National Museum

The National Museum in Prague is the largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It is set in a commanding position at the top of Wenceslas Square, behind the statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse.

The National Museum houses several floors of permanent exhibits, runs a programme of temporary exhibitions, and is occasionally the grand setting for classical concerts.

A monumental, neo-renaissance building, the National Museum was designed by Josef Schultz as an architectural symbol of the Czech National Revival. Construction lasted from 1818-1891.

The National Museum is built on the site of the former Horse Gate, so named because Wenceslas Square once served as the main Prague horse market.

The entrance hall of the National Museum is very grand, with sweeping staircases and intricate stonework. The exhibition rooms are not so impressive, but a major reconstruction is planned.

Permanent exhibitions include:

• Primeval history of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia

• Mineralogical & petro logical collections

• Zoological collections

• Paleontological collections

• Anthropological collections

Of particular interest to children is the large collection of stuffed animals (bears, tigers, etc.), plus reconstructions of extinct animals, such as an enormous mammoth, and a gigantic emu like bird that once roamed New Zealand.

As you face the National Museum from Wenceslas Square, the large dark building to the left was the parliament of Czechoslovakia during the communist era. In 2009 it became part of the National Museum and is known as the New Building of the National Museum.

Visitors to the National Museum can buy a separate ticket for either building, or a combination ticket to both. We list the important temporary exhibitions in our events section: Prague Events.

Classical music concerts at the National Museum are held in the main building, in the grand entrance hall. Advance bookings are essential. And if you book tickets through Prague Experience, you are assured the best seats available, close to the musicians, to maximise your enjoyment of the event.

During the winter the interior of the National Museum is heated, but it is advisable to wear warm clothing for the concerts.

For listings and to book tickets for classical concerts at the National Museum: Prague concerts.