National Museum

The National Museum is the most significant Czech museum institution. It’s main, historical building in Prague’s Wenceslas Square has been finally opened in October 2019 after a lengthy 8-year old reconstruction. Not all the exhibitions are yet open and reconstruction will continue until June 2020.

The main building of the Czech National Museum, a magnificent Neo-Renaissance monument from the 19^th century, is located at the top of the Wenceslas Square. It has been closed since July 2011 for massive and essential reconstruction works, but in the meantime, there’s no need to despair. There is plenty to see in the National Museum New Building, The Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, Czech Museum of Music, and other buildings belonging to the National Museum, all of them absolutely worth visiting.

The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including Czech history, archaeology, paleontology, zoology, and music. The impressive entrance hall, grand staircase, and stunning dome offer breathtaking views of Prague.

Historical Building vs. New Building

The National Museum in Prague is unique in that its main complex consists of two architecturally and functionally distinct buildings—the Historical Building and the New Building—connected by an underground corridor. Each offers a different experience and caters to various interests, making it worthwhile to visit both during your trip.

The Historical Building

Located at the top of Wenceslas Square, the Historical Building is a stunning Neo-Renaissance masterpiece dating back to the late 19th century. After an extensive renovation, it reopened to the public in 2019, revealing beautifully restored interiors, a majestic entrance hall, and a grand staircase adorned with Czech artistic masterpieces. The Historical Building primarily hosts:‍

• ‍Permanent exhibitions on Czech history, natural sciences, and archaeology.‍
• Temporary exhibitions on major historical and cultural topics.‍
• The Dome Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of Prague (accessible with your ticket).‍
• Impressive architectural features such as ornate ceilings, marble columns, and historical murals.‍

The New Building

Just a few steps from the Historical Building, the New Building (formerly the seat of Radio Free Europe) is a modern structure with a striking glass façade. It is connected to the Historical Building by a spacious underground tunnel, which itself features exhibitions and interactive displays.

The New Building focuses on:

• ‍Contemporary and interactive exhibitions, including science, technology, and society.‍
• Long-term exhibitions such as “Noah’s Ark,” which explores the diversity of the animal kingdom.‍
• Special events, lectures, and workshops for all ages.‍
• Modern amenities, including a spacious café and museum shop.
  

The Kids Museum

A highlight for families is the Kids Museum (Dětské muzeum), located within the New Building. This dedicated space is designed to engage children through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and educational play areas.

Here, young visitors can explore natural history through touchable exhibits and games, participate in creative workshops and science demonstrations, and enjoy themed play zones that make learning fun and accessible.

The Kids Museum is ideal for families with children, providing an educational and entertaining experience that complements the more traditional exhibitions in the Historical Building.

Museum History

The National Museum (“Národní muzeum” in Czech) focuses on many science and collection fields and it manages its collections in a number of buildings not only in Prague but also elsewhere in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1818 under the name of “Patriotic museum of Bohemia” (“Vlastenecké museum v Čechách”).

The foundation was supported by the academic public and the nobility. For example, the famous Czech historian and the most influential person of the Czech National Revival (often called “Father of the Nation”) František Palacký was involved. Kašpar Maria Šternberg, a world-renowned paleontologist, was the actual founder. He donated his large collections to the Museum.

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Nowadays, the National Museum contains millions of museum items. Its collections include Czech and foreign material testimonies to the development of nature and history. Within the frame of a uniquely large number of long-term and temporary exhibitions, one can learn, among other things, about geology, paleontology, zoology, anthropology, and prehistory. The National Museum also keeps the Czech historical book stock and its representatives pursue publication, educational, and lecturing activities.

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum offers a range of permanent exhibitions that delve into natural history, human evolution, and Czech history.

• Natural History: Explore the rich biodiversity and geological history through extensive collections of minerals, fossils, and taxidermied animals.​
• Human Evolution: This exhibition traces the development of humans from prehistoric times to modern society, featuring artifacts and interactive displays.​
• History of the 20th Century: A comprehensive look at the political, social, and cultural changes in Czech society throughout the 20th century.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

The National Museum hosts several notable exhibitions in 2025:

• Czech Press Photo 2024: Running until April 23, 2025, this exhibition showcases award-winning photographs capturing significant moments and stories from the Czech Republic and beyond.
• Genghis Khan: On display until June 22, 2025, this exhibition presents artifacts and narratives exploring the life and legacy of the Mongolian conqueror.
• One Hundred Treasures, One Hundred Stories: Opening in September 2025, this exhibition features rare artifacts from the National Palace Museum in Taiwan, offering insights into Chinese imperial history and culture.
• Pleasures and Vices: From April 2 to October 31, 2025, this exhibition at the Ethnographic Museum explores the desires, passions, and humor of our ancestors.

Additional Branches

The Czech National Museum consist of five specialized, professionally autonomous institutions:

1. Museum of Natural Science (“Přírodovědecké museum”)
2. Historical Museum (“Historické museum”)
3. Naprstek Museum of Asia, African, and American Cultures (“Náprstkovo muzeum asijských, afrických a amerických kultur”)
4. National Museum Library (“Knihovna národního muzea”)
5. Museum of Czech Music (“České museum hudby”).

The National Museum unites 16 objects and expositions in the Czech Republic. Let us mention the most important Prague ones. The most significant one is the currently closed main historical building on the top of Wenceslas Square. This Neo-Renaissance building amazes with its decorations, created by some of the most renowned Czech artists, painters and sculptors, such as Vojtěch Hynais (also the author of the famous curtain of the Prague National Theatre). There are 72 names from Czech history written in gold on the façade of the building, too.

The National Museum New Building at Vinohradská street, Prague 1, is another very important building under the National Museum jurisdiction. The former seat of the Radio Free Europe was transferred under the jurisdiction of the National Museum in 2009. Nowadays it hosts, among other things, a long-term exhibition, “Noah’s Ark”, focusing on animals that live or used to live on our planet.

The Czech Museum of Music, located on Karmelitská street, Prague 1, is the venue of many music-focused temporary exhibitions and a long-term one, called “Man – Instrument – Music”. This exposition introduces musical instruments not just as remarkable testimonies of craftsmanship and artistry, but also as the main mediators between music and men.

The Lapidary at Prague 7 is unfortunately temporarily closed, while the Antonín Dvořák Museum (Prague 2) focuses on the life and work of one of the most famous Czech composers. Another world renowned Czech master of music, Bedřich Smetana, is honored by the Bedřich Smetana Museum (Novotného lávka, Prague 1).

We also need to mention the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures at the “Betlémské náměstí” square (Prague 1). It is the venue of two long-term expositions: “Cultures Of Australia and Oceania” and “Vojta Náprstek”. The latter one focuses on the founder of the museum, a propagator of female education and overall progress.

Last but not least, the National Museum Library, located in the New building of the National Museum, is yet another part of the Czech National Museum, which should not be missed. The public scientific library is the second biggest library in the Czech Republic.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your National Museum Visit

The National Museum in Prague stands as a testament to Czech heritage, culture, and scientific achievement. With its beautifully restored historical building, diverse permanent and temporary exhibitions, and a network of specialized branches, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the natural world, human history, and the arts. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of music, or simply curious about Czech culture, the National Museum is an essential stop on your Prague itinerary.

To have an idea what the visit look like we recommend this informative video from locals Nash & Tereza:

Five Honest Tips for Visiting the National Museum

1. ‍Plan Ahead: Check the official website for current exhibitions, opening hours, and any ongoing renovations to ensure you don’t miss out on key displays.‍
2. Purchase Tickets Online: Save time by buying your tickets in advance, especially during weekends or peak tourist seasons.‍
3. Explore Multiple Branches: Don’t limit yourself to the main building—visit the New Building (especially if you are with kids), Czech Museum of Music, and other affiliated museums for a richer experience.‍
4. Allow Enough Time: The museum’s collections are extensive; allocate at least half a day if you want to explore several exhibitions in depth.‍
5. Take Advantage of Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour or using an audio guide to gain deeper insights into the museum’s treasures and history.
   

With thoughtful planning and curiosity, your visit to the National Museum will be both educational and inspiring, offering a unique window into the heart of Czech culture and history.