Back to the Palace: A night of history, generosity, and impact at the 2026 ISP Gala

On 21 March, something truly special happened within the International School of Prague community. We came together for the 2026 Gala, Back to the Palace [Lobkowicz Palace], and in doing so, we didn’t just celebrate; we created opportunity.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, so far, an astounding 4.8 million CZK was raised in support of the Scholarship Programme, ensuring that our scholarship students have the opportunity to experience an ISP education.

“Most of these scholars join ISP in Grade 9, bringing with them new perspectives, energy, and ambition. They enrich our community in ways that go far beyond the classroom. And what’s truly remarkable is that every one of them continues their education after ISP on further scholarships, proof of the lasting impact of what this programme makes possible.”

 Anna Lukyanova, Chair of the Gala Organising Committee

Guests were able to immerse themselves in Bohemian history at the Lobkowicz Palace, enjoying a unique and inspiring experience as they came together to support the future of our scholars. Originally built in the mid-16th century, the palace stands as one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic and remains the only private, family-owned residence within the Prague Castle complex. Set against breathtaking panoramic views of Prague, this historic setting created a truly memorable atmosphere for the evening.

The evening included a wide range of unique experiences, from inspiring performances and live and silent auctions to a museum and curator-led experience, a best-dressed competition, and dancing. A special thank you to the 2026 Gala Committee for the incredible effort they put into bringing this night to life. The committee’s commitment to our community and their ability to turn a vision into such a meaningful celebration for families reflect the very best of ISP.

“This spectacular event was built on a foundation of hard work and a shared love for our school. We are so inspired by the Gala Committee and their commitment.”

Anna Lukyanova, Chair of the Gala Organising Committee

A night of unforgettable experiences

Guests were treated to inspiring performances, including a flute piece from Dvořák’s 9th Symphony by our own Upper School Music Teacher, Jeremy Chapman, a ballet performance by Dongha, a Grade 10 student and a special operatic performance by renowned singer and ISP parent, Lucie Juránková.

The Live and Silent Auctions added excitement and purpose to the evening. With over 60 items generously donated by our community, guests bid on extraordinary experiences, from all-inclusive six-night getaways to the white sand beaches of the Maldives to one-of-a-kind artworks and exclusive experiences.

Whether it was a private lunch with the Lobkowicz family, a behind-the-scenes cultural experience, or even stepping into the shoes of an ISP student for a day or British tea party with ISP Director, Cal Callaway. Each bid represented something greater: a commitment to expanding access and diversity within our community.

Thank you to everyone who bid on our collection of items and supported the ISP Scholarship Programme.

The success of this year’s ISP Scholarship Programme Auction is a testament to the power of our collective spirit and community. We are profoundly grateful to our parents, faculty, staff, and the wider community for the incredible variety of items donated to our Live and Silent auctions.

What truly makes ISP special is the shared commitment of our students, faculty, and parents to expanding access to our education and strengthening the diversity of our community. We were honoured to showcase the work of our Visual Arts students, including a stunning vase collection created in collaboration with Květná Glassworks, as well as artwork inspired by the Lobkowicz Palace, led by Middle School Art Teacher Petr Dimitrov and his talented students. ISP Elementary students also came together to craft a hooded cape that beautifully captured the joy of creativity and expression.

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Auction. Your generosity directly supports the ISP Scholarship Programme and helps create meaningful opportunities for our learners.”

Cal Callaway, ISP Director

A unique addition to the 2026 ISP Gala

What truly makes the Lobkowicz Palace so special is its extraordinary private collection. Guests had the unique opportunity to discover masterpieces by Bruegel the Elder, Canaletto, and Velázquez, as well as hand-annotated manuscripts by Mozart and Beethoven.

To make the evening even more special, guests stepped into the role of curators, echoing the Curator program we run for our students, as they explored a curated selection of historical artefacts. In doing so, parents, like their children, engaged with Lobkowicz Palace curators, asked questions, and uncovered the stories behind each object.

Hearing from our Scholarship Recipients

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from hearing the story of Bety Pechačová, ISP Scholar and Class of 2021 graduate. Her reflections reminded us that an ISP education shapes not only what our learners achieve, but who they become, building competence, curiosity, and the courage to pursue ambitious goals.

“I didn’t know how many people I would meet, or how much I would grow. But I do know that none of it would have happened without the opportunity the ISP scholarship gave me. So thank you, thank you for making moments like that possible for me and for others.”

Bety Pechačová, ISP Scholar and Class of 2021 graduate

Through the ISP Scholarship Programme, Bety’s dream of studying science abroad became a reality. She went on to attend the University of Cambridge, where she studied Natural Sciences, taking physics, chemistry, and multiple scientific disciplines simultaneously. Moving between different ways of thinking came naturally to her, something she credits to her ISP education.

“ISP had already trained me not to see subjects as separate boxes, but as different lenses on the same world.”

Bety Pechačová, ISP Scholar and Class of 2021 graduate

Bety is currently pursuing her PhD in Atmospheric Physics at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and continues to credit ISP for providing the foundation and support to pursue her ambitions.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our corporate sponsors, individual donors, and all community members who contributed to the success of this year’s event. Your support ensures that more students can benefit from ISP’s transformative learning experience, shaping the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

The magic of this year’s Gala was made possible by the Lobkowicz family, and we are profoundly grateful for their generosity in hosting the 2026 Gala at the Lobkowicz Palace. Hosting our Gala in such a historic and inspiring space reminds us of the power of legacy and community. We are grateful for the Lobkowicz family’s continued support of ISP and their dedication to the future of our students.