The National Museum in Prague is one of the places to visit once you arrive in the Czech capital. It is an exhibition center of some prestige and certainly among the most important in the city.

The beautiful main building, an excellent example of neo-Renaissance art, was built in the late 19th century to the design of Josef Schulz, the same architect who was responsible for the construction of theState Opera House.

Prague National Museum

The National Museum in Prague, more than an actual building, is a cultural institution.

Between the main building and satellite facilities, it houses as many as 14 million items: the large collection includes scientific exhibits of various kinds, historical, archaeological, anthropological, artistic, and numismatic.

Among the many exhibition centers forming part of the circuit is the Smetana Museum.

The institution periodically organizes temporal exhibitions. However, within its buildings there are also some pieces belonging to permanent collections.

Specifically, it will always be possible to take part in the exhibition“Prehistory of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia” or“Paleontology, Osteology and Anthropology” for history buffs, the“Mineralogical and Lithological Exhibition” or“Zoology” if one is more attracted to science and the“Decoration and Medals of European Countries” route if one is interested in trivia and curiosities.

Scholars and lovers of architecture and art, on the other hand, will appreciate not only the splendid façade of the Prague National Museum but also its precious interiors. Here towering among other things are paintings of some value and raising your head you will be able to admire a richly decorated dome.

The new building is less architecturally valuable. It is, however, a structure that has its reason for being and was once home to the former Federal Assembly as well as to Radio Free Europe. Inside this satellite building are mostly temporary exhibitions as well as lectures and educational activities of various kinds.

What to see at the National Museum in Prague

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Here are the things to see at the National Museum in Prague:

The Historical Building

Your visit to the National Museum in Prague naturally begins with thebuilding itself.

Rebuilt and reopened on October 28, 2018, to mark the centennial of the Czechoslovak Republic, the historic building offers animpressive fusion of classical and modern architecture.

Whether you’re admiring its majestic exterior facade or exploring the magnificent staircase and interior atrium, take time to capture the essence of this unique structure.

Want to take your next Instagram photo? The most striking photos are often obtained in front of the fountain, with the historic building as a backdrop.

The “Miracles of Evolution” exhibit

On the upper floor of the historic building, immerse yourself in the animal and natural history sections.

These collections are a delight especially for younger visitors, with taxidermy providing a tactile and immersive experience.

“Moments of History”

The tunnel connecting the historic building to the new museum now features a multimedia show called “Moments of History.”

As you walk through the underground tunnel, witness a video representation showing the evolution of Prague’s skyline over the centuries and decades.

It is a fascinating perspective on the capital’s history.

History of the 20th Century

Explore recent history in the museum, which includes iconic items from the 1980s and 1990s.

Review technological devices such as the Acorn Archimedes computer or the Nokia 3310 for an experience both nostalgic and surprising.

Getting to the National Museum in Prague

Located at the beginning of Wenceslas Square (at Václavské nám. 68) in Prague’s Nové Město district, you can easily walk to the National Museum from Prague’s Old Town (where the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge are located) in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the museum using public transportation.

• By subway: taking the subway is the easiest and most convenient way to reach the museum. Take the subway line A or C to reach the Muzeum station, located right next to the National Museum in Prague.
• By streetcar: take streetcar number 11 or 13 and get off at the Muzeum stop, which is a short walk from the museum entrance.
• By bus: bus routes 135, 207 and 505 stop near the museum entrance.
• By foot: you can walk to the museum if you are staying in the city center. Alternatively, it is recommended to take public transportation to get there.

Frequently asked questions

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Contact

• Name: National Museum (Národní muzeum)
• Address: Václavské náměstí 68 – 115 79 Praha 1 – Nové Město
• Phone: +420 224 497 111
• Official website: http://www.nm.cz
• Email: nm@nm.cz

Some tips for visiting

• Be sure to take a good daypack with you to have everything you need, such as water, camera, and an extra sweater.
• Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the museum and be sure to manage your time well to visit both sections of the complex.
• Avoid weekends, as these are the busiest days and could compromise your experience.
• To make your visit even smoother, consider using the National Museum Complex app, which is available for free in the Google Play Store and App Store.