9 of the Best Museums in Prague and How To Visit
Prague’s beautiful streets reflect centuries of history and artistic movements—from medieval to postmodern—and simply wandering around gives you a feel for the Czech capital’s riches. But behind the Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance-era walls, the best museums in Prague reveal further treasures and insight into the city's rich history.
The city has been at the crossroads of European cultures for hundreds of years. Various empires and peoples have shaped the Bohemian lands, from the Slavic tribes to the Austro–Hungarian Habsburg dynasty, the Nazis to the Communist USSR. Whether you want to delve deeper into the past at a Prague history museum or shelter from cold winter weather at a Prague art museum, there’s much to see and do in this Central European powerhouse. Read on for our Prague museum guide.
1. National Museum, Wenceslas Square
Delve into the history of the Czech lands at the National Museum in Wenceslas Square.
Dominating the southeastern end of Wenceslas Square (Václavské Námesti), the grand 19th-century National Museum is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture alone—the old wing is a national cultural monument. This, and an interconnected modern wing, house a vast collection of exhibits related to the history of the Czech lands, from the eighth century until today.
The Wenceslas Square branch is one of several Prague institutions under the National Museum umbrella and is a great place to start exploring. It gets busy on weekend afternoons, so buying a skip-the-line ticket in advance is wise.
Don't miss: The old wing, as the architecture is beautiful—look up to see the light filtering through the dome.
2. Jewish Museum (Zidovske Muzeum)
Uncover Prague’s almost-lost Jewish heritage at the Jewish Museum.
Like much of Central Europe, Prague once had a large Jewish population that was targeted during World War II. Learn more about Prague’s Jewish culture and history at the Jewish Museum (Zidovské Muzeum) in Josefov, the Jewish Quarter. This narrow area between the Old Town and the Vltava River is packed with other historic attractions, such as the Old New Synagogue (Staronová Synagoga), the Spanish Synagogue (Spanelská Synagoga), and the Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý Zidovský Hrbitov). You can join a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter for an interesting overview of this part of the city.
Don't miss: The poignant collection of children’s drawings from the Terezín, a former concentration camp north of Prague.
3. Franz Kafka Museum
The Franz Kafka Museum is dedicated to the surrealist writer’s legacy.
One of Prague’s most famous Jewish sons was German-language writer Franz Kafka (1883–1924), the author of the seminal surrealist novella The Metamorphosis, among other works. See his correspondence, diaries, first editions of texts, photographs, drawings, and more at the Franz Kafka Museum (Muzeum Franze Kafky), one of the most popular museums in Prague. It’s tucked away in the Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana), on the west bank of the Vltava.
The museum is a fixture on many bike and scooter tours of Prague, although it's worth it to return to browse the museum independently at your leisure. Kafka fans can also check out his birthplace in the Old Town, marked by a statue.
Don't miss: The fountain outside the museum by Czech sculptor David Černý titled The Piss, which depicts Hitler and Stalin urinating on the Czech lands.
4. Troja Chateau
Cycle just north of Prague to the Troja Chateau, a 17th-century baroque palace.
The gorgeous baroque Troja Chateau (Trojský Zámek) contains something for everyone, with decorative frescoes, manicured French–style gardens, temporary art exhibitions presented by the Prague City Gallery, and proximity to the Prague Zoo to keep the kids happy. It’s only open in the summer season—generally early April until late October—so come on a warm, sunny day to explore both inside and out. The Troja Chateau is north of central Prague and surrounded by parklands as well as the zoo; e-bike tours offer a fun way to explore the area.
Don't miss: The grand statue-flanked staircase leading into the chateau, which was previously intended to welcome noble visitors arriving from the surrounding hunting estate.
5. Museum of Communism
Discover what life was like for Prague’s residents behind the Iron Curtain at the Museum of Communism.
The Museum of Communism presents a period of Czech history that’s still fresh in the minds of many older Czech people: when Czechoslovakia (the former union of Czechia and Slovakia) was ruled by a communist regime, within the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence. Peruse photographs, film reels, various pieces of propaganda, busts of communist figures Marx and Lenin, and more at one of the must-see museums in Prague.
If you have an interest in this period, a history tour of Prague can offer more in-depth information. You might also want to check out the KGB Museum, which contains artifacts from the USSR’s feared secret service.
Don't miss: The model communist-era school classroom, child’s bedroom, and State Security interrogation room.
6. St. Agnes Convent
Browse a divine collection of medieval religious art at St. Agnes Convent.
The 13th-century St. Agnes Convent (Kláster Sv. Anezky Ceské) is Prague’s oldest Gothic building, which contains a wonderful collection of medieval art. You don’t need any prior knowledge of art history—or Christianity, for that matter—to appreciate the gilded icons and carved statues of a religious nature.
The convent is a bit tucked away and can be tricky to find, so taking a walking tour of the Old Town area can help you get your bearings. Otherwise, ghost tours of the area are another fun option, as this part of the city oozes atmosphere.
Don't miss: The 12 medieval sculpture castings displayed on the ground floor (you’re welcome to touch), which are accompanied by large-print and braille captions.
7. Czech Museum of Music
Soothe your senses at the Czech Museum of Museum.
Classical music has long been part of the fabric of Czech culture. Find out more at the Czech Museum of Music (České Muzeum Hudby), part of the National Museum network, which is housed in a 17th-century former church. You can see hundreds of musical instruments, including pieces made in the Czech lands or by Czech craftspeople, while listening to music recordings on headsets as you walk around.
Pair your museum trip with a music-themed tour of Prague—many tours visit sites related to Amadeus Mozart, including where he lived, performed, and composed in the city.
Don't miss: The delicate glass harmonicas, an instrument that was fashionable in the early 19th century.
8. Náprstek Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures
Travel the world at the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures.
There are many top museums in Prague where you can learn about Czech and European culture, but the ethnographic Náprstek Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures is the only museum in Czechia to focus on non-European civilizations. Part of the National Museum network, the museum presents the collections of 19th-century Czech “explorer” Vojta Náprstek, including masks, clothing, ceramics, and jewelry. It isn’t one of the most popular museums in Prague, so you can generally browse in peace.
Don't miss: The large collection of Chinese, Japanese, and Indian art and artifacts, which make up about half of the museum’s collection.
9. Museum of Fantastic Illusions
Put yourself in the picture at the quirky Museum of Fantastic Illusions.
If you're traveling with kids, give them a break from Gothic churches at the Museum of Fantastic Illusions, where you can pose with realistic, 3-dimensional paintings to create fun photos. You’ll find many generic (albeit funky) paintings—think giant octopuses and green monsters—as well as Prague-centric backdrops. This is the place to go if you want to photograph yourself atop Prague’s Astronomical Clock without actually scaling the medieval structure. Be sure to buy your tickets before you go for guaranteed entry.
Don't miss: Pose in front of the medieval torture devices for a rather unique souvenir.
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