National Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum building was hit by fire in 1945 during the Prague Uprising and suffered significant damage, which was not fully rectified until the major restoration finished in 2018.

2. 2

   The structure sits directly above the site of the former Horse Gate, a medieval fortification once part of the Prague City Walls.

3. 3

   The building's grand staircase features original frescoes by František Ženíšek and Vaclav Brožík, prominent Czech painters of the 19th century.

4. 4

   The dome of the museum serves as a public observation deck, offering one of the few elevated views looking directly down the length of Wenceslas Square.

5. 5

   The museum holds the skeleton of a fin whale, which has been a signature centerpiece of its zoological collection since the late 19th century.

Overview

The National Museum dominates the top of Wenceslas Square as the Czech Republic's largest institution for natural history and historical collections. Following an extensive multi-year restoration concluded in 2018, the Historic Building serves as the primary hub for the museum's complex, which spans several locations across Prague. The building is renowned for its Neo-Renaissance architecture designed by Josef Schulz. Visitors can explore the Pantheon, a central space commemorating significant Czech cultural and political figures. The museum houses over 14 million items, including extensive mineralogical, paleontological, and zoological specimens. A permanent exhibition chronicles Czech history from the 8th century to the present day. An underground tunnel connects the renovated Historic Building to the newer New Building structure. The institution functions as both a research facility and a public education space. Its collections encompass everything from prehistoric artifacts to modern art and weaponry.

Insider tips

• Use the underground glass tunnel to access the New Building, which offers modern, interactive exhibits and a different architectural aesthetic.

• Check the museum's official website before arrival to see if there are temporary exhibitions, as these often occupy significant floor space.

• Visit the dome observation deck early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds and ensure better lighting for photographs.