National Museum

Overview

The Czech National Museum's neo-Renaissance building dominates the top of Wenceslas Square, reopened in 2018 after an 11-year renovation. Its natural history, archaeology, and Czech history collections span 14 million objects.

Highlights

• Pantheon: The grand staircase hall with busts and statues of great Czech figures.
• Mineralogy collection: World-class Czech garnet and mineral specimens.
• Building: The 1891 neo-Renaissance palace by Josef Schulz is a Wenceslas Square landmark.

History

Founded in 1818, the National Museum moved to its current building in 1891. During the 1968 Soviet invasion, its facade was scarred by tank fire—bullet holes are still visible.

Visitor Tips

• Free first Mondays: Free admission on the first Monday of each month.
• Wenceslas Square views: The entrance terrace overlooks the entire boulevard.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.