Zdeněk Smetana and his worlds

1.10.2025 – 31.3.2026

Holešovická Tržnice
Bubenské nábřeží 306
Prague 7 – 170 00

We were commissioned by the artist’s daughter, JUDr. Petra Kotrlíková, to organize the exhibition Zdeněk Smetana and His Worlds on the occasion of what would have been his 100th birthday.
This Czech artist, animator, screenwriter, and director left an indelible mark on the roots of 20th-century Czech culture, and his work shaped a wide range of audiences, both children and adults.

We presented visitors to the exhibition with over six hundred of Smetana’s works, some of which were loaned exclusively for this occasion. Whether it was a collection of paintings that were the author’s private treasure or unknown linocuts, drypoint engravings, and illustrations created using his signature “ballpoint pen” method, these works served as a surprising counterpoint to the better-known bedtime story characters for visitors.
Iconic characters from his films and children’s TV shows, such as Křemílek and Vochomůrka, The Little Witch, or Rákosníček, are not merely children’s entertainment; they reflect the traditions, creativity, and values characteristic of Czech media and visual culture.
The exhibition naturally also included samples of Smetana’s literary and film work (more than 400 short films, 4 feature-length films, and approximately 50 books, including many foreign-language editions).
The popular accompanying program included guided tours for schools and regular workshops where visitors could create their own poster or animation.

We thank all visitors for attending and our partners for supporting the exhibition!