Quick Picks: The Best Museums in Prague

Are you short on time? Prague has dozens of museums, but a few stand out from the rest. Use this quick list to find the perfect match for your interests. These top picks are easy to reach and highly rated by visitors.

• Best overall: National Museum
• Best for families: National Technical Museum
• Best for modern art: DOX Centre
• Best for history: Museum of Communism
• Best for hidden history: Speculum Alchemiae

12 Best Museums in Prague for History and Art

Prague offers a rich variety of exhibits that span centuries of human achievement. From the grand halls of the National Museum to the quirky Kafka exhibits, there is much to see. Here are the top 12 museums to add to your bucket list.

1. Name: National Museum (Národní muzeum) Type: History & Natural Science Why go: It is the most iconic building in Prague with massive collections. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 2–4 hours. Cost: Moderate (check for 2026 pricing). Getting there: Metro lines A or C to Muzeum. Tip: Read more about the National Museum Prague exhibits before you visit. Visit the official National Museum site for current events.
2. Name: Jewish Museum in Prague Type: Cultural History Why go: It includes several synagogues and the famous Old Jewish Cemetery. Best for: Learning about Jewish heritage and the Holocaust. Where: Josefov (Jewish Quarter). Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro A to Staroměstská. Tip: This is a must-see part of Jewish Quarter Josefov sightseeing.
3. Name: Franz Kafka Museum Type: Literary/Experience Why go: It offers a surreal look into the life of Prague's most famous writer. Best for: Literature fans and fans of dark, atmospheric art. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram to Malostranská. Tip: Many wonder is the Franz Kafka Museum worth visiting, and for fans of his work, the answer is yes.
4. Name: Museum of Communism Type: Modern History Why go: It tells the story of life behind the Iron Curtain from 1948 to 1989. Best for: Political history enthusiasts. Where: New Town (V Celnici street). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: Check the Museum of Communism Prague location for the best entry times.
5. Name: Veletržní palác (National Gallery Prague) Type: Modern Art Why go: It houses works by Klimt, Picasso, and famous Czech artists. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Holešovice. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 6 or 17 to Veletržní palác. Tip: Visit the National Gallery Prague website to see current temporary exhibitions.
6. Name: National Technical Museum Type: Science & Industry Why go: It features vintage cars, planes, and incredible engineering feats. Best for: Families and tech fans. Where: Letná. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram to Letenské náměstí. Tip: This is one of the best things to do in Prague with kids.
7. Name: DOX Centre for Contemporary Art Type: Modern Art Why go: It is a dynamic space featuring the famous Gulliver Airship on the roof. Best for: Modern art fans and photographers. Where: Holešovice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram to Ortenovo náměstí. Tip: The wooden airship is a great spot for unique photos.
8. Name: Mucha Museum Type: Art Why go: Dedicated to Alphonse Mucha, the master of Art Nouveau. Best for: Fans of decorative art and posters. Where: New Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from Můstek metro station. Tip: The museum shop has high-quality prints of Mucha’s work.
9. Name: Speculum Alchemiae Type: Hidden Gem Why go: Explore a secret 16th-century alchemy laboratory found after a flood. Best for: Those seeking mystery and magic. Where: Old Town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low to Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: You must book a guided tour to see the underground labs.
10. Name: Lobkowicz Collections Type: Private Art & History Why go: It is the oldest and largest private art collection in the Czech Republic. Best for: Classical music fans and history buffs. Where: Prague Castle. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate to High. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Combine this with visiting Prague Castle complex for a full day. Visit the official Prague Castle site for security info.
11. Name: Karel Zeman Museum Type: Film & Special Effects Why go: It celebrates the life of the legendary filmmaker known for magical effects. Best for: Film buffs and creative minds. Where: Near Charles Bridge. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Malostranská. Tip: You can take interactive photos that look like old movie scenes.
12. Name: Museum of Decorative Arts (UPM) Type: Design & Craft Why go: It features stunning glass, textiles, and furniture through the ages. Best for: Design lovers and historians. Where: Old Town. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro A to Staroměstská. Tip: The library inside is one of the most beautiful in the city.

Planning Your Visit to Prague Museums

Most of the best museums in Prague are open Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays are often the day they close for maintenance. Always check the official website before you head out. In 2026, many sites will require online booking for peak times. You can find more travel tips on the Prague official site.

Consider buying the Prague Visitor Pass if you plan to see many sites. This pass includes public transport and entry to many top museums. It can save you a lot of money over three days. Most museums are located in the city center and are easy to reach by tram. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.