National Museum (Národní museum) in Prague

Look what I found while browsing over some old travel pictures in my computer, a photo folder of a day spent at the National Museum (Národní museum) main building in Prague with my sister way back September 2008. Going over them again makes me dream of being in one of those Prague trains exploring the city. LOL. I can just imagine how nice it would be to experience one of those Prague cheap breaks seeing the latest pics my sister sent me. I’m sure the nice weather in Prague this spring would attract more tourists and guests.

Anyway, I’m sharing with you some photos of the beautiful building and interiors of the National Museum in Prague. My sis and I went there on the first Monday of September, so we got in for free as the museum entrance fees are waived every first Monday of the month. Now that’s a budget travel tip especially for those catching a flight to Prague on singles holidays and are planning to include the National Museum in their tour, considering that the basic entrance fee is 150 CZK.

Prague National Museum main building Current Exhibitions

The National Museum is presently showcasing two major exhibitions until it will be closed for reconstruction this year, the Ancient Czech Legends and The Secret of Materials. The Ancient Czech Legends is currently on display until July 7, 2011, and showcases Czech history, highlighting legends and folk tales. This would surely interest both adults and kids, especially those eager to learn more about the interesting history and culture of Czech Republic. Aside from ancient manuscripts and paintings, there are interactive objects and multimedia tools that make the exhibition fun and engaging.

The Secret of Materials exhibition is ongoing as well until July 7 this year and focuses on “non-destructive research into objects of cultural heritage.” Those planning to visit the museum should better decide the soonest about getting one of those Prague cheap breaks as it will be few more months to go before the National Museum will be off limits to the public for their reconstruction project.

My sis and I went to the Long-term Exhibitions at the second floor and spent a lot of time going over the Palaeontological, Zoological, Anthropological and Osteological rooms. I was so engrossed with the numerous valuable items on display but it was really a tiring activity walking from one museum piece to another in a such huge rooms, seeing different species of birds or various types of gemstones. Unfortunately, the hours quickly passed by, we hardly had enough time for viewing the current exhibition at the ground floor before the museum closing hours.

If you are planning to visit the National Museum, I would suggest you head on first to the Current Exhibitions which are usually in the ground floor. These exhibitions are worth spending more of your museum visit time, after which you can go to the second floor for the Long-Term Exhibitions.

The fountain in front of the National Museum building, providing a refreshing place to sit down for tired visitors and adding aesthetic appeal to the building facade.

From the museum front balcony, tourists are treated to a picturesque overlooking view of the famous Wenceslas Square, with the mix of old and modern buildings and busy streets.

A view of the domes of the National Museum from afar.

National Museum main building information, entrance fees and opening hours

Street address:
Václavské námestí 68, 115 79 Praha 1

Opening hours:
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesdays: 10 AM–6 PM, CLOSED every first Tuesday of the month
Wednesdays: 9 AM–6 PM, except every first Wednesday of the month 10 AM–8 PM

Entrance fees:
150 CZK – Basic fee
100 CZK – Reduced fee for senior citizens 60 years and above, disabled persons, children (6 to 15 years old), students with ID card, etc.
250 CZK – Family with 2 adults and 3 children (maximum)
600 CZK – 1 year ticket validity
Read more about other museum fees and discounts…

Important note: Please visit the official website of the National Museum at www.nm.cz for the latest updates!

A 90-minute guided audio tour of the National Museum is also available in English, German and other languages. The NM Audioguide is provided by a private travel company at 200 CZK (less 50 CZK for students) and they offer discounted rates for groups.

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