Bilek Villa and Museum: Art Nouveau and Symbolism

Bilek villa is the family home and atelier, now museum, of Frantisek Bilek (1872-1941). His works of art are exhibited in his home and atelier in Prague and include wooden and bronze sculptures, drawings and sketches. He often uses religious themes and symbolism. Bilek’s architecture and art is remarkable and reflects his conviction that nature and artistic creations are related. Wood is the main material Bilek used: poplar, oak and linden. His works are full of expression and above all large-scale. His art is not refined, not smooth but rough-hewn. Built in 1911, the villa is imposing and big so that it could accommodate his gigantic sculptures. The visitor can view the atelier and an exhibition of his early studies and sketches.

Bilek villa and studio: art full of symbolism

Frantisek Bilek was an important Czech sculptor and architect who focused on symbolism. He designed built the villa between 1910 and 1911. It is now home to a permanent exhibition of his works. The house combined a family home on two floors with a double-height atelier to provide enough space for his large-scale sculptures. His religious approach to art characterizes Bilek’s works. He was inspired by creative forces of nature and the master of natural form and materials.

The ground plan of the villa is most remarkable as it symbolizes a wheat field; the tracks left behind by of a scythe cutting the grain, the masonry pillars are the sheaves of corn and refer to the pillars of ancient Egyptian temples. The flat roof, one of the first in Prague, symbolizes the field. He also designed the furniture, based on the same symbolism. Narrow hallways and small windows characterize the architectural style, as do the white-painted window frames and protruding balconies.

Today, the original atelier showcases a selection of Bilek’s works from his early creative period: free-form sculptures, reliefs, drawings, graphics, furniture and ceramics.

Bilek villa as a Museum

Frantisek Bilek died in 1941. A year later, the villa and atelier were open to the public. In 1963, Bilek’s widow donated the house with furniture and sculptures to the city of Prague on condition that it would become a monument in memory of her husband. However, the villa did not open as a museum until 2010. The furniture collection on display is not complete, as part of it is in the possession of the artist’s granddaughter, who lives in the United States.

Bilek and Komensky

The exhibition includes sculptures, reliefs, drawings and furniture by Frantisek Bilek. In the garden in front of the villa is a sculpture group made in 1926: Komenský says goodbye to his homeland. It is Bilek’s tribute to the exiled Protestant theologian and educator Comenius (1592-1670). The City of Prague could not find a suitable public place in the city. Bilek was so annoyed that he put this sculpture in his own garden.

Address
Bilek Villa and Atelier, Mickiewiczova 1, Hradcany, Prague

Public transport
Metro line A Hradcanska station
Tram 2, 12, 18, 20 stop Chotkovy sady

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 13.00-18.00, closed on Mondays

photos Marianne Crone