The Benedikt Rejt Gallery was founded thanks to the initiative of Jan Sekera through the transformation of a gallery section of Okresní muzeum (Regional Museum, founded in 1964). The new institution became part of a network of regional galleries in 1966. The main activity of the gallery was, and still is, to build and preserve its collection and to take care of its buildings (Peruc Castle and exhibition space in Louny). The gallery was established by Ústecký kraj (the Usti Region).

There is not a big difference between the gallery’s role and the role of the collection. In the 1960s the gallery presented the work of progressive artists and in the 1970s and 1980s the gallery supported unofficial artists through its acquisitions. Although the gallery was an official institution, its activities, mainly the building of the collection, may be understood as part of the unofficial scene.