Oto Klempíř, the Czech Minister of Culture, has officially dismissed Alicja Knast from her role as the director of the National Gallery in Prague. This decision comes in light of a prolonged crisis that has plagued the gallery during Knast's leadership. The Minister has indicated that there were multiple reasons for her dismissal, though specific details have yet to be disclosed to the public. The Ministry of Culture is set to organize a selection process for a new permanent director in the coming months.

Following Knast's departure, a temporary successor has been appointed to take charge of the gallery's operations. This interim director is already expressing a commitment to revitalizing the institution, with a particular focus on increasing visitor numbers. Given the gallery's previous challenges, attracting a larger audience will be critical for sustaining its relevance and financial stability in the competitive cultural landscape.

The National Gallery in Prague holds significant cultural importance, and the changes in its leadership may have broader implications for the Czech art scene. As preparations for the upcoming selection process for a new director progress, stakeholders within the art community will likely be watching closely to see how these developments affect the gallery's direction and mission in the future.