Armádní muzeum Žižkov

Army Museum Žižkov is one of the largest and most modern military history exhibitions in Prague, located on Vítkov Hill in the Žižkov district. It occupies the historic building complex of the National Liberation Monument, designed in 1929 by architect and former legionnaire Josef Zázvorka, and is run by the Military History Institute Prague (Vojenský historický ústav Praha).

What will you see inside?

The permanent exhibition is divided into seven main sections that guide visitors through the successive periods of military history of the Czech lands and Czech statehood, from its beginnings up to the present day. Altogether, more than seven thousand artifacts from the collection of the Military History Institute are displayed across nearly three hundred showcases as well as in open exhibition spaces. Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, decorations, documents and memorabilia connected to the region's military past. The entire building underwent a complete reconstruction between 2018 and 2022, resulting in an entirely new, modern exhibition design that reopened to the public in October 2022.

It is worth knowing that the building itself has a turbulent history: originally opened to the public in 1932, it was seized by the Gestapo during the occupation in 1939, and after the war, under the communist regime, the museum was repeatedly closed because its content did not fit the political ideology of the time.

How do you get to the Army Museum Žižkov?

The museum is located at U Památníku 2, Prague 3 – Žižkov, within the National Liberation Monument complex on Vítkov Hill, close to the city center. The site is easily reachable by public transport from central Prague, and the surrounding area is a popular viewpoint over the city.

When should you visit, and how much does it cost?

Admission to the permanent exhibition of the Army Museum Žižkov is free of charge year-round, making it one of the most accessible cultural attractions in Prague. It is a great choice both for military history enthusiasts and for families looking for an interesting, educational outing regardless of the season or budget.

What else is worth knowing?

On the top floor of one of the buildings there is Café Kupka, offering views over a large part of Prague's historic center and Prague Castle. It is a good spot to rest after touring the exhibition, and it also serves as an additional viewpoint from which to admire the city panorama.

The museum forms part of the larger National Liberation Monument complex on Vítkov Hill, so a visit to the military exhibition can easily be combined with exploring the other historical and memorial sites located on the same hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the museum free? Yes, admission to the permanent exhibition of the Army Museum Žižkov is free year-round.

Which historical periods does the exhibition cover? The exhibition is divided into seven sections and covers the military history of the Czech lands from its beginnings to the present day.

How many exhibits can you see in the museum? The exhibition displays more than seven thousand items across nearly three hundred showcases and in open exhibition halls.

Is there somewhere to eat or grab a coffee at the museum? Yes, the top floor of the building houses Café Kupka, which offers views over central Prague and Prague Castle.