History

Gallery Scarabeus opened in December 1996. Many exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and events for all age groups have been held in the gallery and in the garden. The exhibitions presented Czech and foreign artists from a wide range of disciplines. Three exhibitions were devoted to Prague 7, its history, artists and studios of the so-called “Letenský Montmartre” era. Other exhibitions focused on the history and present of ex libris, graphic art and black-and-white photography. Every year the gallery hosted exhibitions of historical nativity scenes organised together with nativity-scene associations. The programme also included exhibitions dedicated to the history and present of artistic crafts – indigo resist-dyed textiles (modrotisk), basketry, wirework and Easter egg decorating with creative workshops for children. Further themes covered textile techniques – contemporary bobbin lace, kanafas design and modern jewellery making.

Exhibitions devoted to marionettes and puppeteers, as well as theatre performances, took place both indoors and in the garden. Works by Vojtěch Cinybulk, the Kašpárci collection from the Museum of Puppet Cultures in Chrudim, marionettes by František Valena and Karel Voda and a photographic series of devil masks by Ludvík Baran and Jitka Staňková were presented. Exhibitions marking the 80th anniversary of Říše loutek (2000) and “Říše loutek across the water” (2003) were held here. On 23 March 2017 the exhibit “Historical marionettes and family marionette theatres”, drawn from private collections and the Říše loutek theatre, opened in the Scarabeus gallery. It delights children and older visitors alike. Our thanks go to everyone who helped prepare it. Another activity is the founding of the “Letná carnival” tradition. In 2022 the 7th edition took place, organised by Gallery Scarabeus for the public together with artists and cultural institutions, with a programme at the National Agricultural Museum, the National Technical Museum and the Water Tower, supported by the Prague 7 district.

Kateřina Ebelová, founder and curator