Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová v Praze Czech university

The Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, known as UMPRUM or Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová v Praze (VŠUP), is an excellent public university in Staré Město, Praha. Established in 1885, it is a distinction between the first Czech art school. UMPRUM significantly influenced the Czech cultural and artistic landscape, especially through its connection with the Art Nouveau Movement and later modernist styles.

Established as a School of Arts in Prague (UPS), the Academy focused on the care of qualified artists for industry and education. Its establishment was a major development in Czech art education, which corresponded to wider European trends towards specialized art training during this period. Initially focused on applied art, the school shifted its attention from fine arts to 1896 for nationalization of the Academy of Fine Arts.

Under leaders such as František Schmoranz Jr., and faculty members such as Josef Václav Myslbek and Jakub Schikaneder, UMPRUM quickly became an influential centre for artistic education. At the turn of the century he became the center of Art Nouveau and gained international recognition by representing Czech art at the Paris Fair in 1900, where he won the Grand Prix.

UMPRUM has adapted throughout its history to the change of cultural and political landscape. During the interwar period, it adopted Constructivism and functionalism influenced by European avant-garde movements such as Bauhaus. Despite challenges during occupation and post-war periods, including ideological pressures in the 1940s and 1950s, the Academy has committed itself to quality education in applied art.

After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, UMPRUM underwent an important reorganisation which extended to five practical departments: architecture, design, art, applied art and graphics, along with the theoretical department. Today it includes 23 studies and continues to be a leading institution for artistic and design education in Prague.

The legacy of UMPURM is evident thanks to its historical contributions and achievements of graduates and faculty, including renowned architects such as Eva Jiřická and designers such as Borek Šípek. The Academy remains an integral part of Prague's cultural structure, offering rich learning experience that attracts students around the world.

Today, a visit to UMPRUM offers insight into his well-told past and live presence. As a living monument to Czech art and design education, it stands as proof of innovation and creativity. Its continuous influence on contemporary art and architecture makes it a must- see target for anyone who is interested in discovering artistic heritage and modern expression.