Glass and Light

Exhibition by students of the Secondary School of Applied Arts for Glassmaking in Kamenický Šenov

Gorlice Gallery, Vyšehrad, September 25 – November 30, 2025

From September 25 to November 30, 2025, the Gorlice Gallery in Prague's Vyšehrad district will host an exhibition entitled Glass and Light, which will showcase the work of students from the Secondary School of Applied Arts for Glassmaking in Kamenický Šenov. Founded in the mid-19th century, this institution is the oldest school of its kind in the world and one of the most important educational centers in the field of glass design.

Kamenický Šenov is located in an area known as Crystal Valley, which is characterized by a concentration of glassmaking schools, museums, galleries, and traditional glass and jewelry manufacturers. The region is considered the cradle of Czech glassmaking, and its traditions live on here in close connection with modern technologies and contemporary design.

The exhibition in Gorlice focuses on works from the Light Objects Design studio. The dark spaces of the underground gallery highlight floor lamps and monumental light installations, which were created thanks to the school's collaboration with Preciosa Lustry and the support of the town of Kamenický Šenov. These projects follow on from the annual Lustrfest glass and chandelier festival, when a new light object is installed in Dvořáček Park. The exhibition will feature works created during the last three years of the festival. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that, in addition to students and teachers, visitors themselves also contributed to their design, and each of the objects thus bears the personal imprint of many creators.

The exhibition will present light objects that combine glass, metal, and modern technology. The artists skillfully combine different materials while working in an energy-efficient manner. The works are captivating both for their functionality and poetic atmosphere, proving that even a traditional material such as glass can take on a surprisingly contemporary form in the hands of young designers.

The Glass and Light exhibition also opens a series of events that will commemorate the 170th anniversary of the founding of the Secondary School of Applied Arts for Glassmaking in Kamenický Šenov in 2026. Since its founding in 1856, the school has undergone significant development and has greatly influenced the Czech and European glassmaking industry. Its graduates have worked and continue to work as renowned artists, designers, and technologists, participating in projects that have gained worldwide acclaim. The school is characterized by a combination of respect for tradition and openness to current trends, thanks to which it maintains an important position in the international context even today. The anniversary year 2026 will be an opportunity not only to commemorate the history and significance of the school, but also to showcase the creative energy of a new generation of students who are continuing the legacy of their predecessors and moving Czech glassmaking into the future. Visitors can already experience the opening part of the school's anniversary celebrations at the Gorlice Gallery.