Featured Events in Prague in May, 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 World Congress on ADHD 2025 is dedicated to advancing global clinical and scientific research initiatives. Its primary objective is to support and promote worldwide projects focused on the comprehensive study of ADHD and related disorders. The congress facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information among esteemed scientists, physicians, health experts, ADHD lay organizations, self-help groups, and the general public. By fostering collaboration with other professional and lay organizations, the congress aims to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD. Taking place in the beautiful city of Prague, at the prestigious Prague Congress Centre, from May 8th to May 11th, 2025, this event provides a platform for training activities in the field of ADHD and related conditions. Attendees can expect a serious, official, and calm environment conducive to learning and knowledge sharing. Join the World Congress on ADHD 2025 in Prague to be a part of the global effort to address this complex disorder and improve the lives of individuals affected by ADHD and related conditions.

The Red Hot Chilli Festival was born out of a passion for growing, cooking and sharing bold flavours. After the huge success of its first edition, the festival returns this year with an even richer programme and more space to showcase the latest offerings from the world of chilli peppers. Individuals, families, curious gourmets and seasoned chilli veterans are welcome - the event is open to anyone craving something different. The festival is dedicated to everything related to chilli peppers - from seeds and seedlings to various types of chilli peppers and finished products, which find their way onto the Czech and international markets. It is aimed not only at experts, growers and culinary enthusiasts, but also at the general public who want to explore new flavours or simply enjoy a unique gastronomic adventure.

Reklama Polygraf 2025 is poised to be a pivotal gathering for industry professionals, unfolding in the vibrant city of Prague at the renowned PVA EXPO PRAHA from May 13 to May 15, 2025. This esteemed event serves as a beacon for innovation and networking within the realms of advertising and printing, drawing experts and enthusiasts from across the globe. With cutting-edge exhibitions, insightful seminars, and dynamic workshops, Reklama Polygraf 2025 promises to showcase the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of these industries. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading minds, explore groundbreaking solutions, and forge valuable connections that could redefine their professional trajectories. As the anticipation builds, Reklama Polygraf 2025 stands as a must-attend event for those seeking to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and print technology.