Featured Events in Prague in June, 2025 (July Updated)

The exhibition, Stories Behind the Glass, at the Ethnographic Museum will display reverse glass paintings from the collections of the Ethnographic Department of the National Museum. This is one of the most common types of folk art appearing in the interiors of the common people in the 19th century. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the restoration workshop, where one can learn about the equipment, tools and the individual steps of the complex restoration procedure. It will also demonstrate the production specifics of reverse glass paintings and the most common types of damage that can be incurred. The work of the restorers is exemplified, among other things, by comparing the condition of the paintings before and after professional intervention. The exhibition also features a number of interactive elements, usually referring directly to practice of restoration. The exhibition is also aimed at children, who may try their hand at retouching reverse glass paintings using colored paper or putting together glass puzzles.

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.

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 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.

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 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 need to seek out and induce physically pleasurable sensations is common to both animals and humans. Over the course of human evolution, people have used their boundless ingenuity to explore and develop tools in order to experience physical bliss. Across time and space, countless means of indulgence have emerged, uniting pleasure–seekers throughout the ages. Yet, the boundary between pleasure and vice is a delicate one; its definition has been evershifting, shaped by the moral standards and cultural background of each era. We invite you to discover the desires, passions and humour of our ancestors, who often had to carve out their moments of relief and pleasure amidst the daily toil, the binding demands of the Church and social norms, material scarcity and feelings of insecurity. Learn the stories of those who have succumbed to temptation.

The exhibition, which was prepared and adapted for Prachatice by the Naive Theatre in Liberec, presents the work of important scenographers such as Pavel Kalfus, Ivan Antoš, Ivan Nesveda, Marek Zákostelecký, Barbora Jakůbková and Robert Smolík, who have collaborated with the theatre for a long time or still do. In the exhibition, you can enjoy puppets and decorations from dozens of productions that have been successful in the Czech Republic and abroad – the most popular productions include Headless Knight and Alibaba and the Forty Robbers. The current repertoire of the Naive Theatre Liberec is reminded by posters and a short film composed of excerpts from current productions. The new exhibition concludes the three-year cycle Profiles of Professional Puppet Theatres, which builds on the existing exhibition at the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus in Prachatice.

The exhibition Antonín Dvořák in Photographs presents more than 45 photographs taken by prominent Czech and international photographic studios, as well as amateur photographers, capturing Antonín Dvořák at various stages of his life. The display includes several rarely seen and previously unexhibited photographs of Antonín Dvořák from age 27 to the end of his life. A particularly unique feature is a set of amateur photographs (snapshots) showing Antonín Dvořák enjoying leisure time with his family at their summer residence in Vysoká u Příbramě. Also featured are stereoscopic photographs of the composer with his family taken during their stay in the United States of America.

Book illustrators Eva Natus-Šalamounová (1934–2014) and her husband Jiří Šalamoun (1935–2022), who is known to the Czech public as the author of the artwork of the legendary Maxips Fík, are connected not only by the focus of their work, but also by two countries – the Czech Republic and Germany. The selection of works presented in the exhibition deliberately shows both artists' approaches to working on books published in the second half of the 20th century and the early 21st century, both in Czechoslovak and Czech publishing houses and in German publishing houses, for which both authors also worked. In the exhibition you will be able to compare whether and how both artists influenced each other in their work. The exhibition is spread over two time periods with exhibits changing during the summer months. In the first half of its duration, one can see, for example, Jiří Šalamoun's original illustrations for the popular book The Hobbit or The Voyage There and Back Again by J. R. R. Tolkien, including illustrations that have never been published, or humorously morbid black and white drawings for Songs by J. J. Ryba. Eva Natus-Šalamoun's work includes illustrations for two different editions of Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers. In the course of the summer, the exhibition will be enlivened by Jiří Šalamoun's ironic and still valid drawings for M. J. Saltykov-Shchedrin's History of the Town of Hloupětín or M. Argilli's comic illustrations for his book Ten Cities. Among the works of Eva Natus-Šalamounová, it will be possible to see, for example, her ink drawings for K. I. Čukovský's Doctor Bolíto or large-format, oil pastel drawings on lithographic background from the beginning of the millennium. In the exhibition, which presents books and illustrations from the collections of the National Museum and from a private family collection, it is also possible to leaf through some of the many illustrated books and view other works in digital form, as well as work tools, personal objects and examples from the collecting loves of both authors, who are among the most important Czech illustrators of the 20th century.

This year, the National Museum commemorates 100 years since it took over the archaeological collection of Eduard Štorch. An educator by profession and a popular author of books for children and young people, he was also an avid amateur archaeologist. The exhibition Prehistoric Adventures of Eduard Štorch will introduce you to the unusual connection between Štorch's novels and the authentic archaeological finds that inspired him when writing his works. At the same time, the exhibition presents Eduard Štorch as a progressive personality – a progressive educator, founder of skiing courses, health holidays by the sea and the Children's Farm, an avid amateur archaeologist and collector, and an enthusiastic scout. The exhibition, which interweaves biographical and narrative lines, is divided into five parts: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Roman Age and the Early Middle Ages. Accompanied by Štorch's books, you can explore the period from the Early Paleolithic, represented by the legendary Mammoth Hunters, to the Early Middle Ages with the Hero Nik. The atmosphere of the exhibition is illustrated by examples of fauna from the time of mammoth hunters, which no longer occur in our territory, such as musk deer, wolverines, luminosa, or a mammoth cub, which has been moved from the National Museum's exhibition Windows to Prehistory especially for this exhibition. You can look forward to exceptional palaeontological and archaeological finds or the original of Štorch's diary. The Paleolithic animal figurines, together with the Venus of Věstonice, are considered to be the first ceramic objects in the world. From the Bronze Age, the needles from Nečín – a find from 1929, which inspired Štorch to write his novel Bronze Treasure, or a faithful anthropological reconstruction of a woman with the richest equipment in the Únětice culture from the burial site in Mikulovice are interesting. Furthermore, you can see the unusual equipment of Štorch's discovery of a Celtic warrior grave from Prague-Hloubětín with a sword and a golden ring, and you will be transported to the times of Marobud, king of the Marcomanni, by the luxury products of Roman workshops. Thanks to audiovisual elements, you can walk through the digital route of the mammoth hunters' wanderings, view a selection of photographs from the Štorch estate and browse through the Chronicle of the Children's Farm or recall the film trilogy by director Jan Schmidt based on Štorch's books in selected excerpts. Especially child visitors will enjoy the backdrop of a Paleolithic cave with a projected fire, a demonstration of the facade of a Neolithic house, a reconstruction of two graves or animals such as wolves, bears and beavers that appear in Eduard Štorch's books. There is also a library. You can also try out your literary and illustration skills right in the exhibition. There is a book in which you can write a short story for a sequel or try to design an illustration in the style of Štorch's books. Anyone can also send their stories and illustration designs to vystava@nm.cz. The best works will be published in the exhibition. The exhibition has been created in cooperation with the Memorial of National Literature, where Štorch's rich literary heritage and photographs are stored.

AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless Prague is set to electrify the city on June 26, 2025, at the renowned Úschovna-LetištěLetňany venue in Prague, Czech Republic. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable experience, featuring the legendary rock band AC/DC, known for their high-voltage performances and timeless hits. Sharing the stage will be The Pretty Reckless, a band that has captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful sound and dynamic stage presence. With tickets priced at 200 CZK (226 USD), this event offers an exceptional opportunity for rock enthusiasts to witness two iconic bands in one night. The venue, Úschovna-LetištěLetňany, provides a spacious and well-equipped setting, ensuring a comfortable and immersive concert experience. This event is expected to draw a significant crowd, making it a highlight of Prague's 2025 music calendar.

Imagine Dragons Prague is set to be an unforgettable event, taking place on June 9, 2025, at the renowned Úschovna-Letiště Letňany in Prague, Czech Republic. Fans of the globally acclaimed rock band Imagine Dragons will gather for an electrifying performance that promises to captivate and inspire. With a ticket price of just 200 CZK, this concert offers an incredible opportunity to experience the band's dynamic energy and chart-topping hits live. Known for their powerful stage presence and anthemic songs, Imagine Dragons will undoubtedly deliver a night of musical brilliance. The venue, Úschovna-Letiště Letňany, provides an ideal setting for such a high-caliber event, ensuring excellent acoustics and a vibrant atmosphere. Attendees can expect a meticulously organized event, complete with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, making Imagine Dragons Prague a must-attend for music enthusiasts.

Pitbull Prague is set to electrify the O2Arena in Prague on June 18, 2025, at 20:00. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable evening of chart-topping hits and high-energy performances by the globally renowned artist, Pitbull. Known for his dynamic stage presence and infectious rhythms, Pitbull will transform the O2Arena into a pulsating hub of music and dance. With tickets priced at 3352 USD, attendees can expect an exclusive experience in one of Europe's premier venues. The O2Arena, located in the heart of Prague, offers state-of-the-art facilities and an unparalleled atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for this monumental event. Fans and music enthusiasts alike will not want to miss this opportunity to witness Pitbull's spectacular show in the vibrant city of Prague.

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.

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.

An extraordinary personality of world history gave the name to the exhibition held in the Historical Building of the National Museum: Chinggis Khan. But the subject matter is much broader and does not focus only on the life and times of the legendary conqueror and founder of one of history's greatest empires. The unique Chinggis Khan exhibition offers unique objects of world cultural heritage that are rarely presented abroad, from the collections of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the Institute of Archaeology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. It is also supplemented by equally unique objects from the National Museum's depositories and will take you through the world of the Great Khan in the first quarter of the 13th century and the centuries before and after. You can look forward to treasures from the monumental underground tombs of the Hun rulers, the weapons and cavalry equipment of the feared Mongol horsemen, reminders of their campaigns that changed much of the then known world for centuries, and objects that provide insight into the mysterious spiritual world and mysticism of the ancient Mongols, their everyday lives and personal stories. The exhibition, which includes more than 260 exhibits, will present rare gold jewellery, weapons, clothing, ritual masks, paintings, ceramics and equestrian equipment in three exhibition halls, including the rarest exhibit from the Great Mongol Empire, a unique wooden horse saddle.The exhibition is realized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth and with the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.