Prague National Museum
Museum in Prague
Dominating the upper end of Wenceslas Square with undeniable grandeur, the National Museum is one of Prague’s most iconic institutions—both a symbol of Czech identity and a treasure trove of history, science, and art. Constructed between 1885 and 1890 in an opulent neo-Renaissance style, the building was conceived during the Czech National Revival, a period of cultural reawakening and patriotic pride. The structure’s imposing silhouette, often likened to a giant golden eagle poised in flight, is visible from far down the square, anchoring the cityscape with monumental authority.
In 1968, the museum became an unintended casualty of history when Soviet troops, mistaking the building for the parliament during the Warsaw Pact invasion, opened fire on its façade. The bullet holes and damage to statues and stonework were partially repaired in the 1970s, yet many traces remain visible to this day—a haunting reminder of Prague’s tumultuous 20th century. These scars, preserved in the sandstone, offer visitors a silent but powerful lesson in resilience and remembrance before they even step inside.
The museum’s collections are vast, with more than 14 million objects spanning fields from paleontology to anthropology, mineralogy, zoology, archaeology, and ethnography. Recent renovations have revitalized the space, introducing interactive displays, modern lighting, and rotating exhibitions that bring both global and local stories to life. Dinosaur skeletons, ancient coins, ceremonial costumes, rare books, and natural specimens are all housed within strikingly designed galleries. Yet for many visitors, the true marvel remains the building itself—especially the richly decorated marble entrance hall and the sweeping grand staircase that leads up to the Pantheon.
The Prague National Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting Prague National Museum
Nearby Attractions
- Wenceslas Square (0.3) km
Square and Statue in Prague - Jubilee Synagogue (Jerusalem Synagogue) (0.6) km
Synagogue in Prague - St. Henry’s Tower (Jindřišská Věž) (0.7) km
Tower in Prague - New Town Hall, Prague (0.7) km
Town Hall in Prague - Na Příkopě Street (0.8) km
Street in Prague - Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) (0.9) km
Square in Prague - Powder Gate Tower (1.0) km
Tower in Prague - Havel’s Market, Prague (1.0) km
Market in Prague - Municipal House, Prague (1.0) km
Historic Building in Prague - Celetná Street (1.0) km
Street in Prague
