Brilliant Bohemian Garnets

June 17, 2023 – January 14, 2024

June 17, 2023 - January 14, 2024

Petrik Gallery

A one-of-a-kind exhibition of priceless antique and modern garnets from the National Museum in Prague, Czech Republic is only making one stop in America — and that’s in Iowa. Nearly 200 objects that feature the fiery red gemstones will be on display. Many pieces are garnet-decorated jewelry, but others are household items like eyeglasses, mirrors, or picture frames. Mining and cutting equipment will also be featured.

Bohemian garnets are an important and beloved part of the cultural heritage for people of Czech and Slovak descent. After this special showing at NCSML, the garnets will be put on permanent display at a special new gallery at the Czech National Museum, never to leave the Czech Republic again.

Within “Brilliant Bohemian Garnets,” find an interactive “mining area” where visitors can search for their own garnet (while supplies last).

Sponsored by: BetterLife, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, UFG Insurance, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, the City of Cedar Rapids Hotel-Motel Tax, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation logo

17 Comments. Leave new

  • Mary Moravek
    April 21, 2023 2:35 PM

    Love my Czech Garnets’

    Reply
    • Marie A. Read
      May 23, 2023 7:41 PM

      I cherish the garnets I purchased in Prague. My mother was with me when I bought them . When I wear them it brings back heartfelt memories of our travels in the Czech Republic. .

      Reply
  • One must read, Willa Caither’s book My Antonia to know more about the Czech / Bohemian immigrants.

    Reply
    • Museum Store
      June 29, 2023 10:53 AM

      Hello! Thank you so much for bringing this book to our attention. We sell the book in our gift store.

      Reply
  • Molly Reynolds
    July 12, 2023 9:34 PM

    Am excited to visit this! I am bringing a special friend who would need wheelchair to enjoy. Is that a possibility?

    Reply
    • Hi Molly! Yes, we have two wheelchairs available for use that are normally located in our elevator lobby in our underground parking garage. We are looking forward to your visit!

      Reply
  • I loved this exhibit possibly in 2005. I had no garnets back then and I didn’t know anything about them. Now I have four items and one German garnet item, all but one purchased in Prague over two trips. Love them.

    Reply
  • Do you have a book on this exhibit that you sell in your store?

    Reply
    • Hi Cheryl,
      We do not have a book unfortunately, but we do carry postcards and magnets in our museum store that feature some of the garnets from Brilliant Bohemian Garnets. They are not online, but you can stop in if you are local or call 319-362-8500 x114 or x100 to order.
      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Is the interactive mining area of the exhibit still available?

    Reply
  • Do you sell Czech garnet crosses? I am looking for 3 for granddaughters. Barbara Bruno abbruno@att.net

    Reply
  • Regina Zumbach
    December 1, 2023 3:21 AM

    What are your hours for viewing the exhibit?

    Reply
    • Hi Regina,
      You may view the exhibit anytime the museum is open:
      Mon-Sat, 9:30am – 4:00pm
      Sunday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

      Reply
  • We’re members and had arranged to drive last week with a friend to Cedar Rapids for this special exhibit but the snow storms prevented us. Any chance that the exhibit has been extended after January 14th?

    Reply

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