Czech artist Jakub Matuska aka MASKER may be somewhat unknown on the New York street art scene, but he is one of the leading Czech artists known all around Europe. Most notably, he has won the Czech equivalent of the Turner Prize, and has shown his paintings, graffiti, objects, video and photographs across the world- including a restaurant on the Upper East Side. Inside the beautiful Bohemian National Hall, Hospoda is a great place to get a beer- and peep the original MASKER wooden carvings that line the walls.

Cut into a long, continuous panel of dark wood, MASKER’s mural is lit from behind, letting his characters glow. In the spirit of Czech pride – mixed with a little sarcasm- the mural shows national cliches- over flowing beers, figures dancing, and endless smiles.

The restaurant itself, heavy on the meat in Czech tradition, is a bit pricey. But you can visit the historic hall, and sip on half priced beers from 5-7 each day, while gazing on one of the Czech Republic’s finest contemporary artist’s work.

Who: Jakub Matuska aka MASKER

What: Hand carved murals

Where: Hospoda, 321 East 73rd Street, 10021