Prague's National Technical Museum has been documenting the changing face of technology and modern civilization since 1908, throughout the Czech Republic's troubled 20th century. The museum covers everything from the brewing industry to the history of the automobile, from architecture to aviation, astronomy and alchemy.

The museum, founded more than a century ago, was recently renovated, gaining more space for its exhibitions. It is divided in five sections: transportation, architecture and building engineering, electrotechnical and media devices, industry (mining and metallurgy) and railway.

The museum's collections contain 58,000 items, only a percentage of which are on display in the permanent exhibition. But the sheer number of individual items available to view (including some very early cars and planes) is also complemented by the attention to detail of the exhibits. The exhibit that presents the history of mining, for example, contains not only tools and equipment dating back to man's earliest attempts at mining, but also a mechanised coal and ore mine that faithfully recreates the real thing.

If you are in the city on the first Friday of any month, admission is free from 12:00 to 17:00.

Národní technické muzeum

Kostelní 1320/42, 170 78 Prague 7

Opening Times

Tuesday-Sunday, 09.00-18.00