibits and stories might interest older kids, especially if they enjoy art or history. However, the tour isn’t designed as a family-focused activity.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many visitors rave about the personal narration by the family and the stunning views from the terrace, making the experience both intimate and scenic.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but those with mobility impairments should be aware that some parts of the palace might present challenges.

If you’re after a meaningful glimpse into Prague’s art and aristocratic history without the crowds, this experience offers an enriching, scenic, and affordable option. It balances visual delights with storytelling, and the views make it a well-rounded cultural stop in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: