National Museum

The National Museum of Prague, located at the beginning of Wenceslas Square in the lively district of Nové Město, is an emblematic institution that encapsulates centuries of history, culture, and science of the Czech Republic. Founded in 1818 under the name “Patriotic Museum in Bohemia,” it was created thanks to the initiative of a group of intellectuals led by the mineralogist Kaspar Maria von Sternberg. The main goal of the museum was to preserve and promote the cultural and natural heritage of the country, a task it has continued to carry out with dedication to this day. The main building of the museum, a magnificent example of neo-Renaissance architecture, was designed by the architect Josef Schulz and built between 1885 and 1891. This imposing building dominates the upper part of Wenceslas Square, with its majestic facade over 100 meters long and decorated with bronze statues and golden marble slabs. The interior is equally impressive, with a grand staircase leading to the Pantheon, an area adorned with busts and statues of illustrious Czech artists, writers, and scientists. This space is a tribute to the figures who have shaped the country’s history and culture. The museum’s history is closely intertwined with the political and social events that have marked the Czech Republic. During World War II, the building was damaged by bombings, and in 1968, Warsaw Pact troops once again struck the facade during the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Despite these dramatic moments, the museum has continued to be a symbol of cultural resistance and perseverance. A memorial in front of the main entrance commemorates Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc, two students who immolated themselves in 1969 to protest against the Soviet occupation, highlighting the museum’s role not only as a guardian of history but also as a place of memory and reflection. The National Museum comprises several sections covering a wide range of disciplines. The permanent collections include exhibitions on the prehistory of Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia, a vast mineralogical and lithological collection, as well as sections on paleontology, zoology, anthropology, and osteology. Each section offers a fascinating journey through time and space, exploring the diverse facets of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. In addition to the main building, the museum has expanded its activities to other venues. The new museum building, also located in Wenceslas Square, is an example of modern and multifunctional architecture. Initially the headquarters of the Prague Stock Exchange and then the Federal Assembly until the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992, it now hosts temporary exhibitions ranging from contemporary history to international cultural and scientific events. One of the most popular exhibitions is dedicated to the Velvet Revolution, which celebrates the liberation of Czechoslovakia from the communist regime in 1989. This exhibition not only documents the highlights of the uprising but also offers an emotionally engaging experience that reflects on the struggle for freedom and democracy. Another distinctive feature of the National Museum is the underground tunnel that connects the historic building with the new one. This passage, in addition to being a practical solution for the museum’s logistics, is enriched by a video installation showing the evolution of Prague’s skyline over the centuries. This spectacle of lights and images offers a unique perspective on the urban transformation of the Czech capital, making the route not only functional but also highly educational. The recent renovation, completed in 2018 on the occasion of the centenary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, has further enhanced the importance of the museum. The restoration has not only preserved the historical integrity of the building but has also introduced modern technologies that enhance the visitor experience, making the National Museum of Prague an essential stop for anyone wishing to deeply understand the history and culture of the Czech Republic.