National Museum of Technology

The National Technical Museum of Prague, located in the Letná district, is one of the most prestigious and fascinating institutions in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1908, the museum is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history and technological and industrial development of the country. With over 75,000 objects on permanent display, the museum offers a wide overview of the technical innovations that have transformed Czech society and the world in general. The building housing the museum, designed by architect Milan Babuška in a functionalist style, is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Built between 1938 and 1941, the building represents a remarkable example of Czech modernist architecture. The structure was designed with particular attention to functionality and the ability to accommodate the museum’s vast technical collections. The exhibitions at the National Technical Museum cover a wide range of disciplines, divided into thematic sections ranging from the history of transportation to information technologies, civil engineering, photography, astronomy, and many other fields. One of the most popular exhibitions is dedicated to transportation, which includes a vast collection of historic vehicles, from horse-drawn carriages to early models of cars, locomotives, and airplanes. Among the most notable pieces are a 19th-century steam locomotive and a Zlín Z-XII airplane, symbols of Czech industrial and aeronautical history. Another section of great interest is dedicated to astronomy, which houses an impressive collection of astronomical instruments, including historic telescopes, celestial globes, and planetarium models. This section offers a fascinating look at the evolution of astronomical knowledge and the significant contributions of Czech scientists to this discipline. The photography and cinema gallery is another highlight of the museum, where visitors can explore the history of photography and cinema through a collection of cameras, projectors, and film materials. This section not only celebrates technological innovations in the field of photography and cinema but also highlights the cultural impact of these visual arts. The museum also has a well-stocked library and archive that preserve historical documents, technical manuals, drawings, and projects, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of the history of technology. The library provides access to a wide range of resources covering various aspects of industrial and scientific history. The museum’s location in the Letná district, near the park of the same name, makes the visit even more enjoyable. Visitors can enjoy a walk in the park, with its splendid view of the city of Prague, before or after exploring the rich collections of the museum. This setting not only enriches the cultural experience but also offers an opportunity for reflection on the importance of technology in improving quality of life and promoting sustainable development.