Národní muzeum

"The National Museum (Národní Muzeum) in Prague is an impressive museum complex that comprises two grand buildings located at the top of Wenceslas Square. Renowned as the oldest and largest museum complex in Czechia, it primarily focuses on the nation's natural history and cultural heritage, while also hosting temporary exhibitions on a variety of international subjects, ranging from Ancient Egypt to space exploration. The **Historical Building of the National Museum** is a stunning neo-Renaissance structure, strategically positioned at the head of Wenceslas Square. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a grand entrance hall featuring sweeping staircases, intricate stonework, and beautiful ceiling frescoes. The exhibition rooms leading off this hall showcase a remarkable natural history collection that includes fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and animal bones, such as the skeleton of a massive fin whale. Additionally, the museum features stuffed and life-size models of various animals and birds, including prehistoric species like the woolly mammoth. Beyond its natural history exhibits, the Historical Building delves into the history of Prague and the Czech lands, chronicling the region’s development from the 8th century, when Germanic and Celtic tribes first inhabited the area, through Medieval times, the Habsburg dynasty, and into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The building also hosts a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions, enriching the experience for repeat visitors. Constructed between 1818 and 1891 on the site of the former Horse Gate—reflecting Wenceslas Square's historical role as Prague's main horse market—the Historical Building was designed by architect Josef Schultz as a symbol of the Czech National Revival. Adjacent to this is the **New Building of the National Museum**, a striking structure characterized by its modern architectural style. The ground floor features a large glass block, with an even larger concrete and glass structure elevated above street level. This building continues the narrative of Prague's history with a permanent exhibition dedicated to the 20th century, covering significant events such as the establishment of the First Czechoslovak Republic, both World Wars, the Nazi and Communist occupations, and Czechia’s eventual accession to the European Union. Constructed in 1937, the New Building originally served as the Prague Stock Exchange before transforming into the Parliament of Czechoslovakia during the Communist era. After serving as the headquarters for Radio Free Europe from 1995 to 2009, it officially became part of the National Museum complex in 2009. Connecting these two buildings is an **underground corridor**, which allows visitors to traverse the museum complex without needing to exit and cross the street above. This corridor features a rolling film titled "Moments of History," which showcases the evolution of Wenceslas Square from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting key periods including the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and the impacts of the Nazi and Communist regimes. For breathtaking views, visitors can take a lift (for an additional charge) up to the **Cupola (Dome)** of the Historical Building. From here, expansive windows offer stunning vistas of Wenceslas Square and the cityscape, including iconic landmarks such as Prague Castle. The National Museum not only serves as a hub of knowledge and culture but also as a testament to the rich history of the Czech Republic."

"Prague National Museum is a beautiful dominant building at the top of Wenceslas Square all visitors of Prague must admire. It is definitely worth visiting while in Prague -- many say the architecture of the building and inner decor are equally (if not more) fascinating as the exhibit itself. However, not many families with kids know about the children's section to the National Museum. Situated right across from the National Museum at the New Hall, your kids can explore simplified antropology, history, animals, and perception of animals by humans in the most interactive way! Walking through three main halls, your kids will explore human history and animals through tangible games and activities -- this is yet another Prague museum which actually encourages your kids to physically interact with the exhibition! 📍LOCATION ✔️ Located right at the top of Wenceslas Square, in the New Building of the National Museum (part of the Museum Complex of the National Museum), the museum could not be located more centrally. It's the modern-looking grey building, East of the historical building. Take the metro to "Muzeum" stop and cross the busy road towards the top of the Wenceslas Square. 🛞 ⚾ TYPE OF ACTIVITY Interactive museum ✔️ games & hands-on activities ✔️ work tables ✔️ worksheets ✔️ projections Our favourite was the dark room (between the second and the third hall) – a darkened space behind the curtain, which is dedicated to the technique of classical photography. Your kids can familiarize themselves with the equipment of the photography laboratory and try out activities related to light projection. 🪟INDOOR exhibitions 🔢 AGE APPROPRIATE ✔️ from 4 years of age and up (always accompanied by a parent) 🎒THINGS TO BRING/PACK ✔️ snack & drinks 🥨 FOOD & 🥤DRINK ✔️ 💰 COSTS (cash/online) ✔️ Single-entry fee: 120 CZK You can purchase tickets online or at the box office. We recommend the online ticket. If you buy the Museum Complex tickets -- combo of the Kid's Museum and the National Museum, the e-ticket to the Museum Complex is valid for 30 days from the day of purchase for a one time entry. ⏰ TIME LENGTH ✔️ ~1.5 hours (the tickets are sold for specific time only, always for a 90-minute exhibition) NEARBY ➕ National Museum ➕ Wenceslas Square "

"The National Museum is the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It covers a range of disciplines and collecting fields from the natural sciences to specialized areas of the social sciences. It brings together collections of materials documenting the development of nature, and the history and prehistory of both Czech and foreign origins. The museum's exhibits are located in a number of buildings around Prague. The National Museum also organizes a range of cultural and educational programs."