Museum of Ghosts and Legends of Prague

The Museum of Ghosts and Legends of Prague, located in the heart of the Old Town, in Staré Město, offers a unique and fascinating experience that immerses visitors in the darkest and most mysterious stories of the Czech capital. Founded to celebrate and preserve Prague’s rich oral tradition, the museum collects numerous legends and tales that have shaped the city’s collective imagination over the centuries. The museum is located in a suggestive position, near the famous Charles Bridge, a place steeped in history and mystery. The exhibition is divided into two levels: the ground floor, where the most well-known stories and legends are presented, and the basement, known as the “underground alley of spirits,” which houses representations of Prague’s most famous ghosts. This interactive journey is suitable for both adults and children, allowing visitors to encounter legendary figures in a suggestive and sometimes unsettling environment. Among the most famous legends exhibited in the museum is that of the Golem, a clay creature created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, known as the Maharal of Prague, to protect the city’s Jewish community from persecution. It is said that the Golem, animated by a Kabbalistic spell, became uncontrollable and was eventually deactivated and hidden in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue, where some believe it still rests today. Another popular legend is that of the headless horseman, who roams the streets of Prague seeking revenge. It is said that the knight, unjustly beheaded, cannot find peace until his murderer is punished. The museum offers a visual representation of this story, recreating the dark and ghostly atmosphere of Prague nights. The Museum of Ghosts and Legends of Prague also explores lesser-known stories, such as that of the mad barber, who is said to wander the city streets with his sharp razor after losing his mind following a failed alchemical experiment. The story of this barber, who was trying to turn metal into gold, reflects Prague’s long alchemical tradition, particularly flourishing during the reign of Rudolf II. The museum experience is enriched by special effects and artistic installations that make the legends come alive and tangible. The dark environments and soft lights create an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time, immersing them in the stories of ghosts and mysteries that have fascinated generations of Prague residents.