I am a food and travel writer as well as a cruise ship enrichment speaker: my passion is exploring the cuisine, history, and culture of new places and writing about them here in my free bi-weekly (twice monthly) Destination Curation newsletter where I look at the intersection of history, culture, and cuisine in major destinations.
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🇨🇿 The Marvelous Mucha Museum in Prague
Published 2 months ago • 13 min read
August 24, 2025
Greetings!
Hello from lovely Riga. It is that precious end of summer with hot days, but deliciously cool nights.
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Autumn is hovering in the distance somewhere, but hasn’t quite taken hold. This is one of the best times to be in this part of the world. We had visitors last week, which gave us a great excuse to take in one of Riga’s true highlights: a bird’s-eye view of the city from atop St. Peter’s Cathedral. This is a highlight of exploring the city, which I mention in 8 Hours in Riga, along with several other ideas on how to enjoy the city.
The Central Market is at its most colorful, with a wealth of berries, cherries, and delectable tomatoes at the height of their freshness! Tomato snob that I am, I have leaned in heavily to this season, enjoying perfectly ripe tomatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is nothing so luxurious to my mind.
Latvians are busy pickling. As I will be away for much of the autumn, I’m not doing any major preserves this year, but I always love the hustle and bustle that accompanies this process: the relentlessly cheerful dill plants taking center stage at the herb stalls, impossibly crisp cucumbers going for a song, and the sun glinting on the glass jars in all shapes and sizes.
I did a modest batch of pesto Genovese to see us through the first months of January. With enormous bunches of magnificent basil going for less than a euro, it seemed insane not to!
Art enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with the February 2025 opening of Prague's new Mucha Museum at the historic Savarin Palace. This long-anticipated cultural landmark offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the legacy of Alphonse Mucha, the Czech artist synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement
Designed by acclaimed architect Eva Jiřičná as part of the Thomas Heatherwick-designed Savarin project, the museum represents a significant upgrade from its previous location at the Kounice Palace. With over 3,000 square feet of exhibition space, it houses both the Mucha Family Collection and Mucha Trust Collection—making it the only official museum entirely dedicated to the artist's life and work.
A Comprehensive Journey Through Mucha's Career
The museum's thoughtfully arranged exhibition space chronicles Mucha's artistic evolution from his early oil paintings to his breakthrough moment in Paris. It was there that his poster for Sarah Bernhardt's performance as Gismonda catapulted him to fame, establishing what would become known as "Le Style Mucha."
Visitors can explore not only Mucha's famous theatrical posters and Art Nouveau designs but also his lesser-known works, including decorative panels, jewelry designs, and photography. The museum provides context for understanding how Mucha's art served as both innovative artistic expression and a cultural statement during a period of political suppression under the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Slav Epic: Mucha's Masterpiece
One section highlights Mucha's most ambitious project—The Slav Epic—a monumental cycle of twenty large-scale paintings representing Slavic history and mythology. Created between 1910 and 1928 with funding from American philanthropist Charles Richard Crane, this work embodied Mucha's philosophical beliefs about art's purpose in society and his dedication to preserving Slavic cultural heritage.
The Apotheosis of the Slavs | The Slav Epic via Wikimedia Commons
The Savarin Palace itself enhances the visitor experience. The recent renovation led by Thomas Heatherwick's studio preserves the building's historical baroque elements while introducing contemporary design features. The architecture echoes Mucha's aesthetic with organic curves replacing sharp angles, natural light amplifying the artworks, and ceramic tiles and mosaic panels nodding to his decorative arts ventures.
Interactive Experiences
Beyond static displays, the museum offers immersive multimedia installations that animate Mucha's works through subtle animations and soundscapes. Workshops invite participants to create Art Nouveau-inspired pieces, while expert-led tours provide layered insights into the historical and artistic significance of the collections.
Practical Information
The Mucha Museum is located at the Savarin Palace, Na Příkopě 852/10, Prague 1, easily accessible via Metro lines A/B (Můstek) and B (Náměstí Republiky). It's open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with special hours on holidays.
For art lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to understand Prague's cultural landscape, the new Mucha Museum offers a rich, multifaceted experience that brings to life the work of one of the most influential artists of the early 20th century. Whether you're familiar with Mucha's distinctive style or discovering it for the first time, this museum provides an essential window into his enduring legacy.
For more detailed information about the museum, including Mucha's fascinating biography and the full story of The Slav Epic, visit the complete article on my website.
Alphonse Mucha Tomoko Sato, curator of the Mucha Foundation, has created a beautifully comprehensive exploration of Alphonse Mucha's life’s work. Alphonse Mucha captures the essence of the Art Nouveau movement through stunning visuals and insightful analysis. The book masterfully contextualizes Mucha's iconic posters, decorative panels, and The Slav Epic within their historical and cultural framework, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his artistic vision. Beyond showcasing his famous commercial works, this volume reveals Mucha's philosophical depth and nationalistic passion, making it an essential addition to any art lover's library. Learn more.
Sally Carson's "The Crooked Cross" has experienced a remarkable revival, captivating a new generation of readers with its intimate portrayal of the Kruger family's moral disintegration during Hitler's rise to power. I have been enjoying the audio version, which has kept me company through a mountain of tedious admin. Through masterful character development and historically accurate details, Carson creates an unflinching examination of how ordinary people can become complicit in extraordinary evil. This powerful narrative serves as both historical warning and contemporary mirror, compelling readers to question how they might respond when faced with the slow erosion of ethical boundaries in service to ideology. Learn more.
I dipped back into Patrick Leigh Fermor's “A Time of Gifts,” recently and, of course, got sucked right back into the entire narrative. This reads like a poetic time capsule of pre-World War II Europe, chronicling the author's extraordinary walking journey as a young man in 1933. His lush, erudite prose transforms what could be a simple travelogue into a remarkable trove of historical observations, architectural details, and memorable character sketches. Fermor's remarkable ability to recall conversations, landscapes, and cultural nuances decades after his journey creates an immersive experience that transports readers to a vanished world on the brink of catastrophic change. Learn more.
Be sure to check in with the Destination Resources Reading Lists, which I update regularly with new books, podcasts, TV and film, and other resources designed to make your travel meaningful. I did a big update recently, changing the format to make it easier to navigate. Visit via this link!
The National Portrait Gallery's highly anticipated exhibition "Cecil Beaton's Fashionable World" offers an intimate glimpse into the golden age of glamour through the lens of one of the 20th century's most influential photographers. Spanning Beaton's remarkable career from documenting the Bright Young Things of London's Jazz Age to his Oscar-winning costume designs for "My Fair Lady," this landmark collection showcases his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of beauty and sophistication across multiple decades. Through carefully curated portraits of celebrities, royalty, and fashion icons, visitors will experience how Beaton's distinctive visual style helped define and immortalize an era of unprecedented elegance and creative expression. Learn more.
One Hundred Years of Art Deco The Musée des Arts Décoratifs' exhibition "1925-2025: One Hundred Years of Art Deco" offers a breathtaking journey through a century of artistic innovation, from the movement's Parisian origins to its global influence today. Through an expertly curated collection of furniture, fashion, architecture, and decorative objects, visitors witness how Art Deco's bold geometric patterns and luxurious materials revolutionized 20th-century design. Learn More
The V&A's landmark exhibition "Marie Antoinette Style" offers an unprecedented exploration of the iconic queen's cultural impact through a dazzling array of original furnishings, fashion, and personal possessions from Versailles. Beyond examining her controversial legacy, the exhibition reveals Marie Antoinette as a sophisticated patroness of the arts whose aesthetic choices continue to influence contemporary fashion and design. This immersive experience provides visitors with unprecedented insight into how a young Austrian archduchess transformed herself into a style icon whose influence transcends the tumultuous history of the French Revolution. Learn More.
It’s sweater weather! Hurrah! For this autumn's travels, I've curated a list of fall essentials on Shopmy that blend functionality with seasonal warmth. Here are my top picks for fall adventures, whether you're exploring Mediterranean ports, chasing colorful foliage, or enjoying off-season city breaks delightfully free of the summer crowds! See the full collection!
Cuyana Cashmere Belted Cardigan - This versatile piece transitions effortlessly from airplane cabins to evening strolls through autumn-kissed European cities. Its neutral tone complements fall's palette while providing luxurious warmth for those sunset moments on deck during Mediterranean cruises.
Aspinal of London Leather Travel Document Holder - The rich cognac hue perfectly captures autumn's essence while keeping passports and boarding passes organized. Its sumptuous texture adds a touch of sophistication to practical travel necessities during fall city breaks.
Cuyana Zippered Jewelry Case in orange leather - This vibrant orange case echoes the season's turning leaves while safeguarding your accessories. The compact design makes it ideal for city-hopping or storing special pieces you'll want for elegant dinners during off-season Mediterranean cruises.
Smythson Soho Leather Journal - Capture those fleeting moments of autumn light and reflections in this elegant journal. Its buttery leather exterior ages beautifully with each adventure, creating a tangible memory book of fall escapades from New England's foliage displays to Europe's quieter autumn streets.
YETI Cocktail Shaker - Transform any tailgate or vacation rental into an impromptu gathering spot with this indestructible mixer. Perfect for warming bourbon cocktails after a day of leaf-peeping or crafting aperitivos during lingering Mediterranean evenings when tourist crowds have thinned.
Le Pliage Longchamp - This autumn-hued tote expands to accommodate market finds and collapses for easy packing. Its water-resistant exterior handles unexpected fall showers during city explorations, while the vibrant color makes spotting your belongings effortless in crowded transport hubs.
Chanel Jersey Perfume from Les Exclusives de Chanel - This sophisticated fragrance perfectly complements the crisp autumn air and is my go-to scent from September to May. I’ve had people stop me on the street to ask what I’m wearing!.
Travel Containers from Ries - These earthy-toned vessels keep toiletries secure while complementing the season's aesthetic. Their leak-proof design protects luggage during transit between fall foliage destinations or while navigating the sometimes choppy autumn seas of the Mediterranean.
Gold Aerin Travel Comb - This elegant tool maintains a polished appearance despite autumn's unpredictable weather. Its durable construction withstands being tossed in day bags during spontaneous leaf-peeping excursions or city walking tours.
IZIPIZI Reading Glasses - These stylish readers collapse to pocket size for studying wine lists or museum placards. Their warm metallic finish adds a touch of sophistication to practical eyewear needed for examining fall foliage guides or deciphering historic site information during autumn travels.
Brown Bowling Ball Bag in Calfskin and Canvas - This distinctive luggage piece combines British heritage style with practical durability. Its unique silhouette stands out at baggage claim after flights to autumn destinations, while the rich brown hue disguises inevitable travel scuffs acquired during seasonal adventures.
The Essential Beanie in Brown Wool and Cashmere - This luxurious hat protects against chilly Mediterranean sea breezes or mountain air during leaf-watching expeditions. Its simple design transitions seamlessly from daytime explorations to evening outings in autumn's cooler temperatures.
Cognac Leather Gloves - these butter-soft accessories add polished warmth during crisp morning walks through fall-draped cityscapes. Their rich color deepens beautifully with use, creating a personal patina that recalls every autumn adventure from Tuscany to New England.
NUXE Travel Size Essentials - Combat seasonal dryness with these nourishing French pharmacy favorites. Their subtle honey scent evokes autumn warmth while protecting skin from Mediterranean salt air or the drying effects of fall's fluctuating temperatures during city breaks.
The Essential 4-Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase - This timeless piece moves effortlessly across the cobblestones of autumn-quiet European towns or through bustling train stations during leaf-peeping journeys. Its rich patina only improves with each adventure, telling the story of your seasonal travels.
Wool Tartan Picnic Blanket - Unfold this classic pattern for impromptu autumn picnics during foliage road trips or Mediterranean countryside explorations. Its water-resistant backing protects against morning dew during sunrise viewings of fall's spectacular color displays.
Strathberry Beige Tartan Oversized Scarf - This generous wrap serves countless purposes from impromptu blanket during chilly ferry crossings to stylish layer for evening walks. Its classic pattern complements autumn's palette while providing essential warmth for open-air activities in fall's variable weather.
Cozy Beige Cashmere Shawl - Drape this luxurious layer over evening wear for ship-to-shore transitions during Mediterranean cruises or wrap it around shoulders during sunset vineyard visits. Its neutral tone pairs effortlessly with autumn's richer colors while providing whisper-soft warmth.
Leather iPhone Case with Safety Lanyard - Secure your device during active autumn adventures, from hiking colorful mountain trails to exploring Mediterranean coastal paths. The sophisticated leather exterior adds tactile pleasure to a practical necessity for documenting fall's spectacular visual offerings.
Cashmere Socks - These indulgent foot coverings transform standard footwear into cocoons of comfort during long walks through autumn-gilded parks or historic sites. Their temperature-regulating properties keep feet comfortable whether climbing cathedral steps or relaxing during scenic train journeys through fall landscapes.
Silk Eye Mask - Ensure restorative sleep despite changing time zones or early sunrise during autumn travels. The gentle pressure and light-blocking properties help maintain energy for packed itineraries exploring fall foliage or Mediterranean ports free from summer crowds.
Pruning for Growth: What Nature and Gardening Can Teach us about Aging
In gardening, there's a paradoxical wisdom that resonates deeply with our journey through life: sometimes, to foster robust growth, we must first cut back. I’ve been blessed with the blackest of thumbs, but each autumn, I watch gardeners who know what they are doing cut back plants, sometimes right to the studs it seems. And then, as if by magic, they come back stronger the following spring.
This idea was articulated beautifully in a tweet I came across referencing the marvelous actress, Patricia Routledge, best known for her performance as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances.
I actually stopped doom scrolling for a moment and really thought about this. I was really struck by the idea that just as a gardener's shears create space for new growth, our midlife and beyond often calls for thoughtful pruning of commitments, relationships, and pursuits that no longer serve our flourishing.
The French have a saying: "Reculer pour mieux sauter"—step back to better jump forward. As we accumulate decades of experiences, possessions, and obligations, we paradoxically need to release some to make room for what matters most. This isn't about diminishment but deliberate curation.
Trees and plants wisely redirect energy inward during winter, conserving resources for spring's explosion of life. Similarly, as we age, we can redirect our finite energy toward what truly nourishes us.
This "pruning philosophy" invites us to ask: which relationships deserve deeper cultivation? Which passion projects merit my undivided attention? Which activities truly replenish my spirit? What wisdom, cultivated through decades, can I share with the world as my unique contribution?
I’ve been doing this unconsciously in the past few years, but haphazardly: selectively cutting back—saying no to draining commitments, releasing old grudges, simplifying possessions, but now I really want to make this part of my intentional life. I want to create meaningful space for what truly matters: deeper connections, meaningful pursuits, and the cultivation of inner wisdom.
Perhaps we should think of aging not in terms of loss but strategic pruning—a master gardener's approach to life's later seasons that yields the most abundant blooming.
Do you have some thoughts on this? I’d love to hear from you!
Summer’s lease hath all too short to run. We are off in early September to Dubrovnik in Croatia for an end-of-summer beach holiday for five days before embarking on Seabourn Encore for a month of cruising around the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean.
I’m really looking forward to returning to the Adriatic. I’ve been busy putting together new talks and reading all kinds of superb history and travel books to make the most of our time there. But one day is never enough in Dubrovnik: I have a list of museums I want to see, dishes I’m keen to sample, photos I want to take, and articles I want to write. Dmitry is excited to have some downtime at the beach. More about how all this plays out in the next edition!
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I am a food and travel writer as well as a cruise ship enrichment speaker: my passion is exploring the cuisine, history, and culture of new places and writing about them here in my free bi-weekly (twice monthly) Destination Curation newsletter where I look at the intersection of history, culture, and cuisine in major destinations.
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