A happy life in Art Nouveau

We cordially invite you to an exhibition that will give you a glimpse into ordinary households of the Art Nouveau period and allow you to discover extraordinarily ordinary things, spiced with period humour and social conventions. You will find it in the exhibition hall in the attic of the House of Jana and Josef V. Scheybal in Jablonec nad Nisou, and it will delight all romantics and lovers of old times.

The focus of this exhibition lies between 1895 and 1915, when the world of the monarchy was already inexorably heading towards its end and the emergence of an independent republic. A new artistic style, associated with the arrival of the new century and expectations of social change and new discoveries, gradually influenced everyday life and human activity in almost all areas.

The exhibition provides guidance on how to live a contented and happy life thanks to guaranteed, often humorous, century-old advice. You will learn how to create a functional and tastefully furnished home, which, as the period press states, does not necessarily have to be "expensive". You will read about the division of roles in the family, how children were raised, including how they were properly punished. You will find out how to cultivate good manners and maintain a family budget, how to serve a small or large dinner, why to exercise at home, how to cultivate a contented mind, and where to find meaning in life.

You will get a glimpse into an Art Nouveau household from the beginning of the last century, with a dining room and a large, festively set table, a bedroom with hand-embroidered furnishings and nightwear, and a children's corner. You will also be reminded of the splendour of high-end Art Nouveau fashion. Original, exceptionally elegant and refined dresses, parasols, hats, gloves, shoes, jewellery and other preserved "originals".

Theexhibitionopeningwill take place on Tuesday, 27 January at 5 p.m. in the House of Jana and Josef V. Scheybal (attic).

The exhibitionwill then be open from Wednesday, 28 January during regular opening hours (see below).

And why an Art Nouveau exhibition in Jablonec?

There are not many towns that can boast such a variety of Art Nouveau buildings as ours. In 2026, we will celebrate the 160th anniversary of the town's promotion to city status, and Art Nouveau is one of the periods when Jablonec experienced an unprecedented economic boom, which is still evident today in the preserved architecture, stucco decoration of the facades and other Art Nouveau elements.

The building is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with prams. There is a lift in the building.

The exhibition is organised by Kultura Jablonec, p. o. (tourist information centre).