As in any other city there is a rich variety of museums in Prague too. Hence a tourist can spend time discovering the capital of Czechia and widen his outlook. In this article we will point out description, work hours, location and entrance fee of the following places:
- The Jewish Museum;
- Expositions of the National Museum (Natural history museum, Lapidárium, Museum of Antonín Dvořák, Museum of Bedřich Smetana);
- Bertramka: Mozart Museum;
- Museum of Decorative Arts;
- Story of Prague Castle;
- Museum of Charles Bridge;
- Museum of Communism;
- National Technical Museum;
- Prague Public Transport Museum;
- Kampa Museum;
- Mucha Museum;
- Strahov Library;
- Franz Kafka Museum;
- Museum of Toys;
- Wax Museum Prague;
- U Fleku (Microbrewery from 1499);
- Postal Museum;
- The Museum of Military History;
- Police Museum.
Keep in mind: not all of the museums in Prague are located in the city center. That is why this article may be helpful for you: Public Transport in Prague: Trams, Metro, Uber, prices.
Museums in Prague – Jewish Museum
Prague has one of the most famous and leading museums in Europe, which stores a large number of Jewish artifacts. The Jewish Museum was founded more than 100 years ago. Nevertheless, the 20th century called into question the existence of many Jewish synagogues. But people managed to save some historical and artistic values.
In 1906, the Prague Jewish Museum opened its doors to visitors. Exhibits and many unique things were gathered here from all over the world.
To date, the museum presents a complex of buildings that preserved the heritage of the Jews. Its exposition includes more than 40,000 exhibits and 100,000 books. On the territory of the Jewish Quarter there are 4 synagogues, a hall and an old cemetery:
- The Maisel Synagogue;
- The Spanish synagogue;
- Pinkas synagogue;
- The Klausen synagogue;
- Ceremonial Hall;
- The Old Jewish cemetery.
Work hours:
- November – March: open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Saturdays);
- April – October: open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Saturdays).
Admission:
- full – 300 CZK;
- reduced – 200 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro: Line A to Staroměstská station;
- Tram No. 17, 18 to Staroměstská stop.
Address: U staré školy 1, Prague 1.
National Museum (Národní muzeum)
Since its foundation in 1818 the National Museum in Prague has gathered a rich collection. Several million items are located in the central museum and on other exhibition grounds. The main building adorns the Wenceslas Square.
This majestic monumental structure in the Neo-Renaissance style is of more than 70 meters height and about 100 meters in length.
The hall displays magnificent sculptures of the famed Czech masters, famous Pantheon and a luxurious staircase. On the walls you will see paintings depicting the 16 castles of the Czech Republic.
In the main building on Wenceslas Square are the Museum of Natural History and the Library. The last holds 1.3 million volumes of rare books and 8,000 of manuscripts. The Museum of Natural History exhibits various fields of knowledge such as history, archeology, anthropology, paleontology.
The department of prehistory and protohistory keeps a collection of objects that were in use by people over a thousand years ago. The most valuable and interesting in it are exhibits of ancient Roman and Greek art.
Permanent exhibitions:
- Primeval history of Bohemia;
- Moravia and Slovakia;
- Mineralogical and petrology collections;
- Anthropological;
- Zoological;
- Paleontological collection.
Work hours: Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
- full 80 CZK;
- reduced 40 CZK;
- every first Monday of the month – free entrance.
How to get there:
- Metro line A/C to Muzeum station;
- Tram No. 11 to Muzeum stop.
Address: Václavské námesti 68, Prague 1.
Lapidárium
Lapidarium is a significant component of the National Museum, located in the eastern part of the Palace of Industry. It carefully preserves the centuries-old history of the Czech Republic.
Since 1905, eight exhibition halls with more than 2,000 exhibits present the visitors the works of outstanding sculptors and artists.
Here you can see numerous statues of stone in their original look. These are the famous statues from the Charles Bridge, as well as fragments of walls, columns, portals, fountains, castle stones and even the ceilings of buildings.
Work hours: 1 May – 30 November: from Wednesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Entrance fee:
- Full: 50 CZK;
- Reduced: 30 CZK (persons over 60, disabled, children from 6 to 15, students);
- Family: 80 CZK (maximum 2 adults and 3 children);
- Photo and video shooting: 30 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice station;
- Tram No. 6, 12, 17, 41 to Výstaviště Holešovice stop.
Address: Výstaviště 422, Prague 7.
Museum of Antonín Dvořák
Visiting the museum will be interesting not only for fans of classical music. The architecture of the building is truly impressive. In 1720, it was a palace of the summer residence of the Count and Maecenas Jan Vaclav. In 1932 the Society of Antonin Dvorak purchased it for the creation of his museum in Prague. Antonin Dvořák is considered to be the founder of the national symphony.
The building has a name “Villa America” and is built in a typical baroque style with a rich façade and roof. The territory is harmoniously decorated with sculptures from the sandstone.
The creators of the exposition tried to preserve the atmosphere of the end of the 19th century. Furnishings, furniture, interior details, household items will interest the lovers of the antiquity. Musicians will be able to see how the composer lived and created.
There are rare copies of notes, scores, personal records, the first photos, favorite instruments and even the goose feathers he worked with. Besides, there are his real beret and a raincoat.
Work hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission:
- full 50 CZK;
- reduced 10 CZK.
How to get there:
- Tram No. 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to I.P. Pavlova stop;
- Metro line C to I. P.Pavlova station.
Address: Ke Karlovu 20, Prague 2.
Museum of Bedřich Smetana
Among all museums in Prague there is an exposition dedicated to Bedřich Smetana, opened in the late 1920s. In its rich collection there are unique items telling about the life and creative path of the composer.
Today the museum is located in the building of the Old Town water tower, on the banks of the Vltava near the Charles Bridge.
The place shows the legacy of Smetana since 1928. It acquaints visitors with the personal things of the composer, music manuscripts and instruments. There are his letters, various documents and photographs from his family archives, his portraits.
Work hours: Wednesday – Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
- full 50 CZK;
- reduced 25 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line A to Staroměstská station;
- Tram No.17, 18 to Národní divadlo stop.
Address: Novotného lávka, Prague 1.
Bertramka: Mozart Museum
In January 1787 Mozart visited Prague and stayed in Villa Bertramka. He lived and worked there on the immortal opera “Don Juan” and by the autumn completed his creation. After the death of the composer, the rooms where Mozart lived became a museum.
The exhibition is shown in seven rooms. The walls are covered with a cloth and text on it. Historical posters, manuscripts, documents, engravings, personal belongings have survived to our days. There is also a garden and very often visitors can listen to the live classical music.
Noteworthy, composer’s hair and personal instruments attract the guests the most.
Work hours:
- April – October: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November – March: from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission:
- full 110 CZK;
- reduced 50 CZK.
How to get there: Metro B to Anděl station.
Address: Mozartova 169, Prague 5.
Museum of Decorative Arts
Visiting Prague you have a chance to get acquainted with things from late antiquity to the 20th century. The Museum of Decorative Arts has 3 halls, surprising with its variety of exhibits.
You will see clothes, accessories, embroidery of those times. There are also printed publications: posters, illustrations, photographs made since the 15th century. The third hall is filled with a world-famous collection of glass, ceramics and porcelain.
Work hours:
- Tuesday: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (from 5-7 pm for free!);
- Wednesday – Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission for permanent exhibits:
- full 80 CZK;
- reduced 40 CZK;
Temporary exhibits:
- full 80 CZK;
- reduced 40 CZK.
How to get there: Metro line A to Staroměstská station.
Address: 17. Listopadu 2, Prague 1.
Story of Prague Castle
The exhibition about the history of the Prague Castle makes it possible to trace the events on the territory of the country. It covers an enormous time period of 5,000 years.
The excursion route connects the main historical epochs. The halls present documentary evidences of the most important fateful moments in the history of the Czech Republic. It shows country’s rulers and prominent figures in public and political life.
Start your tour around the place from the hall of the Old Chronicles of the Earth. It houses sections depicting the most ancient historical period, the Prague Castle since its foundation until 918 and events from 918 to 1135.
Moreover, there is the chamber of Charles IV and items of the Romanesque period.
An integral part of the exposition is a documentary film-reconstruction of all the changes in the old castle that occurred over the centuries.
Work hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- adult: 140 CZK;
- reduced: 70 CZK;
- family: 280 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro station: Malostranská;
- Tram No. 22, 23, 41to Pražský hrad stop.
Address: Náměstí U svatého Jiří, Praha 1.
Museum of Charles Bridge
The opening of the Museum of the Charles Bridge in Prague was in 2007. At that day 650 years ago Charles IV decided to found a bridge across the Vltava River to connect the “Small Town” with “Old City“.
Today, the Charles Bridge is one of the oldest stone bridges that have survived in the Czech Republic to the present day. The museum is divided into several thematic halls:
- Prehistory – the first permanent exhibition is devoted to historical events that took place in the Czech Republic during the reign of Charles IV.
- Building exposition – one of the permanent sections of the museum shows works during the construction of the Charles Bridge.
- Archaeological section – the archaeological section is one of the most important museum’s expositions.
- Exposition of the Charles Bridge statues – the Charles Bridge is unique with architectural decorations. However, its sculptural decorations have long been stored in the National Museum.
- Gallery – the Gallery of the Museum is designed to accommodate temporary thematic exhibitions devoted to the history and development of the Charles Bridge.
Work hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket price:
- adult: 170 CZK;
- reduced: 70 CZK;
- family: 320 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro: Staroměstská station;
- Tram No. 2,17,18,93 to the Staroměstská stop.
Address: Křížovnické náměstí 3, Prague 1 – Old Town.
Museum of Communism
The Museum of Communism is the first museum in Prague, which partially shows a system developed under the Soviet Union. It depicts more than forty years of history. Exhibits are presented in the form of unusual and interesting materials.
The creators carefully worked on light, sounds and even tried to convey the smells that once shrouded Czechoslovakia. The Museum of Communism occupies three small halls.
Nevertheless, it tells much more than historical books.
Work hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission:
- full 180 CZK;
- reduced 140 CZK;
- children under 10 – admission free.
How to get there:
- Metro line A/ B to Můstek station;
- Tram No. 3, 9, 14, 24 to Jindřišská stop.
Address: Na příkopě 10, Prague 1.
The National Technical Museum
It presents collections of the development of photography, printed handicrafts, the transport industry, military affairs and astronomy. More than a century ago the Czech Republic was rightly considered one of the most developed countries in terms of industry.
Residents were very proud of this and in 1908 opened the doors to one of the most famous European technical museums. Since that time the collection has been actively gaining new exhibits.
Halls and Expositions:
- Exhibition of Vehicles;
- Photo room;
- Exhibition of the history of printing;
- Architectural exposition;
- Astronomy;
- Warfare;
- Exposition of the country’s industrial achievements.
Working hours:
- Monday – closed;
- Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and national holidays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission fee:
- adult – 190 CZK;
- children’s room – 90 CZK;
- family – 410 CZK (2 + 4);
- photography – 100 CZK.
How to get there: Tram No. 1, 8, 25 or 26 to Letenské náměstí stop.
Address: Kostelní 42, Prague 7.
Prague Public Transport Museum
Czechia has always paid special attention to public transport, especially to trams. They are considered one of the main types of transportation here. Over the centuries, the mechanism has been debugged to automatism, as well as the quality of machinery and service.
To perpetuate these traditions a museum of public transport in Prague was established. Officially, it was built and opened for visitors in 1993. Annually thousands of tourists come to the city to visit a unique place that has collected a whole history of development of all tram equipment.
The first thing that immediately attracts an eye is a number of official cars lined up in a row.
The creators tried to arrange everything in a way to create a very vivid picture of the development of transport, not only in Prague, but also in the USSR.
Opening hours: The museum operates from April to December on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- adult: 50 CZK;
- child: 30 CZK.
How to get there: Tram 1, 2 or 18 to Vozovna Střešovice stop.
Address: Patočkova 4, Prague 6.
Kampa Museum
The variety of museums in Prague is really rich and one more modern place of art appeared there in 2003. It occupies the reconstructed building of the Owl Mills. An interesting fact, that after the reconstruction in the 14th century, the building received and still shows its unique charm.
There are such permanent expositions:
- abstract creativity of František Kupka;
- collection of works by sculptor-cubist Otto Gutfreund;
- collection of Central European contemporary art.
In total, 215 works of the artists are in charge of the museum and this is considered one of the most complete collections. The courtyard also will not let you get bored too. There are several very popular and interesting sculptures on Kampa Island as well.
Work hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
- full 180 CZK;
- reduced 90 CZK;
- free entrance for children under 6.
How to get there:
- Metro line A to Malostranská station;
- Tram No. 6, 9, 22, 23 to Újezd stop.
Address: U Sovových Mlýnů 2, Prague 1.
Mucha Museum
This museum in Prague displays the works of Alfons Mucha. They are diverse and include several directions. You will see drawings, graphics, sculptures, photos and lithography. The artist had financial difficulties, due to that he took up any work.
It is probably the reason of this diversity. In Paris he drew posters and advertising, hence they bright him popularity. However, in 1910 he returned to the Czech Republic, in order to write “Slavic epic”.
Alphonse Mucha is considered the most outstanding modernist artist of the beginning of the century.
Work hours: Monday – Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
- full 120 CZK;
- reduced 60 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line A/B to Můstek station;
- Tram No. 3, 9, 14, 24, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58 to Jindřišská stop.
Address: Panská 7, Prague 1.
Strahov Library (Largest collection of medieval books)
The most famous part of the Strahov monastery is a library. Can you imagine that it stores more than 130,000 copies of books, 2500 manuscripts and many early printed books and graphic works? Yes, such museums in Prague are rare and unique.
You can also see a curiosity room, a philosophical and theological hall. Moreover, curiosity cabinet is an analogue of the kunstkamera displaying several natural collections.
Work hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding December 24 – 25, and the Easter Sunday).
Entrance fee:
- adult: 120 CZK;
- reduced: 60 CZK;
- child: 60 CZK.
How to get there: Tram No. 22, 23 to Pohořelec stop.
Address: Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1
Franz Kafka Museum
The history of the Prague Museum of Franz Kafka began at the end of the 20th century in Spain. Within the framework of the project “Cities and their writers”, in 1999 an exhibition “City of Franz Kafka and Prague” was opened in Barcelona. In 2002, it moved to New York and in 2005 finally settled in Prague. Isn’t it interesting?
Actually the museum’s exposition consists of two sections: “Existential space” and “Imaginary topography”. In addition, you can visit the museum’s store to purchase books of the writer or souvenirs.
Start your excursion from the second floor. This part tells about Prague at the beginning of the 20th century, about the influence of the city on the formation of the writer’s personality, his worldview and sensations.
The atmosphere in halls is mysterious and effective.
There are exhibited documentary materials, photographs and objects related to the biography of the writer. You will also see manuscripts and early editions of F. Kafka’s works, a number of author’s drawings.
The walls of the halls are covered with quotations from F. Kafka’s letters, diaries and books in different languages.
Work hours:
- daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- January – February from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- adult: 200 CZK;
- reduced: 120 CZK;
- family: 540 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line A to Malostranská station;
- Tram No. 2, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 41 or 97 to the Malostranská stop.
Address: Cihelná 2b, Praha 1.
Museum of Toys
The collection of toys in the museum is considered to be one of the largest in the world.
Visiting the Toy Museum you will see:
- Plush bears;
- Dolls of different ages;
- Metal and wooden constructors;
- Doll houses with all attributes;
- Metal cars;
- Railway stations;
- Locks;
- Toy cities;
- Circus;
- Zoo;
- Amusement park;
- Robots.
And this is only a small list of all the wonders of the toy museum. Besides, it will be interesting for adults too as the place keeps some pretty unique and fascinating old items. If you struggle with planning a trip to Prague with kids read this article: What to do in Prague with children.
Work hours: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ticket price:
- adult: 70 CZK;
- reduced: 30 CZK;
- family: 120 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line A to Malostranska station, then change to tram 22 or 23 to Pražský hrad stop;
- Tram No. 2, 17, 18 to Staroměstská stop.
Address: Husova 158/20, Praha 1.
Wax Museum Prague
The interior of the museum interferes with all those static figures. It recreates the historical events of the era, immersing visitors to the world of the past. Characters from wax look like real people. Modern manufacturing techniques allowed to “revive” the realistic look, with a blush on the cheeks, sweat on the forehead and a glint in the eyes.
The best masters of the Czech Republic created the first exposition of the museum. The exhibit shows famed historical and cultural figures, famous athletes, stars, political leaders. Here you can see Franz Kafka, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, Yaroslav Hasek.
Hall of modern culture
All tourists like figures of world-known musicians like Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Tina Turner, etc.
Hall of politicians
The exhibition also displays the rulers and presidents of the Czech Republic: Gustav Husak, Edward Beneš, Vaclav Klaus, Tomáš Garrig Masaryk and others. Famous communist leaders from different countries gathered behind a single tribune.
In full parade, with medals are Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin, Fidel Castro, Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev.
Fascist dictator Adolf Hitler is hidden from visitors behind armored glass.
There was a place for Russian presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin. They stand in line with the famous world democrats Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill. The creators arranged the figure of Princess Diana in a special room with a mirror effect. If the lighting changes, the princess disappears, and in place of her there is only a red rose.
Work hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission:
- full 120 CZK;
- reduced 60 CZK;
- family 290 CZK.
How to get there: Metro line A/B to Můstek station.
Address: Melantrichova 5, Praha 1.
U Fleku – Microbrewery from 1499
U Fleku refers to those places that are well-known among travelers. This pub has its own brewery, has many spacious halls and a patio, which is filled with dark oak benches and tables.
The brewery is one of the oldest in Prague. The first mention of the fact that beer was prepared here appeared in 1459.
Nowadays it produces a special strong dark beer, has a restaurant and a small museum dedicated to the history of Czech brewing. Ancient brewing machines, instruments and drinking vessels are displaying here. So, if you like beer this place will be of a great interest.
Work hours: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (reservation required).
Admission: 50 CZK.
How to get there: Metro line B to Národní třída station.
Address: Křemencova 11, Praha 1.
Postal Museum (Muzeum poštovní známky)
After the First World War, on the map appeared a new independent state – the Czechoslovak Republic. It laid the beginning of the Mail Museum in Prague in 1918. The main purpose of its foundation was a store housing of exhibits of the postal service of Czechoslovakia.
Originally, the museum was closed to visitors and was only collecting exhibits. 10 years later, in 1928, it opened doors to the public. However, soon due to lack of space the exposition had to be closed again. After moving to the former monastery, the place was once again open to visitors.
The museum found its current house only in 1988 – a house in the Baroque style, built in the 17th century.
The collection of the museum has more than 200 000 exhibits, unfortunately, most of which are not presented to a wide audience.
The main place is occupied by various subjects, which tell the history of the Czech Republic post. Among all the museums in Prague only here you can see the exhibits of old seals, stamps, mailboxes. On the ground floor there is a collection of antique brands from many countries.
Work hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- Adult – 50 CZK;
- For students – 10 CZK;
- Children under 6 years old – free of charge.
How to get there:
- Metro line B to Náměstí Republiky station;
- Tram No. 5, 14, 26 to Revoluční stop.
Address: Nové mlýny 2, Praha 1, Nové Město.
Military Museum in Prague
Among all museums in Prague you can also find the Military Museum or the Army Museum (Armádní muzeum). It is located on a hill in the Zizkov area.
The exposition includes three thematic exhibitions: the First World War, the period covering 1918-1939, the Second World War.
A distinctive feature of the museum is that it shows not only separate items. The demonstration illustrates mini-thematic areas around each one. This creates an atmosphere of life in the place.
Work hours: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: free.
How to get there:
- Metro line B/C to Florenc station;
- Tram No. 5, 9, 26, 55, 58 to Husinecká station.
Address: U památníku 2, Prague 3.
Police Museum (Muzeum Policie)
The Police Museum in Prague perhaps is more famous than the museum of US police in Chicago. It provides all police forms of different times and people, examples of protocols and reports, real motorcycles and truncheons.
In addition, it is also possible to study dossiers on the most famous robbers with all the evidences.
On stands every visitor can get acquainted with the principle of the work of fingerprinting and other scientific or police works. Also here you can see the reproduced crimes, which became famous for their cruelty.
Work hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket price:
- Adult: 50 CZK;
- Child: 20 CZK;
- Family: 100 CZK.
How to get there:
- Metro line C to I.P.Pavlova station;
- Tram No. 4, 6, 16 to I. P. Pavlova stop.
Address: Ke Karlovu 1, Praha 2, Nové Město.
Tours
It is quite hard to choose one among all the museums in Prague to see the most interesting and save time. We offer you Private Tours with a Local Guide who will help you to do it. Besides, there are a lot of secrets only locals know, so use this chance to discover Prague!
