At a glance
Gold reliquaries from Prague’s cathedrals meet hidden Jewish silver, mapping a shared artistic language between two faiths often divided by a history of conflict.
Meet the artist
Why go
This is the first time the St. Vitus Cathedral treasury has been displayed outside Europe on this scale, offering a rare look at Central European craftsmanship across five centuries.
You'll see
Gothic reliquaries · Buried silver hoards · Torah ornaments · Illuminated manuscripts · Contemporary installations by Edmund de Waal
Pace of visit
The high concentration of intricate metalwork and historical texts requires focused attention and plenty of reading time.
Don't miss
The St. Vitus treasury loans, which represent a significant cultural export from the Czech Republic to a North American institution.
Artlovers Tip
Head to the upper floors to see the contemporary installations by Hannah Altman and Afruz Amighi, which offer a sharp contrast to the medieval treasures downstairs.
Inside the exhibition
Sacred Splendor — Jewish and Christian treasures from Prague brings a vast collection of ecclesiastical and ritual objects to The Jewish Museum in Manhattan, New York. The exhibition bridges the gap between two religious traditions in the Czech capital, displaying more than 160 items that range from the Middle Ages to the early modern period.
Visitors can examine Gothic reliquaries alongside silver Torah ornaments and illuminated books, including substantial loans from the St. Vitus Cathedral treasury. The selection includes buried hoards that hint at past persecutions, as well as a contemporary intervention by Edmund de Waal that provides a modern lens on these historical narratives.
By placing these works side-by-side, the show highlights how craftsmen often shared styles and techniques despite theological divides. It serves as a study of survival and cultural exchange, showing how sacred art functioned within the complex social landscape of historic Prague.
Worth travelling for?
A dense, rewarding historical survey for travelers interested in the intersection of faith, craftsmanship, and Central European heritage.
Experience as an Artlover
The museum is located on Manhattan’s Museum Mile; check the official website for current ticket prices and specific holiday opening hours before visiting.
Sacred Splendor — Jewish and Christian treasures from Prague
Artlovers relevance
Plan your visit
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