National Museum

It occupies two iconic buildings at the top of Wenceslas Square, the "Historical Building" and the "New Building", with an "Underground Corridor" linking the two.

The focus of the National Museum is nature, the history of Czechia, ethnography, music, and literature. In addition, it stages temporary exhibitions on a variety of subjects of national and international significance, from communism to ancient Egypt to space travel.

Historical Building of the National Museum

The Historical Building of the National Museum is a monumental neo-Renaissance structure set in a commanding position at the top of Wenceslas Square.

Visitors are welcomed by a magnificent entrance hall and a sweeping staircase, adorned with intricate stonework and stunning ceiling frescoes.

Permanent exhibitions include: The Miracles of Evolution, Halls of Minerals, History, and Windows into Prehistory.

It is one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe, housing a vast collection of fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites and animal bones, including the skeleton of a massive fin whale. Also on display are stuffed and life-size models of animals and birds, some of which are prehistoric and extinct like the woolly mammoth.

Exhibitions exploring the history of Prague and the Czech lands cover from the early 8th century Germanic and Celtic tribes that once inhabited the region through the First World War. It is a far reaching story, featuring the foundation of Prague, Medieval times, the Habsburg dynasty, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In addition, the Historical Building presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, the best of which are listed in Prague events.

The Historical Building of the National Museum was built between 1818 and 1891 on the site of the former Horse Gate (Wenceslas Square was once the main horse market in Prague).

The museum was designed by Josef Schultz as an architectural symbol of the Czech National Revival.

New Building of the National Museum

Incorporated into the National Museum in 2009, the New Building is of an entirely different architectural style. The ground floor is a huge oblong block covered in glass. On top sits an even larger block of concrete and glass, imposingly elevated high above street level.

The New Building focuses on more recent times. One permanent exhibition, 'History of the 20th Century', explores a dramatic period in Prague, spanning the First Czechoslovak Republic, the two world wars, the Nazi and Communist occupations, and Czechia’s accession to the European Union.

Another permanent exhibition, entitled Children's Museum, encourages discovery, imagination and creativity for the younger generation. It presents more child-friendly perspectives on nature, people and their creations through interactive exhibits and game elements.

The New Building also houses a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions.

The New Building of the National Museum was constructed in 1937. This was before the Nazi and Communist occupations of Prague, but perhaps it was a portent of the turmoil to come—from outside the building seems to exude a chilling power.

The New Building originally served as the Prague Stock Exchange (1938–1939). During the Communist era, it became the Parliament of Czechoslovakia (1946-1992). It then served as the headquarters for Radio Free Europe (1995–2009).

Underground Corridor

The Underground Corridor connects the Historical Building with the New Building, enabling you to visit both buildings of the museum complex without exiting and crossing the road above.

A film entitled 'Moments of History' is projected along the sides of the corridor, for visitors to watch as they pass through.

The film shows the evolution of Wenceslas Square from Prehistoric times to the modern day. It covers the main periods of history, including the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Nazi, and Communist eras.

The Cupola (The Dome)

In the Historical Building, visitors can ride a lift (extra charge) up to the grand Cupola (Dome), to enjoy magnificent views over Wenceslas Square and across the city to Prague Castle.

Visitor Facilities

The National Museum offers barrier-free access via the New Building. It also has a Kids' Corner (new building), cafés, shops and toilets.

Tickets

The entrance ticket for the National Museum allows you to visit both buildings, plus use the Underground Corridor that links them. It also covers admission to most, but not all, of the temporary exhibitions.

Visitors can buy tickets and enter the museum complex via both buildings. TIP: The New Building usually has the shorter queues.

To explore the sights in Prague, take a Prague tour.