Are you looking for the best Prague museums to visit during your trip to the Czech capital? Prague is a city that offers a wealth of cultural attractions, with more than 100 museums and galleries to choose from. Whether you want to learn about the national and natural history of the Czech Republic, the Jewish history and culture of Bohemia and Moravia, or the modern art movements of the 20th century, you will find a museum that caters to your interests and curiosity.
In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best museums in Prague, and provide you with useful information about their opening hours, address, prices, photos and highlights. Read on to discover the best Prague museums for art and history lovers!
National Museum: best for national and natural history
The National Museum is the largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic, covering multiple scientific disciplines and collection areas. It presents the material evidence of the development of nature, prehistory and history of Czech and foreign provenance. The museum exhibitions are located in several buildings in Prague, but the most impressive one is the historical building at the top of Wenceslas Square. This neo-Renaissance edifice has been the backdrop to some pivotal moments in Czech history, such as the Nazi and Soviet-led invasions and the Velvet Revolution. Inside, you can admire multimedia installations and historical artifacts that chart this turbulent past, as well as an extensive natural history collection that includes a fin whale skeleton dangling from the ceiling. Before you leave, don’t forget to ascend the cupola for unbeatable views down the square and over to Prague Castle.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
- Address: Václavské náměstí 68, 110 00 Nové Město
- Price: 260 CZK for adults, 170 CZK for students and seniors, free for children under 15
- Highlight: The Pantheon hall with statues of famous Czech personalities and a monumental painting of the Slavic apotheosis by František Ženíšek.
Prague Jewish Museum: best for Jewish history
The Prague Jewish Museum is one of the largest and most important collections of Jewish artifacts in the world. It comprises of seven sites that document the history and culture of the Jewish community in Bohemia and Moravia. The most visited sites are the Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The Pinkas Synagogue is a Gothic building from the 15th century that serves as a memorial to the 77,297 Czech victims of the Holocaust. The names of the victims are inscribed on the walls of the main hall, creating a powerful impression. On the first floor, you can see an exhibition of drawings made by Jewish children who were incarcerated at Terezín concentration camp during WWII. The Old Jewish Cemetery is Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish graveyard, dating back to the 15th century. It contains more than 12,000 tombstones, some of which belong to prominent rabbis and scholars.
- Opening hours: daily except Saturdays and Jewish holidays from 9:00 to 16:30 (winter) or 18:00 (summer)
- Address: U Staré školy 1, 110 00 Josefov
- Price: 330 CZK for adults, 220 CZK for students and seniors, free for children under 6
- Highlight: The Ceremonial Hall of the Prague Burial Society, where you can learn about the customs and traditions of Jewish burial rites.
Veletržní Palác: best for modern art
The Veletržní Palác (Trade Fair Palace) is a functionalist building from the 1920s that houses the modern art collection of the National Gallery. It displays works by Czech and international artists from various artistic movements, such as Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Art, Pop Art and more. You can admire paintings by famous artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Kandinsky, Warhol and Dalí, as well as sculptures by Rodin, Maillol and Gutfreund. The highlight of the collection is The Slav Epic by Alfons Mucha, a series of 20 monumental canvases that depict the history and mythology of the Slavic people.
- Opening hours: daily except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00
- Address: Dukelských hrdinů 47, 170 00 Praha 7
- Price: 250 CZK for adults, 150 CZK for students and seniors, free for children under 6
- Highlight: The Slav Epic by Alfons Mucha
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Prague museums for art and history lovers. If you want to discover more cultural attractions in Prague, check out our other articles on Prague Travel Guide: The Top Attractions and Activities for Every Traveler, Prague Nightlife: A Guide to the 5 Best Bars in the City, and The 5 Best Breakfast in Prague: Where to Start Your Day with a Delicious Meal. Happy exploring!
