Prague is a city of historical streets, medieval romance and a huge number of museums. In total, there are about 180 museums and museum exhibitions in the capital city of the Czech Republic on various topics. Some of the best museums in Prague are located within walking distance from each other.
Starting from archeology and history museums to the latest technologies and stone Charles Bridge there are many interesting and informative places to visit. In Prague you can even visit museum devoted to beer production.
Here is the list of 21 best museums in Prague to visit; use this ultimate guide to choose the most interesting places to visit and add them to your bucket list.
There was Apple museum, which is now closed. Items created by famous company, Steve Jobs role, brand history and many other interesting things were presented in Apple museum, once opened to public in Prague.
The map of Prague museums is very convenient – the most interesting of them are located nearby, with the biggest concentration within walking distance from Old Town square.
Jewish museum
Being in the Old Town in Prague make sure to visit Jewish quarter, that depicts the history of Jewish people lived there.
Nazi’s obsession to exterminate Jewish nation has played very interesting role for the history of this neighborhood. Their goal was to create “museum of extinct race” in Central Europe.
That’s why during World War II every possible action was taken to preserve this quarter, its cobbled streets and nice buildings from destruction.
Jewish museum houses one of the biggest collection of Jewish ceremonial art, as well as many works that describe the history and struggle of Jewish people.
It occupies more than one building and include Old Jewish cemetery and four synagogues: Maisel, Spanish, Klausen and Pinkas synagogue.
All of them are not just a part of Jewish museum in Prague, but are active synagogues, used by city’s Jewish community. On service days they may be closed for visitors.
Jewish cemetery occupies a special place in Jewish museum in Prague. With more than 12000 tombstones, this cemetery is one of the largest in the world. Ceremonial hall used by Prague Burial Society became a part of museum in 1926.
National museum
Located on the top of Wenceslas square, National museum in Prague is one of the oldest and largest museums in Czech Republic. It occupies two buildings: the old one, which was built in 1818 and the new one.
Museum has extensive collection, that was initially natural sciences oriented. Nowadays you can find there different items related to zoology, mineralogy, huge archaeological collections and many others.
In National museum there are plenty of temporary as well as permanent exhibitions that are open to public.
Franz Kafka museum
Located on the bank of Vltava river, Franz kafka museum is very interesting place to visit in Prague. Franz Kafka was one of the very important Czech figures in literature in 20th century.
Franz Kafka museum contains a lot of his works, mostly first editions. Franz Kafka diaries, some drawings and other documents are available for public.
Czech beer museum
Being very famous all over the world by many fine beers, you can find museum that was created and devoted to this drink in Prague. Your visit to Czech beer museum will not be boring at all.
You’ll have a chance to learn about beer brewing history, watch documentary movie, create your own brand beer and, of course, enjoy sampling.
Located within Old Town square, this museum can be one of many interesting spots to visit in Prague.
Mucha museum
If you’re a fan of Art Nouveau painting, visit to Mucha museum in Prague is a must. In Mucha museum you can enjoy work arts that were divided into several sections, such as Decorative Panels, Oil paintings, Parisian Posters and others.
Museum dedicated to life of main representative of Art Nouveau style Czech artist – Alphonse Mucha is located close to Wenceslas square.
Museum of Communism
Returning to the USSR while visiting modern Prague is real – just visit this museum. For all immigrants from the Union Republics, an attack of nostalgia is guaranteed.
Museum of communism in Prague is divided into several areas, giving visitors an opportunity to take a look communist rule from absolutely different perspectives.
Together with many historical documents and exhibits associated with that era, pay attention to the information posted museum stands. Special place in Museum of communism is devoted to the role of media and police.
Strahov library
If you’re planning to visit Prague castle, very close to it there is another important building for Czech history – Strahov library.
This beautiful library in Baroque style is located in Strahov monastery. This monastery by the way is one of the oldest in Czech Republic, dated back to 12th century.
Make sure to visit Philosophical and Theological halls with many interesting books presented there.
Of course, don’t forget to take time to look at the frescoes and beautiful patterns on the ceiling of this museum.
Museum of Decorative Arts
Located in Old town, Czech Republic, museum of decorative arts is a place where you can learn about arts and designs of different times, including modern art.
The museum’s collection includes more than a million exhibits, including glass, porcelain, metalwork, items from wood, photos and many others.
National Technical museum
Museum was opened in 1908 in Prague and nowadays presents enormous collections of things, related to the history of sciences developement. The main goal of National Technical museum is to document the evolution of technology.
Make sure to check permanent exhibitions where you can find some really unique and unexpected items. This is one of Prague museums that will bring visitors to the journey full of useful and interesting information.
National Gallery in Prague
Being located in several buildings, such as Kinsky palace and Trade Fair palace in Prague centre, National gallery is one of the must-visit for art lovers.
During many years, pieces of arts from National gallery have moved from one place in Old town to another.
You can also visit gift shop and buy something interesting and unusual as a souvenir from Prague.
Other museums in Prague worth visiting
Kampa Museum
Museum offers to explore exhibits and performances in the avant-garde and modern styles, as well as a large art collection of works by Czech artists. If you’re a big fun of art, Alfons Mucha museum also can be the great choice.
Museum of Alchemy
If you are a fantasy lover, then this museum in Prague is a must-see. The underground laboratory of alchemists, mystical surroundings and special effects will impress you.
Toy Museum
11 exhibition halls are waiting for you, in which toys from the 2nd century AD to the present are collected. It will be a great time for the whole family.
Lego Prague Museum
2500 models – vintage and modern models, interactive activities, playroom, exhibitions and many more you can see at this unique museum in Prague.
Museum of Miniatures
This is one of unique museums in Czech Republic. All exhibits are no larger than 18 millimeters in size, examine them with a magnifying glass or microscope.
Museum of Torture
The place is not for the faint of heart. The museum contains instruments of torture that were used in the Middle Ages. The guide explains in detail the history of each device, by explaining why it was used.
Czech Police Museum
Here you will see what Czech law enforcement officers rode and wore in different centuries and get acquainted with spy devices, as if descended from the frames of James Bond films.
Museum of Czech Music
Located in a historic baroque building. An exposition of musical instruments from different eras is presented. You can listen to how they sound in special headphones at each exhibit.
Chocolate Museum
If you are in Prague with children, then visit this place. Participation in interactive programs, tasting, excursion – all this awaits you for 270 kroons.
Karel Zeman Museum
The famous Czech film director is a national treasure of the country. The scenery for his most popular paintings has been recreated in the halls of the museum.
Wax museum in Prague
There are many branches of this museum around the globe. If you have not been to any of them, we suggest visiting it on your next trip to Prague. Meet historical, political, sport, music and film famous figures in one place.
Many museums in Prague are free – this is how the Czechs increase interest in the culture and art of their country.
The opening hours of most museums are until 19:00, but it’s worth coming 2 hours before closing to see everything slowly.
