Featured Events in Prague in January, 2025 (May Updated)

A smaller exhibition in the showcases located in the Eastern hall of the Historical Building presents the expeditions of the National Museum, which are primarily united by a desire for knowledge that overcomes borders. It presents a selection of the most important historical expeditions which demonstrate the institution's long research tradition, up to contemporary expeditions. One of the oldest research trips is reminiscent of A. Frič's expeditions to Banat (1853) and Dalmatia (1856) accompanied by acquired zoological specimens. The challenging nature of the expeditions is exemplified by the entomological expedition to Iran by Praga V3S museum vehicle in the 1970s or, at the time, the pioneering expeditions to the Mapuche area in South America. Current expeditions of the National Museum will take you to diverse corners of the world on almost all continents and unearth the latest scientific and archaeological discoveries made by the researchers. They will explain the importance of cooperation between scientific and museum departments and multidisciplinary approach, which lead to the joint results of the work of a team of experts that examine the topic from different points of view.

The exhibition Olympic Stories highlights the successes of Czech athletes, from their participation in the Olympic Games in London in 1908 to Olympics 2024 in Paris. It showcases many items from the National Museum's sports collections, some of which have never been displayed before, as well as unique loans. The exhibition was prepared by the National Museum in cooperation with the Czech Olympic Committee.

Every important building has its foundations, not only structural, but also symbolic. The pillar of the National Museum are its collections. They are the most important thing inside the building, which in itself is one of the most precious items. However, it is the people, not only the founders, employees, donors, but also the visitors, who make the museum come alive. Collections, buildings and people – this is the National Museum. Together they form added values. The Museum from the cellar to the attic exhibition offers its visitors to peek into the life of the institution. It is symbolically installed in period cabinets designed more than a hundred years ago by Josef Schulz, the architect of the Historical Building. Individual collections and themes across the institution compose a puzzle-like image of the museum in the cabinets. It reflects contemporary scientific practices and knowledge, cultural norms and political changes, as well as modifications in the ways of acquiring, preserving and presenting collections over a period of more than 200 years.

A musician’s livelihood is built on diligence, their technical knowledge of playing, and their talent. But what is the use of daily practice and talent without the ability to reach an audience? Come behind the scenes of the music industry and go on a concert tour with us. How did music travel from the Czech Lands to the world and back again? Stars go on tour, itinerant musicians wander from town to town, some musical nomads may not even have a permanent home. They travel by land, air, and sea, on foot and by saloon carriage, and spend the night roughing it and in luxury hotels. As well as a way of making a living, travelling offers a number of stimuli, inspiration and the opportunity to see distant lands.

In our minds, Vietnam evokes diverse scenes; some of us imagine beautiful natural landscapes, others see rice fields, and some recall the war the United States waged there. However, these stereotypical images fail to capture the rich tapestry of a society with a long history and vibrant traditional culture, one that has also undergone rapid transformation in recent years Vietnam represents a blend of tradition and contemporary lifestyles. In our country, our connection with this distant land runs deep, largely due to the substantial Vietnamese minority residing here. There were no relations between the two nations until 1950, yet their subsequent interactions were notably profound. This led to the establishment of a large Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, whose narrative is inherently fascinating. The exhibition not only delves into Vietnam's history and traditions but also sheds light on this community, exploring mutual relationships and the dynamics of coexistence. This project presented a significant challenge for the Náprstek Museum, involving not only its professional team but also active engagement from the community itself. The preparation of the exhibition was a collaborative effort, consulting not only individuals but also Czech-Vietnamese organizations.

The Mysterious Nubia exhibition in the Historical Building of the National Museum commemorates the international action to save endangered monuments in the historical territory of Nubia, which was announced by UNESCO 65 years ago. Thanks to the Czechoslovak expeditions and the participation in the findings of the then Czechoslovak Institute of Egyptology of the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University, the exceptional cultural heritage of the Lower Nubian region has been preserved in the collections of the National Museum.

As part of the Year of Czech Music and the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth, the My Country exhibition commemorates the personality of Bedřich Smetana and one of his most important compositions. Through authentic notes, correspondence and, above all, scores, it presents the individual symphonic poems as the composer himself conceived them, the historical context in which they were composed and the reactions that accompanied them at later important historical moments in czech history. The exhibition opens symbolically on November 2024, the 142nd anniversary of the first complete performance of My Country. In the exhibition, you can look forward to unique collection items from the National Museum, which will be on display during nine thematic stops. At the beginning, the exhibition will introduce you to the personality of Bedřich Smetana, whose life you will be able to glimpse through his personal objects, such as glasses, a desk, writing utensils, a calamus, a peephole or a hearing aid. The second stop will immerse you in the time and circumstances in which the My Country cycle was created between 1874 and 1879, and will also remind you of the first ensemble performance on 5 November 1882 at the Žofín in Prague. Other parts of the exhibition are devoted to six individual poems – Vyšehrad, Vltava, Šárka, the poem From the Czech Meadows and Groves, Tábor and Blaník. You will learn, for example, that the score for Vltava was written under the composer's hands for an incredible 19 days, when he added the note "being completely deaf" to the score. The last, ninth stop will present My Homeland in the Changes of Time and will recall performances of the piece associated with important historical moments. In addition to the composer's personal objects, you will be able to see various musical materials and sheet music, photographs, sculptures, paintings, letters, books, illustrations, musical instruments – for example, there will be a harp to play. The exhibition also includes historical artefacts such as replicas of Hussite weapons from the 19th century. My Homeland in Stones is also on display, so you will be able to touch rocks from Blaník or pebbles from the Vltava River. Of course, the exhibition also focuses on the sound experience. It includes a listening map of the Vltava and audio islands with entire symphonic poems. The central themes can be heard in short excerpts.

The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. A "winter wonderland" awaits visitors. Soak up the festive atmosphere, listen to Christmas music and browse the stalls for handmade goods, hearty food and local drinks. The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 30 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The main Christmas markets are held in the centre of Prague, at the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). The two squares are only a 5-minute walk from each other. Opening hours are 10:00-22:00. Admission is free. In addition, several other parts of the city host smaller/local Christmas markets.

Mark the calendars because the Prague Christmas Markets 2024 are set to light up the heart of the Czech capital with festive cheer. Held from November 30th, 2024, to January 6th, 2025, this beloved yuletide event promises an enchanting atmosphere that creates lasting memories. Visitors will be treated to a winter wonderland in the historic city of Prague, where twinkling lights, traditional crafts, and the aroma of hot mulled wine fill the air. With a picturesque setting that seems straight out of a storybook, the Prague Christmas Markets 2024 offer the perfect opportunity to soak up the holiday spirit. The event takes place across several iconic locations within the city, promising a mix of charming stalls, live entertainment, and festive treats. Those in attendance can expect nothing less than a Christmas experience that captures the quintessence of the season's magic. Guests can wander through the stalls, discovering unique gifts and decorations that are handcrafted with care, reflecting the artisanal heritage of the region. As a backdrop to the festivities, the architecture of Prague stands as a silent witness to centuries of history, adding an element of grandeur to the market's merry bustle. Do not miss the chance to be part of Prague Christmas Markets 2024, where tradition and joy unite to create an unforgettable holiday celebration.

Calling all aficionados of education and culture! Gaudeamus Prague 2025, the premier event of its kind, is set to take the stage at the illustrious PVA EXPO PRAHA in the heart of Prague. From January 21st to January 23rd, 2025, attendees can expect a cavalcade of knowledge and entertainment. "The one-of-a-kind event promises to be a hot ticket, showcasing a wide array of exhibits and activities suited for professionals, students, and academia enthusiasts alike. Bursting onto the scene, Gaudeamus Prague 2025 aims to bridge the gap between learners and institutions, creating an ambiance of collaboration and innovation. "Held in the gleaming halls of PVA EXPO PRAHA, the event offers a chance to explore the newest trends, technologies, and opportunities within the educational landscape. Don't miss out on the chance to engage with peers from around the globe and expand horizons. Gaudeamus Prague 2025 is shaping up to be the most talked-about event on the calendar, offering an unparalleled experience in one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Mark the dates and prepare to be part of an intellectual feast like no other.

Gaudeamus Prague in a European trade fair which of medical and lifelong learning and it features interactive demonstrations Gaudeamus Prague in a European trade fair which of medical and lifelong learning and it features interactive demonstrations, assumptions testing and counseling that will help the attendees with choosing a school. Information Source: Gaudeamus | expotobi

During his eleven years of exploration in South Africa, traveller Dr. Emil Holub collected tens of thousands of objects, made observations covering the fields of natural history and ethnography, hunted game, and studied the ethnic groups he encountered on his travels. His portrait with a typical tropical helmet is basically iconic. To this day, his immense popularity has been exploited by various artistic and advertising projects, shaping and distorting the traveller into an image that has become almost cult-like. The aim of the Emil Holub exhibition is not to convey a comprehensive view of Holub's personality, but to open up questions directed towards the present. How do we perceive Emil Holub and the activities associated with him today? How do various myths and legends influence this perception? What is the value of Holub's collections, how did he work with them and how does contemporary exhibition and collection-building work with them? Where can we see objects from these collections? How do we perceive Holub through the lens of colonial studies? The exhibition is divided into four parts. The first one is devoted to two journeys to Africa that Holub made in the 1870s and 1880s. Through several examples, it shows how Holub created a depiction of the course of these journeys, what their original goals were, how they were fulfilled, and how they were reacted to by some of the later products of mass culture. It also shows the most important discoveries made by Holub during his expeditions in South Africa and presents his natural history collection.

In May 2023, a selected part of the collection of the National Museum–Antonín Dvořák Museum was registered under the name Antonín Dvořák Archive in the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme Register which safeguards the most important documentary heritage of humanity. Following the addition of the Leoš Janáček Archive in 2018, this marks the second instance of a collection from a Czech music composer being included on this prestigious list. An archive containing Dvořák's musical manuscripts, letters, personal documents, non-musical manuscripts, his personal library, iconographic documents, first editions of Dvořák's compositions, printed documentation, diplomas and honorary memberships has been entried into the Register. A total of 3,500 units were part of the nomination. However, the collection of the Antonín Dvořák Museum contains significantly more objects. As of 2023, the museum oversees a compilation of approximately 9,000 items within its collection. The aim of the Antonín Dvořák: My life & Work exhibition is to comprehensively showcase the Dvořák collection, taking into account both the chronological progression of the composer's life and the essence of the UNESCO nomination. Over the course of a year, the exceptional exhibition will present 18 Dvořák’s original musical manuscripts.

In the New Building of the National Museum, you can visit the exhibition of the 30th edition of the prestigious Czech Press Photo journalistic competition. Eight photography categories were announced this year. 256 photographers who submitted over 4,500 photos competed.The exhibition of the winning and other selected photos of Czech Press Photo competition is organized in cooperation with the National Museum. Award-winning images and other selected photographs that characterize the past year are presented at the exhibition. In total, there are more than 500 printed photographs and more than 250 images in screens and projections from 80 authors. A rich accompanying program will be part of the exhibition. Also this year, the Czech Photo Junior was announced for young authors from primary and secondary schools who have sent almost 1,500 photos. An exhibition of award-winning Czech Photo Junior images will be on display both in the National Museum and in a larger format in a unique outdoor exhibition in front of Fragment Gallery in Prague – Karlín.