On 5 October 2026 the Ministry of Culture announced on its Facebook page a new selection procedure for the director general of the National Gallery Prague. It accepts applications, including concepts for a six-year term, until 5 November 2026. [1][2]
Previous procedure
This is the second selection procedure this year after the dismissal of the former director, Alicja Knast. The first was cancelled by Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř (for Motoristé sobě) in early July 2026. Since Knast’s departure the gallery has been run, on the minister's authorisation, by Olga Knotková, head of the Old Masters Collection. Before the new selection, Klempíř met all three finalists of the cancelled procedure and urged them to take part. [1][2]
Conditions of the new selection
The selection will have two rounds. The concepts must address investments, management and development of the collections, exhibition activity, international development, visitors and public services, the economy and management of the organisation, and human resources. Candidates will be assessed by a commission of international experts; the ministry named, for example, Hans-Peter Wipplinger, director of the Leopold Museum in Vienna, Patrick Bongers of the Galerie Louis Carré & Cie in Paris, and Vladimír Franz, and intends to announce the other members later. Klempíř said earlier that he wants to choose the new director by the end of 2026. [1][2]
According to the ministry, the gallery faces major investments, among them a new depository in Jinonice, preparation of the reconstruction of the Trade Fair Palace and a possible new exhibition building. [1][2]
Related articles: Ministry of Culture
Chronology
- — The Ministry of Culture has announced a new selection procedure for the director general of the National Gallery Prague, with applications and concepts accepted until 5 November 2026. ČTK / České noviny Seznam Zprávy