15 of the best museums in Prague that are worth your time

15 of the best museums in Prague that are worth your time

Prague museums go from bohemian art to hands-on science. With over 100 museums, this guide leads you to the very best.

From natural history to model railways, there are over 100 museums in Prague. To make choosing a little easier, this list covers the cream of the crop. Uncover important parts of the city’s history at the Jewish Museum and hear local stories at the Museum of Communism. At the same time, the Railway Kingdom and the National Museum will appeal to those traveling to Prague with kids. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Prague’s art and social history, or just need a rainy day solution, the 15 best museums in Prague will give you something for everyone to enjoy.

Best history museums in Prague

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The Museum of Communism presents an account of the post–World War II communist regime

1. Museum of Communism

Delve into Prague's Communist past at the Museum of Communism. Peel back the Iron Curtain and learn about the major events in Czech's turbulent twentieth century and experience life in Soviet-era Prague.

Highlights:

Book a visit to the Museum of Communism and tour to hear an expert's take on life before the Velvet Revolution. Some tickets combine museum entry with a tour of major landmarks in Prague's center.

Address and opening hours:

V Celnici 1031/4, 118 00 Nové Město. Opens daily, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.

Book tickets to the Prague Museum of Communism

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This Prague museum explores the city's Jewish community and heritage

2. Jewish Museum

No visit to Prague is complete without experiencing the Jewish Museum, a collection of six historic monuments in Josefov. Highlights include the 13th-century Old-New Synagogue, Europe's oldest synagogue. The exhibits found throughout these monuments are both poignant and tragic, building to the horrors of the Holocaust.

Highlights:

Prague is the only European city to keep its Jewish heritage intact during WWII. Explore the city's Jewish Quarter with a tour to discover how this happened.

Address and opening hours:

Maiselova 15, 110 00 Josefov. Open Sunday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Book your tickets to the Jewish Museum

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Explore Prague's historical remains in Old Town Hall

3. Old Town Hall

Prague’s medieval Old Town Hall is home to some of the city’s most impressive historical collections. Consisting of a Gothic tower and a 15th-century astronomical clock, you’ll be guided through storied interiors containing mosaics, paintings, and artifacts spanning Romanesque and Renaissance styles.

Highlights:

Visit the Old Town Hall and you’ll be taken down to the medieval cellars which contain some of Prague's oldest historical remnants.

Address and opening hours:

Na Poříčí 1554/52, 180 00 Nové Město. Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best art museums in Prague

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Visit Prague's National Gallery to see artworks by Klimt, Picasso, and Van Gogh

4. National Gallery

One of the most famous museums in Prague, the National Gallery is actually a catch-all name for seven historic sites across the city. Its base is Veletržní Palace, first built in 1928. Veletržní Palace is a masterpiece of functionalist architecture containing works by Klimt, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Highlights:

Veletržní Palace is a masterpiece of functionalist architecture containing works by Klimt, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Address and opening hours:

Dukelských Hrdinů 47, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

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Lobkowicz Palace showcases one of Europe's oldest private art collections

5. Lobkowicz Palace

Come face-to-face with Old Masters at Lobkowicz Palace, one of Europe's oldest and most remarkable private art collections. Explore the lavishly decorated rooms, each adorned with masterpieces from renowned artists such as Bruegel, Canaletto, and Velázquez, and musical scores by Mozart and Beethoven.

Highlights:

The Palace is part of the Prague Castle Complex and enjoys spectacular views over the city.

Address and opening hours:

Lobkowicz Palace, Jiřská 3, 119 00 Prague. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Book tickets to the Lobkowicz Palace

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Discover Alphonse Mucha's work at the Municipal House

6. Municipal House

Alphonse Mucha is one of Prague's best-known artists, and his dreamy and elegant Art Nouveau designs are celebrated worldwide. Whether you're a Mucha fan or just discovering his work, this exhibition at the Municipal House is essential.

Highlights:

At the Municipal House, you'll get a fine overview of Alphonse Mucha's artworks from his earliest 19th-century works through to his death in 1939.

Address and opening hours:

Kaunický palác, Panská 7 110 00 Prague 1. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best design museums in Prague

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Prague's Museum of Decorative Arts has Renaissance treasures and Art Nouveau wonders

7. Museum of Decorative Arts

Step inside the Museum of Decorative Arts and be captivated by the diverse collection spanning centuries, showcasing intricate tapestries, dazzling ceramics, ornate jewelry, and masterfully crafted furniture. From Renaissance treasures to Art Nouveau wonders, each exhibit tells a story of the skilled artisans who poured their passion into every detail.

Highlights:

The museum showcases different types of Czech craftsmanship. Check out the Pleiad of Glass exhibit, which will take your breath away.

Address and opening hours:

17 listopadu 2, 110 00 Josefov. Open Tuesdays 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

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The Illusion Art Museum will make you question your reality with their exhibitions

8. Illusion Art Museum

The Illusion Art Museum is full of fascinating optical illusions and trompe l'œils. Marvel at the ingenuity of the design, which will make you doubt your own eyes: this inventive museum is fun for all the family.

Highlights:

Make sure your phone or camera are poised. This is one of the best museums in Prague to take advantage of brilliant photo opportunities.

Address and opening hours:

Melantrichova 536/2, 110 00 Staré Město. Open daily, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM

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Galerie Um is a subsidiary of Prague's illustrious Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design

9. Galerie Um

Design aficionados won't want to miss Galerie Um, a subsidiary of Prague's illustrious Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design. Many exhibitions focus on the Academy's contemporary student and graduate designers. This is an essential visit for those seeking Czech's freshest crop of artists.

Highlights:

The graduate shows tend to be particularly inspiring and it's also a romantic thing to do in Prague. Check the website to find out when they’re on.

Address and opening hours:

Namesti Jana Palacha 80 116 93 Staré Město. Open September-June, Monday-Saturday, from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best science museums in Prague

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The National Museum is one Czech Republic's most important institutions

10. National Museum

Discover an amazing collection of natural history at one of the Czech Republic's most important institutions, the National Museum. This marvelous 19th-century building houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, geological specimens, and interactive natural history exhibits. Thanks to its fossil, bone, and treasure-hunting potential, it's a treat for families.

Highlights:

Perched majestically at the top of Wenceslas Square and housed in a grand Neo-Renaissance, visiting the National Museum will give you additional context on Prague’s culture and history.

Address and opening hours:

Václavské náměstí 68, Nové Město. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

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Dive into the history of human innovation at the National Technical Museum

11. National Technical Museum

One of the best museums in Prague for tech enthusiasts and science fans alike, Prague's National Technical Museum has a vast array of machines and transportation, from vintage automobiles to the age of space exploration. These are all placed within the captivating context of Prague's industrial development.

Highlights:

A National Technical Museum ticket includes an introductory tour of the 15 permanent exhibits, so allow plenty of time.

Address and opening hours:

Kostelní 42, 170 78 Prague 7. Open Tuesdays, 9:00 AM-4.30 PM, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

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The Museum of the Senses adds sensorial exploration and fun the the Prague museum scene

12. Museum of the Senses

Immerse yourself in a world of sensory exploration at the Museum of Senses. Perfect for families, you can all get involved with walking on the ceiling and exploring a creative world of sound effects.

Highlights:

Enjoy a dance with your infinite reflections in the Infinity Disco Room.

Address and opening hours:

Jindřišská 939/20, 110 00 Nové Město. Open daily, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.

Best alternative museums in Prague

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Railway Kingdom provides visitors with charming miniature models

13. Railway Kingdom

Gaze down on Bohemia in miniature at the charming Railway Kingdom, or Království Železnic. The model railway museum includes scenery of Prague, Karlovy Vary, Liberec, and beyond. These immaculately recreated landscapes contain a fully operating model train network that includes trams, cable cars, and underground trains.

Highlights:

This miniature world will delight visitors of all ages, from train enthusiasts to visitors wanting to get to know the layout of the Bohemian countryside.

Address and opening hours:

Mánesova 42, 120 00 Vinohrady. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

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Get a taste of Prague's traditions at the Slivovitz Museum

14. Slivovitz Museum

Experience a warm glow as you sip on Bohemia's favorite liqueur, the locally brewed Slivovitz. Slivovitz offers a truly authentic Czech experience with its rich aroma and smooth taste. The interactive Slivovitz Museum is an ideal introduction to the drink, a type of plum brandy.

Highlights:

Sample delicious Slivovitz flavors and don't forget to sample more traditional dishes in Prague.

Address and opening hours:

U Lužického semináře 116, Malá Strana. Open Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

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The legendary Czech filmmaker Karel Zeman has his own Prague museum

15. Karel Zeman Museum

This is a true treat for fans of cinema history. Step into the world of the legendary Czech filmmaker Karel Zeman, a true pioneer of 20th-century special effects. Zeman was painstakingly blending live-action film with stop-motion models and hand-drawn images long before CGI.

Highlights:

From the iconic adventures of Baron Munchausen to the captivating tale of Journey to the Beginning of Time, this museum showcases the magic of Zeman's visionary creations.

Address and opening hours:

Saská 520/3, 118 00 Malá Strana. Open daily, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the best museums in Prague?

First-time visitors to Prague won't want to miss the spectacular collections of the National Gallery and the National Museum. The rotation of new exhibitions and the size of the collections mean that there's always something to entice repeat visitors, too.

Are there any free museums in Prague?

Some museums in Prague offer free admission on certain days (the day differs from place to place). Check out the museum websites. Entry to the National Gallery's permanent collections is free.

Are there any Prague museums that are suitable for children and families?

There are many famous museums in Prague that will delight the whole family, and most of the largest museums have interactive exhibits designed with children in mind. Children will love the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians, or for young fans of farm machinery, try the Museum of Agriculture. For little ones who love trains, Railway Kingdom won’t disappoint.

For which Prague museums are guided tours recommended?

A guided tour can help you make the most of your museum visit and ensure you don't miss any key information. In particular, guided tours of the history museums are recommended.