As in any capital city, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting a museum in Prague. Although they are diverse and varied, we’ve put together a selection of those not to be missed during your visit.
You’ll see for yourself that there’s something for everyone: before you return, you’ll be learning more about Prague and its history, all on a reasonable budget.
What are Prague’s must-see museums?
Would you like to take advantage of your stay in the Czech Republic to visit some of the capital’s finest museums? In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of some of Prague’s must-see museums. These are establishments where you can learn more about the history of the city, the country or, quite simply, art!
Organize your stay in Prague
Discover the TripAdvisor hotel selection, our number one partner, and choose the hotel that suits you best for the rest of your stay.
1. Museum of Communism in Prague (muzeum Komunismu)
Muzeum Komunismu is none other than the Museum of Communism, located in the city center a stone’s throw from Náměstí Republiky Square. If you’re curious about the recent history of Prague and the Czech Republic, but aren’t a real history buff, this museum will be of particular interest to you because of the educational aspect of your visit.
In fact, you’ll be able to follow the various historical events that took place in the country during the 20th century, all displayed chronologically. As there’s no guide, you can take as much time as you need to go through the dark events the country has experienced, with poignant testimonies from some of the locals.
This short, hour-long tour will give you a better understanding of how communism first emerged and then died out in the country. For a visit rich in emotion, go to V Celnici 1031/4, 118 00 Nové Město (downtown district), between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day and for a price of 11€ (290 CZK). We highly recommend this museum.
2. Museum of Technical Arts (Národní technické muzeum)
Národní technické muzeum is the national museum of technical arts located near the famous Letna Park. The museum is impressive for its size and the number of exhibits it contains. You’ll have the opportunity to travel through time on 6 floors, from the mine to the various warplanes.
You’ll be able to discover a wide variety of period pieces, although you’ll need to be patient in reading the descriptions to really get a feel for each piece on display. The various guides will give you very little information, which will reduce your discovery a little, but you’ll be amazed throughout this long visit.
Allow 2-3 hours to admire the main exhibits at a reasonable price of 250czk (approx. €10). For a nice visit into the past and admire the old vehicles, go to Kostelní 1320/42, 170 00 Praha 7-Letná. We couldn’t mention the Czech capital’s must-see museums without mentioning this one.
3. Kampa Museum (Muzeum Kampa)
A modern art museum with fascinating and attractive architecture. It is laid out over several floors, with a focus on abstract art, but with a selection of fine local artists, such as Eva Kmentová, Aleš Veselý and Václav Cígler.
Please note, however, that during your visit, you’ll have very few explanations in English to help you better understand their world through their various sculptural works.
The museum is located in the middle of Kampa Park at U Sovových mlýnů 2, 118 00 Malá Strana, Praha. A little clue that you’ve come to the right place: the three babies sculpted in front of the building by the famous David Černý.
Open every weekday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for CZK 300 (approx. €12). A museum that deserves its place on our list of must-see museums in Prague! Places we naturally recommend.
4. Mucha Museum (Mucha Muzeum)
Mucha Muzeum is located downtown at Panská 7, 110 00 Nové Město. As its name suggests, this museum exhibits the works of the famous Czechoslovak illustrator, graphic artist and painter Alfons Mucha.
This visit will enable you to discover this charismatic character who knew how to play with colors and give an orange aspect to most of his works, which you’ll discover in just one hour.
It’s also worth noting that this famous artist was well known in Paris at the end of the 19th century for illustrating catalogs, calendars and books of the period, as well as for his various collaborations with Sarah Bernhardt and Judith Gautier.
This historic figure is renowned for his distinctive style, most often depicting women of undeniable elegance. We recommend you take a look, you won’t be disappointed. One of our favorite places!
5. National Museum (National Muzeum)
National Muzeum is undoubtedly the most recognizable museum in the Czech capital’s most famous avenue, Václavské náměstí. Recently renovated, the National Museum will take you back in time with its various works, including an impressive dinosaur fossil and a famous whale skeleton dating from the late 19th century.
This is a not-to-be-missed visit for the whole family, where children will be immersed in history and the natural sciences, giving them the chance to take home fond memories and reinforce their knowledge. What’s more, a tunnel links the two parts of the museum, with beautiful projections all around, so you can take full advantage of the Renaissance-style interior architecture. Magnificent collections.
The cost of a visit is reasonable and in line with other museums, at 260 CZK (around €10). The address for Prague’s largest museum is Václavské nám. 68, 110 00 Nové Město, Praha (central district).
6. Muzeum Antonína Dvoráka
Muzeum Antonína Dvoráka is a small museum dedicated to Antonin Dvorak, the great 19th-century composer known worldwide for his many works such as the New World Symphony.
Strolling through the city center around the Psychiatrická zahrada garden, you may come across a beautiful cream and rose-colored building with the elegant appearance of a 19th-century mansion, which will be none other than this not-to-be-missed museum. Lovers of classical music will appreciate the small concerts held here from time to time.
Overall, a visit to the museum will explain in detail the life of this musical artist, with extraordinarily well-preserved exhibits. The more curious can take the time to walk to Vyšehrad Park, ten minutes from the museum, to discover Antonin Dvorak’s grave in the famous cemetery near the Saints Peter and Paul Basilica. To find out more about his life, go to Ke Karlovu 462/20, 120 00 Nové Město.
7. Židovské muzeum v Praze
Founded in 1906, Prague’s Jewish Museum is one of the Czech capital’s most impressive institutions. Here, you can learn more about the history of the Jewish community in the Czech Republic, its torments and how it has bounced back. Over 40,000 objects, almost 100,000 books and countless archives are on display.
8. Uměleckoprůmyslové muzeum v Praze
Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts will leave you breathless. Founded in 1885, this establishment at 17. listopadu 2, 110 00 Josefov focuses on history and decorations based on wood, iron, ceramics, textiles and more. A place not to be missed if you’re looking for inspiration for your home! Sumptuous collections.
9. Muzeum Karla Zemana
This small museum is specifically dedicated to the special effects used by Karel Zeman in his films, all shot in the 20th century. Intimate, this museum is aimed above all at fans of the filmmaker, who wish to learn more about his work. Far from being a museum for the people in general, we nevertheless wanted to present it to you.
10. NaFilM: Národní filmové muzeum
At Jungmannova 748/30, 110 00 Nové Město, you’ll find one of Prague’s lesser-known museums. A true off-the-beaten-track venue, NaFilM devotes two entire floors to the world of Czech and international cinema. A visit to NaFilM is an unforgettable experience. One of our most memorable visits. Surprising collections.
So, which museum should you visit in Prague?
Are you an art lover? In addition to Prague’s museums, the Czech Republic has a lot to offer, especially in terms of castles and palaces. There are numerous collections to discover and galleries to explore, offering works of all kinds (contemporary, sculpture, etc.).
Tickets can often be purchased at the entrance to the buildings, so there’s nothing to worry about here. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover Czech artists, each as fascinating as the next. Finally, don’t hesitate to take a look at the various traveller reviews, especially of the different museums. They’ll be a great help if you’re short on time.
Prague’s must-see museums: our conclusion
As you will have noticed, Prague’s museums all have their own particularities in terms of their appearance and the works they present, depending on your tastes. Now it’s up to you to discover them and learn more about this beautiful city full of secrets and cultural and historical treasures.
Other museums in Prague also deserve a place on our list, including the Kafka Museum, one of the capital’s best-known (which is why we haven’t included it on our list of cultural excursions). Museums with tours in English, for a (much) better understanding.