
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague overview
The university began in 1885 as the Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, known as UMPRUM. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Central Europe. It was founded under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it was initially created to raise Czech artistic and industrial education. Its model drew on fine arts and design institutions across Europe. The academy played a significant role in shaping Czech artistic movements. In the early 20th century it became a center for modernist and avant-garde experimentation.
Over the decades UMPRUM has produced many influential designers, architects and artists who made important contributions to Czech Cubism, Functionalism, and later to contemporary design and multimedia arts. In the interwar period the university became a hub of the Czech Cubist movement, producing groundbreaking works of architecture and design. After World War II, the academy played a key role in shaping socialist-era design, and it sheltered dissident artists and intellectuals who resisted political restrictions.
After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, UMPRUM adopted a more open and experimental curriculum. From then on it began attracting international students and faculty.
About Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
The university began in 1885 as the Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, known as UMPRUM. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Central Europe. It was founded under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it was initially created to raise Czech artistic and industrial education. Its model drew on fine arts and design institutions across Europe. The academy played a significant role in shaping Czech artistic movements. In the early 20th century it became a center for modernist and avant-garde experimentation.
Over the decades UMPRUM has produced many influential designers, architects and artists who made important contributions to Czech Cubism, Functionalism, and later to contemporary design and multimedia arts. In the interwar period the university became a hub of the Czech Cubist movement, producing groundbreaking works of architecture and design. After World War II, the academy played a key role in shaping socialist-era design, and it sheltered dissident artists and intellectuals who resisted political restrictions.
After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, UMPRUM adopted a more open and experimental curriculum. From then on it began attracting international students and faculty.
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague faculties and programs
Visual Arts - Ceramics and Porcelain
Visual Arts - Fashion and Footwear Design
Visual Arts - Glass
Visual Arts - Animation and Film
Visual Arts - Graphic Design and Visual Communication
Visual Arts - Illustration and Graphics
Visual Arts - Photography
Visual Arts - Industrial Design
Visual Arts - Interior and Furniture Design
Visual Arts - Product Design
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
If you apply to an undergraduate program at the Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, you must meet the following admission requirements;
- High School Diploma
- Strong Grade Point Average
- CV
- An English proficiency certificate may be required for programs taught in English (IELTS, TOEFL)
- A portfolio of earlier work relevant to the department you are applying to
- You may be required to take an aptitude exam given by the university
If you apply to a graduate program at the Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, you must meet the following admission requirements;
- Bachelor's Degree
- Strong Grade Point Average
- CV
- An English proficiency certificate may be required for programs taught in English (IELTS, TOEFL)
- A portfolio of earlier work relevant to the department you are applying to
- You may be required to take an aptitude exam given by the university
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague application process.
Take a closer look at Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
The Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design (UMPRUM) sits mainly in a historic building in the city center, near Náměstí Jana Palacha. The Czech architect František Schmoranz designed it, and it was completed in 1885. This main campus reflects the school's long-standing tradition of artistic excellence. It blends Neo-Renaissance and historicist styles. Inside you will find spacious studios, exhibition halls and workshops built specifically for disciplines including architecture, design, fine arts and applied arts.
Over the years the main campus has been renovated several times to carry modern technology and contemporary teaching methods, while its historic significance is preserved. It also houses Galerie UM, the school's dedicated exhibition space. Students, faculty and guest artists frequently exhibit their work there in ongoing shows. Beyond the main campus, UMPRUM has expanded its facilities across Prague with specialized studios and workshops.
These satellite locations provide state-of-the-art resources for students working in fields such as glassmaking, ceramics, textile design and digital media. Some of these workshops are in Žižkov and Holešovice — neighborhoods known for their vibrant creative scenes — which gives you access to a broader artistic community and professional collaborations.
The campus fosters a creative and collaborative environment. Students from a variety of disciplines — including architecture, design, fine arts and applied arts — regularly interact and work together on interdisciplinary projects. Much of student life turns around exhibitions, such as the annual Artsemestr show. There you present your semester projects to the public. The school also organizes international workshops and conferences, bringing in globally recognized designers and artists to inspire and mentor students. Students gather often in studio spaces and workshops to develop their craft.
They also take part in discussions, collaborative projects and social events. Many join student-led initiatives at alternative cultural venues around Prague, including independent design markets, pop-up exhibitions and experimental art performances. The academy has a strong tradition of activism and artistic expression, and students often address social, political and environmental issues through their work. The UMPRUM student council plays a key role in organizing events and in ensuring student representation. It also advocates for student needs within the institution.
The Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design has a broad alumni network, with many distinguished graduates who have excelled in a variety of fields. Notable alumni include;
- Jan Preisler
- Stanislav Sucharda
- Josef Mařatka
- Vojtěch Preissig
- František Kobliha
- Bohumil Kafka
- Miloš Slovák
- Julius Mařák
among others.
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague Contact
How to Get Into Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
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