The New Palace of Illustration, located in the second castle courtyard, invites visitors from July 1, 2025, to explore the world of book illustration – while also offering one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Stop by the baroque palace in the II. castle courtyard and discover a story that feels like a fairytale – except it really happened. A story of illustrations, their collector, children’s books, and a palace like no other. You will see illustrations that have traveled the world, captivated the King of Spain and the Empress of Japan. The collection includes nearly 800 works by dozens of illustrators and hundreds of children’s books. Come and take a look at a few, uncover the story behind them, and enjoy the most beautiful view of the city.
The illustrations, mostly created for children’s books, were made predominantly in the second half of the 20th century – a time when work was done slowly, by hand, and with immense precision. The entire Palace of Illustration project was created with equal care – aiming to provide a space where you’ll want to return, where you can quietly admire original illustrations and uncover the stories behind them.
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The Illustration Collection
Nearly 800 works by 33 illustrators from across Europe, hundreds of children’s books, and dozens of exhibition catalogs. A unique European treasure that offers a representative selection of techniques and the finest works of the second half of the 20th century. The core of the collection consists of illustrations tied to the work of Bohem Press Publishing, which prided itself on the perfect craftsmanship of books, outstanding illustrations, compelling stories, and tackling taboo topics (environmental protection, death, drugs). Among its most renowned authors are Józef Wilkoń, David McKee, Jan Lenica, Stasys Eidrigevičius, and Štěpán Zavřel.