The Gallery Owner

"When visiting Magic Pencil Gallery, people often lose track of time. They step into a colorful world of pure imagination, immerse themselves in childhood memories, and suddenly realize they were supposed to be somewhere else long ago." 

To mark the fifth anniversary of The Defense of Colored Pencils project, Marie "MAB" Brožová and her husband, Martin, celebrated on March 11, 2009, by opening Magic Pencil Gallery in the very heart of Prague—just steps from the Astronomical Clock. Tucked away in the Renaissance courtyard of the Richter House, this small island of dreams was born, attracting returning visitors from every corner of the country and around the globe. Here, MAB has created dozens of her large-format drawings, and the gallery regularly hosts book launches and other cultural events.

"When we first stepped into the courtyard of the newly renovated Richter House, it was love at first sight—even though the rental space was completely empty, lacking even floor tiles. But one look up at the high vaulted ceiling, and we knew we had found the home for Magic Pencil Gallery. It is just steps from the Astronomical Clock, yet nestled in a quiet oasis where only the perceptive wander in—those who aren’t blindly chasing a tour guide's umbrella. Thanks to this hidden location, a beautiful legend has circulated on Instagram, where eighty percent of our followers are from abroad: If you search for the gallery, it will remain hidden from view. But when the time is right, it has a way of finding you instead."