Historic Český Krumlov inspires a whole generation of artists with its picturesque and unique location around the meandering Vltava. Probably most famous for capturing its picturesque alleys and nooks is the world renowned artist, painter and graphic artist Egon Schiele (1890-1918).
We have selected some places connected with Egon Schiele for you that can be walked en route or visited according to your preferences. Another option is to walk in Schiele's footsteps accompanied by a local guide, who will spice up your walk with interesting stories and information. A list of guides who focus on Schiele’s Krumlov is given at the bottom of the page. (Guided tours do not include visits and interior tours of the places mentioned below.)
1.
Egon Schiele Art Centrum
You can see part of Egon Schiele's work in the Egon Schiele Art Centrum gallery in Široká Street. Thanks to this you have a unique opportunity to compare the current appearance of Krumlov's streets and nooks with its artistic stylisation on the spot. After all, a visit to this famous exhibition hall in the renaissance premises of the former city brewery should not be missed by any art lover. In addition to the permanent exhibition of Egon Schiele's work, the Egon Schiele Art Centrum offers an exchange of classical and contemporary art on an area of 3,000 m2. Since its opening in 1993, it has become an internationally recognised and highly visited institution.
The stay in Český Krumlov was very inspiring for the young painter Egon Schiele, and it is clear that it enriched his work with new themes. He searched for his ideas in the streets of the old town, painted it from the surrounding hills or castle tower, as well as from other unusual lookout points. On the banks of the Vltava, opposite Plešivec, we find ourselves at the place where Schiele drew his terrace houses. Here he created paintings depicting the Plešivec suburb – Old houses (Krumlov).
4.
Egon Schiele Garden Studio
In May 1911, Schiele moved into his garden house by the Vltava with his life partner, Wally Neužilová. His paintings inspired by the city and its themes were created here, as were his much-discussed portraits and nudes. However, the locals were outraged by his free way of life and, above all, by the fact that he drew nudes of adolescent Krumlov girls. In early August, he was forced to leave the city. After that, he always only returned here for a short time. The renovated studio is currently open to the public in the summer months, and there is also a café with refreshments in the house.
Egon Schiele also left his mark in other places. After being forced to leave the town in August 1911, Schiele returned to Krumlov for shorter stays. During these visits he stayed mainly in the inns U města Vídně (today the Bellevue Hotel) and U zlatého angěla (also today the Hotel Zlatý anděl). He remained enchanted by the atmosphere of the town, which was reflected in his works such as the painting City on the Blue River.
6.
House No. 133 in Masná Street
After his arrival in Český Krumlov in 1910, Egon Schiele stayed with two like-minded friends in an apartment at Masná Street No. 133 for several months. Just a few metres from his mother's birthplace. At that time he already had his own artistic style, which was based on Art Nouveau, but at the same time was also influenced by expressionism.
Egon Schiele's mother, Marie Schiele, née Soukupová (1861-1935), was born and lived for several years in a house at 111 Parkán Street. The one-storey building with a neoclassical façade from 1871 has a gabled roof parallel to the street, covered with roof tiles. The rear façade is a former wall on the ground floor, the first floor is extended by a porch. Egon Schiele.
8.
Former Café Fink (now Pizzeria Latrán)
During his stay in Krumlov in 1910-1911, Schiele often visited his favourite café Fink on the corner of Latrán and Pivovarská streets. It is said that even here Schiele outraged the locals, putting his feet up on the table and drawing obscene pictures on beer coasters. The two-storey building at Latrán No. 37 has essentially maintained the same function since the first half of the 19th century as a restaurant, café, confectionery. The taproom is even mentioned in the house in the mid-17th century. Today, you will find the popular pizzeria Latrán here.
9.
Viewpoint at the castle garden
In addition to the view from the castle tower, he was often inspired by the view from the lookout behind the castle gate in front of the castle garden. From there he also had a beautiful view of the houses and rooftops of Krumlov.
10.
Castle tower
The castle tower played an important role in Schiele's work. The view from above fascinated him and served as inspiration in many of his works. In addition to the view from the castle tower, he was often inspired by the view from the viewpoint behind the castle gate in front of the castle garden. From here, he had the best view of Krumlov's houses and roofs. This is how the paintings of Noční Krumlov, Old Town, Dead City, Arch of Krumlov Houses, Houses in the Arch and The End of the World were created.
11.
Inn U Města Vídně and Inn U Zlatého Anděla
During his short visits Schiele also stayed at the Inn at the City of Vienna (today the Bellevue Hotel).
