Prague
Czech national music heritage

Bedřich Smetana Museum: A Tribute to Czech Music in Prague

Discover the legacy of Czech national music's founder in a historic Prague setting.

MusicHistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

Discover the life and work of acclaimed Czech composer Bedřich Smetana at this dedicated museum. Housed in a stunning Neo-Renaissance building, it offers a deep dive into his musical contributions and historical context, complete with panoramic views of the Vltava River.

Dedicated to the life and work of Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, this museum features long-term exhibitions in a historic Neo-Renaissance building.

Bedřich Smetana Museum
About the Bedřich Smetana Museum

The Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague is dedicated to chronicling the life and extensive work of the celebrated Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana. Housed in a striking Neo-Renaissance building, originally the Old Town waterworks, it offers a picturesque setting on the Vltava riverbank near Charles Bridge. As part of the National Museum, it actively collects materials documenting Smetana's era and the ongoing impact of his compositions, presenting findings through its exhibitions and public programming for visitors.

Neo-Renaissance building with a clock tower on the Vltava River
Bedřich Smetana Museum opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Bedřich Smetana Museum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
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10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Bedřich Smetana Museum Tickets and Admission

Admission to the Bedřich Smetana Museum includes adult and reduced-price tickets, with specific eligibility for the latter not detailed. Free entry is provided for children up to 15 years of age, as well as for visitors with severe disabilities and their accompanying person. Holders of ICOM, National Museum Society, or Prague Card – CoolPass are also eligible for free admission. E-tickets remain valid for a single entry for 30 days from the date of purchase, allowing flexible planning for your visit in Prague.

Adult
CZK 70.00

Standard admission

Reduced (Senior/Student)
CZK 50.00

Applicable for students, seniors, and other eligible visitors with ID

Children (ages up to 15)
Free

Free entry for children up to 15 years old

Museum pass access at Bedřich Smetana Museum

Visitors to the Bedřich Smetana Museum can utilize select regional sightseeing passes to facilitate their experience. Depending on the chosen pass, admission may be included as part of the standard benefit package for this cultural site in Prague. Please consult individual pass details to confirm specific access terms and conditions.

Bedřich Smetana Museum's Old Town Location

The Bedřich Smetana Museum is situated at Novotného lávka 1 in Prague's historic Old Town. This Neo-Renaissance building, positioned directly on the Vltava riverbank, offers visitors a picturesque setting with views of the river and Prague Castle, placing it conveniently near the iconic Charles Bridge. Its central location makes it an accessible cultural destination within Prague.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Novotného lávka 1

110 00 Prague

Old Town, Prague, CZ

Bedřich Smetana Museum Visit Information

To plan your visit to the Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague's Old Town, tickets can be purchased either online or directly at the box office. E-tickets remain valid for 30 days for a single entry and may be shown on your mobile device or as a printout. Visitors should be aware that the building is not wheelchair accessible due to the exposition being on an upper floor, though non-commercial photography is allowed without flash or tripod.

Bedřich Smetana Museum Visit Information

Bedřich Smetana Museum: Musical Heritage and Exhibitions

The Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague celebrates the life and extensive work of Bedřich Smetana, a founder of Czech national music. Housed in a striking Neo-Renaissance building by Antonín Wiehl, it offers a distinct setting on the Vltava riverbank near Charles Bridge. Visitors can explore long-term exhibitions detailing Smetana's personal history and musical legacy. The museum also presents temporary displays, such as stage designs for his operas by Karel Svolinský. As part of the National Museum, it actively collects materials documenting Smetana's era and his ongoing impact. This visit offers a rich cultural experience amidst views of the river and Prague Castle.

Neo-Renaissance building with a spire on the Vltava River embankment during sunset
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Bedřich Smetana Museum History

The Bedřich Smetana Museum was established in 1936, finding its home in a distinguished Neo-Renaissance building located in the heart of Prague, near the Charles Bridge. This building, designed by Antonín Wiehl, originally served the Prague Water Company, providing a unique historical backdrop for the institution. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of **Bedřich Smetana**, a pivotal Czech composer whose music was instrumental in expressing the rising *Czech national identity*. His compositions, like "Má vlast," became symbols of this cultural movement, and the museum's exhibits delve into his personal possessions, letters, and archival materials.

  • Established in 1936

    1936Founding

    The Bedřich Smetana Museum was established in 1936, and has been housed in its current location since that year. The building it occupies was designed by Antonín Wiehl and formerly belonged to the Prague Water Company.

  • Renaissance style building

    Architecture

    The museum is housed in a grand building designed by Antonín Wiehl. This structure is characterized by its Renaissance style of architecture and was originally owned by the Prague Water Company before becoming home to the Smetana Museum.

  • Exhibits on Bedřich Smetana's life and works

    Collection

    The museum's exhibits focus on the life and works of the composer Bedřich Smetana. They include copies of letters, photographs, newspaper cuttings, personal possessions, and archival material related to Smetana, offering a center for research.

  • Smetana's role in Czech nationalism

    Cultural significance

    Bedřich Smetana was a leading Czech composer during a period of rising Czech nationalism, a movement that found expression through arts. His works, like the symphonic poems of 'Má vlast' and the opera 'Libuše', became embodiments of this search for national identity.

  • Museum located next to Charles Bridge

    Overview

    The Bedřich Smetana Museum is located in the heart of Prague, situated in a small block of buildings adjacent to the historic Charles Bridge on the right bank of the Vltava River in the Old Town.

Bedřich Smetana Museum: FAQs & Visitor Curiosities

Planning your visit to the Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague? You might be wondering about free entry for little maestros or the validity of your e-ticket. Dive into our frequently asked questions for all the practical details and a few delightful surprises.

What is the email address for the Bedřich Smetana Museum?

The general enquiries email address for the Bedřich Smetana Museum is [email protected].

What is the phone number for the Bedřich Smetana Museum?

You can reach the Bedřich Smetana Museum by phone for general enquiries at +420 222 220 082.

How can I contact the Czech Museum of Music regarding the Bedřich Smetana Museum?

The Bedřich Smetana Museum is part of the Czech Museum of Music. For broader enquiries, you can contact the Czech Museum of Music at [email protected] or by phone at +420 224 497 707 or +420 224 497 777.

How can I contact the Bedřich Smetana Museum?

You can contact the Bedřich Smetana Museum for general enquiries via email at [email protected] or by phone at +420 222 220 082.

Practical Visitor Tips for Bedřich Smetana Museum

When planning your visit to the Bedřich Smetana Museum, tickets are available for purchase online or directly at the box office. E-tickets remain valid for 30 days for a single entry and can be presented on your mobile device or as a printout. Visitors should note that the museum is not wheelchair accessible, as the main exhibition is located on an upper floor. For convenience, a complimentary cloakroom is provided, and photography or filming for non-commercial use is permitted without the use of flash or tripods.

Visitor Profile for Bedřich Smetana Museum

The Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague appeals to visitors interested in classical music, Czech history, and architectural heritage. Its focus on the life and extensive work of composer Bedřich Smetana makes it suitable for students, groups, and families seeking a cultural experience. Visitors should be aware that the exposition is located on an upper floor, rendering the building not wheelchair accessible. Non-commercial photography and filming are permitted, provided flash and tripods are not used.

Bedřich Smetana Museum Photos

Explore the Bedřich Smetana Museum through a visual journey showcasing its distinctive Neo-Renaissance architecture. These photographs capture the historic building's facade, adorned with sgraffito, and its picturesque setting on the Vltava River embankment in Prague. Expect to see the prominent clock tower and scenic views that highlight the museum's unique charm and location near Charles Bridge.

Neo-Renaissance building with a clock tower on the Vltava River
Neo-Renaissance building with a clock tower beside a river
Neo-Renaissance building with a green spire along a riverbank with outdoor seating
Neo-Renaissance building with brick facade and decorative tile panels under a clear blue sky
Neo-Renaissance building with clock tower on riverbank
Neo-Renaissance building with a spire on the Vltava River embankment during sunset
Neo-Renaissance building with yellow facade and red roof along the Vltava River
Neo-Renaissance building with a clock tower on the Vltava riverbank
Neo-Renaissance building with yellow facade and red-tiled roof on river embankment
Neo-Renaissance building with red-tiled roofs and a spire along the Vltava River under a partly cloudy sky
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