Náprstek Museum

The Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures in Prague is the only museum in the Czech Republic dedicated entirely to the material and spiritual heritage of non-European civilizations. Run as part of the National Museum (Národní muzeum), it occupies a historic complex right in the heart of Prague's Old Town.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The museum is housed in the former brewery and distillery buildings known as "U Halánků," on Bethlehem Square (Betlémské náměstí) in the Old Town. The "U Halánků" complex itself dates back to the 16th century, when three Gothic houses were joined together — making the building an interesting example of Prague's civic architecture in its own right. It's just a short walk from Charles Square and Charles Bridge, so a visit is easy to combine with the rest of the Old Town's sights.

Who founded the museum?

The museum's story goes back to the 19th century and is inseparable from Vojtěch Náprstek (1826–1894), a Czech cultural and national activist who spent ten years living in the United States. After returning to Prague, he threw himself into organizing Czech cultural life during the National Revival period and set up a private industrial museum, which over time evolved into today's institution devoted to non-European cultures. The museum still carries his name.

What will you see inside?

The museum's holdings are extensive, though only a small part of the collection is on view in the permanent exhibitions. The main display is dedicated to the cultures of Australia and Oceania, featuring original everyday objects and artworks from peoples of the region, including distinctive pieces connected to the culture of the Indonesian island of Nias. A second permanent exhibition focuses on Vojtěch Náprstek himself — his life, travels and public activity — and includes the preserved historical interior of his personal library, a highlight for anyone drawn to period interiors.

Who is this place for?

The museum will appeal to anyone interested in ethnography, the history of collecting, or non-European cultures, as well as travelers looking for an alternative to Prague's most crowded attractions. It's also a good choice for families with school-age children — original artifacts from far-flung parts of the world tend to make an impression regardless of the visitor's age.

Practical information

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, with the exception of Wednesday, when it opens earlier, at 9:00. A standard adult ticket costs CZK 100, a discounted senior ticket CZK 30, a student/youth ticket CZK 70, and a family ticket CZK 170. It's worth double-checking current hours and prices before your visit, as these can change.

The surrounding area

Bethlehem Square and its surroundings form one of the quieter corners of the Old Town, despite being close to the main attractions. Nearby stands the Bethlehem Chapel, associated with Jan Hus, and from here it's an easy walk both further into the Old Town and toward Charles Bridge or Charles Square.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures in Prague? It's the only museum in the Czech Republic devoted entirely to the material and spiritual heritage of non-European civilizations, run as part of the National Museum and located on Bethlehem Square in the Old Town.

Who founded the museum? It grew out of a private industrial museum founded in the 19th century by Vojtěch Náprstek, a Czech cultural activist who had earlier spent ten years living in the United States.

What can you see in the permanent exhibitions? An exhibition on the cultures of Australia and Oceania, including artifacts from the Indonesian island of Nias, plus an exhibition on the life of Vojtěch Náprstek that includes the preserved interior of his historical library.

What are the opening hours and ticket prices? The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 (from 9:00 on Wednesdays). A standard adult ticket is CZK 100, a senior ticket CZK 30, a student/youth ticket CZK 70, and a family ticket CZK 170.