The City of Prague Museum

The City of Prague Museum is the main institution dedicated to the history of the Czech capital, standing near Florenc, right by Prague's main train station. It makes a natural first stop for anyone who wants to understand how Prague evolved from prehistoric settlement to modern metropolis before heading off to explore the Old Town or Prague Castle in person.

What should you know before visiting?

The museum building was constructed between 1896 and 1898 in a neo-Renaissance style and opened its doors to the public in 1900. After five years of thorough renovation and modernization, the headquarters reopened to visitors in 2024. From the outside it still shows off its early 20th-century architectural splendor, while inside it surprises with cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered elements woven into the displays.

What will you see inside?

The permanent exhibition guides visitors through Prague's history from prehistoric times to the Baroque era. The prehistory section uses archaeological finds to illustrate everyday life of the region's earliest inhabitants and the arrival of the Slavs in the early Middle Ages. The following section on medieval Prague focuses on the founding of Prague Castle and Vyšehrad, the formation of the city's individual quarters, and the turbulent period of the Hussite Wars.

The undisputed highlight of the collection is the famous Langweil model of Prague – a paper scale model of the city created in the first half of the 19th century by Antonín Langweil, considered one of the most valuable objects of its kind in Europe. The museum also enlivens the visit with "living paintings" and rotating temporary exhibitions covering different periods of Prague's history.

How do you get there and what does it cost?

The museum sits in an easily reachable location right by Florenc metro station (lines B and C), making it a convenient starting or ending point for a longer walk through the city. The building is fully accessible, with an elevator and wheelchair access throughout. On site you'll find a café and a kids' corner where children can spend time with the museum's mascot. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free, making this one of the more accessible cultural attractions in central Prague.

When is the best time to visit?

Because admission is free and the location is so central, the museum tends to draw school groups on weekday mornings – if you want a quieter visit, aim for early afternoon or a weekend outside peak tourist season. The renovated exhibition with its modern multimedia displays makes a visit worthwhile at any time of year, including rainy days when exploring Prague's outdoor sights loses some of its appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the City of Prague Museum paid? No, admission to the permanent exhibition is free of charge.

How do you get to the museum by public transport? The easiest way is by metro to Florenc station (lines B and C) – the museum sits right next to it.

What is the museum's most important exhibit? Antonín Langweil's paper model of Prague from the first half of the 19th century, showing the city with remarkable precision as it looked before the major redevelopment at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities? Yes, the building has an elevator and is fully accessible to wheelchair users.