Milan Knížák, a prominent Czech visual artist who led two of the country's foremost cultural institutions, died on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 86.
Foreign Minister Petr Macinka confirmed the death, writing "farewell, Mr. Professor" in a public tribute. Born in Plzeň on April 19, 1940, Knížák rose to prominence as the founder of Klub Aktual and its namesake beat music group. He served as rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague from 1990 to 1997 and later directed the National Gallery from 1999 to 2011.
Knížák was awarded the Medal of Merit (Za zásluhy) in 2010 for his contributions to the arts.