Small Hops: House within a House - exhibition at DUČB
A House Within
The last exhibition led by curator Michal Škoda at the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture in České Budějovice showcases the work of the architectural studio Malý Chmel. A temporary spatial intervention – the insertion of a "house with six rooms" into the original gallery – transforms the exhibition into an architectural experience.
The title A House Within carries a double meaning. Symbolically, it signifies the exhibition's intention to present architecture as a spatial experience. The inserted house changes the way of movement, seeing, and perceiving light and details, providing a calm space for concentration. Through a narrow slit, it is still possible to glimpse into the original gallery space. Literally, it refers to the place itself, as one of the models represents the planned reconstruction of the House of Art. The winning design of the architectural competition, created by Malý Chmel in collaboration with the Berlin studio AFF Architekten, already has construction permission and executive documentation, but its realization has been postponed by the city of České Budějovice until after 2028.
Models That Pull You In
In the new "inner house," large-format architectural models created specifically for this exhibition are placed. These are not just project showcases – the models are standalone objects that can be walked around, observed from the outside as well as the inside, read both as designs and as spaces. They approximate the way of thinking of the studio based on spatial intuition, carrying atmosphere and materiality, and in combination with the new exhibition space, they create situations that aspire to be architecture in their own right.
The presented projects show various phases and scales of the studio's work – from a solitary house in the landscape to large public buildings. The exhibition begins with a model of the planned reconstruction of the House of Art, connecting other projects through their work with context, scale, and structure.
Architecture as Experience
The exhibition does not tell a linear story but offers a space that can be traversed and experienced. The models, scale, light, and structure of the new inner house create an environment where architecture can be perceived with all the senses. The Malý Chmel studio demonstrates that architecture is not just the result of work but also a process – the search, assembling, and shaping of space that makes sense.
A House Within is a showcase of past works and an exhibition experiment. It poses the question of how to present architecture so that it becomes an experience rather than just a description. Between the permanent and the temporary, between the real building and its representation, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to glimpse into a world where every architecture begins with the search for space.
Curator Michal Škoda's Statement
“When I found myself in the situation this year of needing to prepare an unscheduled additional exhibition that would also close my 28-year work for the House of Art in České Budějovice and would be the last exhibition of the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture, I immediately knew what to do. Given how important architecture is in our lives, the role it plays within the presentations in this gallery, considering what architecture means to me personally, and in light of all the circumstances that have occurred around this ‘house’ recently, I did not hesitate for a moment to think that it could be any exhibition other than architectural.”
“At the same time, it was clear to me that the studio I would reach out to could not be anyone other than Malý Chmel. The reason is not only the well-known fact that they are the authors who, together with the Berlin studio AFF, won the competition for the reconstruction of the house in 2021, but also the overall quality of their work. I believe that this exhibition is a testament to the fact that we are encountering the work of authors with a clear opinion and a unique way of thinking, grounded in a rigorous approach to the given assignments, where they pay meticulous attention to every detail.”
About the Authors
Malý Chmel
The Malý Chmel studio was founded in 2016 by three founding partners: Miroslav Malý, Miroslav Chmel, and Zdeněk Chmel. All three gained valuable experience in foreign studios – primarily in Switzerland and also in Portugal. Their approach focuses on creating unique architectural solutions through thorough spatial research, which they approach through a wide range of different methods. The current team, in addition to the partners, includes Gabriela Sládečková, Martin Ciglbauer, Lucie Hájková, and Ján Paločko.
Michal Škoda
(1962) is a visual artist and self-taught – he has gradually focused on sculpture, painting, installations, photography, authorial books, and recently, particularly on objects and drawing.
The main theme of his work is “man and space.” He has nearly 70 solo exhibitions both at home and abroad and is represented in several private and public collections.
He shows a strong interest in architecture, not only in his own work but also in additional activities he engages in – curating.
From 1998 until the end of 2025, he has been the chief curator of the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture – House of Art of the City of České Budějovice, which has become a prestigious institution with significant international outreach during his tenure. He has prepared 234 exhibitions here, including 42 architectural ones.
In 2016, he received an honorary mention for the Architect of the Year award, and in 2017 a prize for exceptional achievement within the Czech Architecture Award. In 2024, he became the laureate of the annual ČAVU award – VIZIUM in the category of Institution of the Year 2023 for the House of Art of České Budějovice.
House of Art
The House of Art – Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture in České Budějovice is today a prestigious institution with significant international outreach. Since 1998, when Michal Škoda was appointed its head and during which time he prepared 234 exhibitions, including 42 architectural ones over 28 years, the gallery has ranked among the most important domestic venues. Thanks to its international program, it occupies a prominent position on the international scene, and its strong specialization in architecture places it among the foremost institutions that intertwine exhibitions of contemporary art and architecture so thoroughly. There is no other institution in Europe that has presented as many renowned names in world architecture as does in České Budějovice.
“The House of Art in České Budějovice is a place where, in an almost incomprehensible way, it has succeeded in long-term presentation of fantastically high-quality work primarily from excellent creators of international stature. I have no idea how Michal Škoda does it, but if I can, I appeal to everyone to support him in this great work as much as they can.”
“My own experience has always been unforgettable and the collaboration top-notch. Without any negative surprises, which is very exceptional for us.” ADAM GEBRIAN, architect, critic, and promoter of architecture
“The House of Art in České Budějovice has an instinct for work that challenges and shifts our understanding of what art is and what it can be – and also of what can make us think and feel. It is an extremely important institution in its mission to change the understanding of art from the position of a luxury good to that of a mover and initiator of change.”
“It is amazing to see the clarity, ambition, and professionalism that shares the best of contemporary art with the citizens of České Budějovice in its main square.” ANTONY GORMLEY, visual artist, United Kingdom
“The House of Art in České Budějovice has become a significant and respected European institution under the curatorial leadership of Michal Škoda. It is incredible how the quality and scope it has maintained over the years. There is no exhibition here that panders to cheap taste and does not hold this highest ‘bar’.”
“From my position as an artist, but also as the head of the Glass studio at the Prague Academy of Art, Architecture and Design, I frequently encounter mediocre and below-average organizations and associations that constantly apply for grants somewhere, yet their activities show no quality and often do not even exceed district borders.” RONY PLESL, glass artist and head of the Glass studio at UMPRUM in Prague
“I felt that my exhibition at the House of Art in České Budějovice was seen as important. The gallery was full of people who are truly interested in what is happening with architecture around the world. For an exhibition that is moving from such a great distance as Chile, the preparation of all the material and logistics was truly very good here. I think it is extremely important to maintain this kind of cultural space. I could compare the House of Art to the Toto Ma gallery in Japan. Both places are the best in the world in this format.” SMILJAN RADIC, architect, Chile
The last exhibition led by curator Michal Škoda at the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture in České Budějovice showcases the work of the architectural studio Malý Chmel. A temporary spatial intervention – the insertion of a "house with six rooms" into the original gallery – transforms the exhibition into an architectural experience.
The title A House Within carries a double meaning. Symbolically, it signifies the exhibition's intention to present architecture as a spatial experience. The inserted house changes the way of movement, seeing, and perceiving light and details, providing a calm space for concentration. Through a narrow slit, it is still possible to glimpse into the original gallery space. Literally, it refers to the place itself, as one of the models represents the planned reconstruction of the House of Art. The winning design of the architectural competition, created by Malý Chmel in collaboration with the Berlin studio AFF Architekten, already has construction permission and executive documentation, but its realization has been postponed by the city of České Budějovice until after 2028.
Models That Pull You In
In the new "inner house," large-format architectural models created specifically for this exhibition are placed. These are not just project showcases – the models are standalone objects that can be walked around, observed from the outside as well as the inside, read both as designs and as spaces. They approximate the way of thinking of the studio based on spatial intuition, carrying atmosphere and materiality, and in combination with the new exhibition space, they create situations that aspire to be architecture in their own right.
The presented projects show various phases and scales of the studio's work – from a solitary house in the landscape to large public buildings. The exhibition begins with a model of the planned reconstruction of the House of Art, connecting other projects through their work with context, scale, and structure.
Architecture as Experience
The exhibition does not tell a linear story but offers a space that can be traversed and experienced. The models, scale, light, and structure of the new inner house create an environment where architecture can be perceived with all the senses. The Malý Chmel studio demonstrates that architecture is not just the result of work but also a process – the search, assembling, and shaping of space that makes sense.
A House Within is a showcase of past works and an exhibition experiment. It poses the question of how to present architecture so that it becomes an experience rather than just a description. Between the permanent and the temporary, between the real building and its representation, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to glimpse into a world where every architecture begins with the search for space.
Curator Michal Škoda's Statement
“When I found myself in the situation this year of needing to prepare an unscheduled additional exhibition that would also close my 28-year work for the House of Art in České Budějovice and would be the last exhibition of the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture, I immediately knew what to do. Given how important architecture is in our lives, the role it plays within the presentations in this gallery, considering what architecture means to me personally, and in light of all the circumstances that have occurred around this ‘house’ recently, I did not hesitate for a moment to think that it could be any exhibition other than architectural.”
“At the same time, it was clear to me that the studio I would reach out to could not be anyone other than Malý Chmel. The reason is not only the well-known fact that they are the authors who, together with the Berlin studio AFF, won the competition for the reconstruction of the house in 2021, but also the overall quality of their work. I believe that this exhibition is a testament to the fact that we are encountering the work of authors with a clear opinion and a unique way of thinking, grounded in a rigorous approach to the given assignments, where they pay meticulous attention to every detail.”
About the Authors
Malý Chmel
The Malý Chmel studio was founded in 2016 by three founding partners: Miroslav Malý, Miroslav Chmel, and Zdeněk Chmel. All three gained valuable experience in foreign studios – primarily in Switzerland and also in Portugal. Their approach focuses on creating unique architectural solutions through thorough spatial research, which they approach through a wide range of different methods. The current team, in addition to the partners, includes Gabriela Sládečková, Martin Ciglbauer, Lucie Hájková, and Ján Paločko.
Michal Škoda
(1962) is a visual artist and self-taught – he has gradually focused on sculpture, painting, installations, photography, authorial books, and recently, particularly on objects and drawing.
The main theme of his work is “man and space.” He has nearly 70 solo exhibitions both at home and abroad and is represented in several private and public collections.
He shows a strong interest in architecture, not only in his own work but also in additional activities he engages in – curating.
From 1998 until the end of 2025, he has been the chief curator of the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture – House of Art of the City of České Budějovice, which has become a prestigious institution with significant international outreach during his tenure. He has prepared 234 exhibitions here, including 42 architectural ones.
In 2016, he received an honorary mention for the Architect of the Year award, and in 2017 a prize for exceptional achievement within the Czech Architecture Award. In 2024, he became the laureate of the annual ČAVU award – VIZIUM in the category of Institution of the Year 2023 for the House of Art of České Budějovice.
House of Art
The House of Art – Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture in České Budějovice is today a prestigious institution with significant international outreach. Since 1998, when Michal Škoda was appointed its head and during which time he prepared 234 exhibitions, including 42 architectural ones over 28 years, the gallery has ranked among the most important domestic venues. Thanks to its international program, it occupies a prominent position on the international scene, and its strong specialization in architecture places it among the foremost institutions that intertwine exhibitions of contemporary art and architecture so thoroughly. There is no other institution in Europe that has presented as many renowned names in world architecture as does in České Budějovice.
“The House of Art in České Budějovice is a place where, in an almost incomprehensible way, it has succeeded in long-term presentation of fantastically high-quality work primarily from excellent creators of international stature. I have no idea how Michal Škoda does it, but if I can, I appeal to everyone to support him in this great work as much as they can.”
“My own experience has always been unforgettable and the collaboration top-notch. Without any negative surprises, which is very exceptional for us.” ADAM GEBRIAN, architect, critic, and promoter of architecture
“The House of Art in České Budějovice has an instinct for work that challenges and shifts our understanding of what art is and what it can be – and also of what can make us think and feel. It is an extremely important institution in its mission to change the understanding of art from the position of a luxury good to that of a mover and initiator of change.”
“It is amazing to see the clarity, ambition, and professionalism that shares the best of contemporary art with the citizens of České Budějovice in its main square.” ANTONY GORMLEY, visual artist, United Kingdom
“The House of Art in České Budějovice has become a significant and respected European institution under the curatorial leadership of Michal Škoda. It is incredible how the quality and scope it has maintained over the years. There is no exhibition here that panders to cheap taste and does not hold this highest ‘bar’.”
“From my position as an artist, but also as the head of the Glass studio at the Prague Academy of Art, Architecture and Design, I frequently encounter mediocre and below-average organizations and associations that constantly apply for grants somewhere, yet their activities show no quality and often do not even exceed district borders.” RONY PLESL, glass artist and head of the Glass studio at UMPRUM in Prague
“I felt that my exhibition at the House of Art in České Budějovice was seen as important. The gallery was full of people who are truly interested in what is happening with architecture around the world. For an exhibition that is moving from such a great distance as Chile, the preparation of all the material and logistics was truly very good here. I think it is extremely important to maintain this kind of cultural space. I could compare the House of Art to the Toto Ma gallery in Japan. Both places are the best in the world in this format.” SMILJAN RADIC, architect, Chile
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