Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague stands among the most significant institutions of its kind in Central Europe, located in the Josefov district right on 17. listopadu street. Founded in 1885, the museum has spent well over a century collecting and preserving craftsmanship, industrial design, and applied arts from both Czech and international sources. Its position next to the Rudolfinum concert hall and just steps from the Old Town makes it an easy addition to any walk through historic Prague.

What can you see inside?

The collections span several major categories of applied art: glass, ceramics and porcelain, furniture, textiles and fashion, plus clocks, jewelry, and everyday objects ranging from the medieval period to modern times. Glass holds a particularly prominent place in the collection — Czech glassmaking has been renowned worldwide for centuries, and the museum traces its evolution from Baroque craftsmanship to twentieth-century design. The photography department and the collection of graphic design and posters are also worth a look, offering a window into the shifting aesthetic tastes of successive eras.

How do you get there?

The museum sits right in the heart of Prague, in Josefov, next to the Old Town and the former Jewish Quarter. The easiest way to arrive is on foot from the Old Town Square, a walk of roughly fifteen minutes. Metro line A to Staroměstská station is a convenient alternative, and several tram lines stop within easy reach of the Rudolfinum. Because so many other sights — the synagogues of the Jewish Quarter, the Rudolfinum, Charles Bridge — sit nearby, a visit here fits naturally into a broader day of sightseeing.

When is the best time to visit?

Like most cultural institutions in Prague, the museum tends to be busiest during the summer high season and around the winter holidays. Travelers who prefer a quieter visit should aim for spring or autumn, ideally on weekdays and in the morning. The interior displays and glass cases reward unhurried viewing, so plan at least an hour for a visit — and craft and design enthusiasts will likely want to stay considerably longer.

Who is this museum for?

It's an especially rewarding stop for anyone interested in design, craft history, or fashion, but it also offers visitors a different side of Prague's culture beyond architectural landmarks. The glass and ceramics collections impress even those without a particular interest in applied arts, and the layout works equally well for a quick pass-through or a slower, more attentive visit.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? In Prague's Josefov district, on 17. listopadu street, right next to the Rudolfinum and the Old Town.

What is the most notable part of the collection? The glass collection — Czech artistic glassmaking has a centuries-long tradition and occupies a special place in the museum's holdings, alongside ceramics, furniture, textiles, and fashion.

How long does a visit take? A standard visit takes about an hour, though anyone interested in craftsmanship and design can easily spend much longer exploring the collections.

Is it suitable for a family visit? Yes, although the display cases and craft objects tend to appeal more to older children and adults than to very young children.