Featured Events in Prague in May, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.