What is the Egon Schiele Art Centrum?

The Egon Schiele Art Centrum opened its doors in 1993. It serves as a tribute to Egon Schiele, a provocative artist with deep family ties to the town. The museum occupies a complex of historic buildings in the Old Town. You will find a permanent exhibition of Schiele's drawings and personal documents. The space also hosts rotating shows of 20th and 21st-century art.

Walking through the gallery is an immersive experience. The high ceilings and wooden beams create a dramatic backdrop for modern masterpieces. It is widely considered one of the most important art spaces in the Czech Republic. You can learn more about its history on the Egon Schiele Art Centrum Wikipedia page. Many travelers find this museum provides a necessary contrast to the town's medieval atmosphere.

The center also includes a charming cafe and a well-stocked bookshop. It is the perfect place to start an alternative guide to Cesky Krumlov exploration. Plan to spend at least two hours here to see everything. The quiet courtyard is a great spot to reflect on the art you have seen.

12 Best Things to Do Near Egon Schiele Art Centrum

Exploring the area around the gallery reveals the town's diverse character. Here are the top sights and experiences to include in your 2026 itinerary.

Quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Český Krumlov Castle
• Best for families: Graphite Mine Tour
• Best rainy-day: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
• Best free activity: Minorite Monastery Gardens

1. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning Baroque theater. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Latrán district. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate for tours; grounds are free. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the Art Centrum. Tip: Book your castle tour tickets online in advance to skip the lines.
2. Name: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Step back in time at this perfectly preserved 19th-century photography studio. Best for: Nostalgia seekers. Where: Plešivecká Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Walk south from the Art Centrum. Tip: Check out the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel guide for more details.
3. Name: Plesivec Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: Escape the tourist crowds in this authentic local residential area. Best for: Seeing local life. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge near the Art Centrum. Tip: Use a Plesivec neighborhood guide to find the best local viewpoints.
4. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: Hike up to a beautiful white chapel for the best panoramic views of the city. Best for: Hikers and sunset watchers. Where: Outskirts of town. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trail from the southern edge of town. Tip: Read about hiking Krizova Hora before you go.
5. Name: Graphite Mine Tour Type: Unique experience Why go: Put on a mining suit and ride a train deep underground. Best for: Families and adventure seekers. Where: Chvalšinská Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 15-minute walk or short bus ride from the center. Tip: Visit the graphite mine tour for a break from the summer heat.
6. Name: Minorite Monastery Gardens Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: These peaceful gardens offer a quiet escape and lovely views of the castle tower. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Latrán. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the river toward the castle. Tip: Explore the Minorite monastery gardens during the golden hour.
7. Name: Traditional Wooden Rafting Type: Unique local experience Why go: See the city from the water on a replica of a historic timber raft. Best for: Romantic couples and groups. Where: Vltava River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Various boarding points along the riverbank. Tip: Try traditional wooden rafting at sunset for the best photos.
8. Name: Moldavite Shopping Type: Experience Why go: Purchase rare green gemstones found only in this region of the Czech Republic. Best for: Souvenir hunters. Where: Various shops in the Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Varies by stone quality. Getting there: Shops are located on almost every street near the Art Centrum. Tip: Learn about buying moldavite to ensure you get an authentic stone.
9. Name: Authentic Czech Pubs Type: Food/Drink Why go: Taste local Eggenberg beer and hearty Bohemian cuisine. Best for: Foodies. Where: Throughout the Old Town and Latrán. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: All within walking distance of the Art Centrum. Tip: Look for authentic pubs in Cesky Krumlov away from the main square.
10. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Climb the 162 steps for a bird's-eye view of the red-roofed town. Best for: Photographers. Where: Castle complex. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk through the main castle gate. Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the narrow stairwell crowds.
11. Name: Latrán Street Walk Type: Sight Why go: This historic street is lined with colorful Gothic and Renaissance houses. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: The district below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Connects the castle to the Old Town bridge. Tip: Look up to see the beautiful sgraffito decorations on the walls.
12. Name: Regional Museum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: View a detailed ceramic model of the city as it looked in the past. Best for: History lovers. Where: Horní Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the main square. Tip: The balcony behind the museum offers a great free view of the castle.

Planning Your Visit to Český Krumlov in 2026

When planning your 2026 trip, consider the timing carefully. Summer brings the most visitors and the warmest weather. If you prefer a quiet experience, consider visiting during winter in Cesky Krumlov. The town looks magical under a blanket of snow. Most attractions, including the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, remain open year-round.

To make the most of your time, stay overnight. The town changes completely after the day-trippers leave. Exploring Cesky Krumlov at night is a peaceful and hauntingly beautiful experience. You can walk the cobblestone streets without the midday rush. This is also the best time to enjoy a quiet dinner at a local tavern.

Crowd management is a key part of modern travel. Try to visit the most popular sites very early or late in the day. For more advice, check out these tips on avoiding crowds in Cesky Krumlov. Booking your accommodation several months in advance is highly recommended for 2026. This ensures you get a spot in the historic center near the art gallery.