Prague
Prague · Design & Applied Arts

Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

Discover historical and contemporary design in the heart of Prague.

ArtHistoryDesignLocal heritage

Explore the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, home to a rich collection spanning European applied arts and design from the Middle Ages to the present. Discover exhibitions on glass, ceramics, textiles, and graphic art, offering insights into artistic craftsmanship.

Prague's leading museum for European applied arts, design, and glass, showcasing centuries of artistic craftsmanship and aesthetic evolution.

Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
About the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is a leading institution focusing on European applied arts and design. It showcases a comprehensive collection, tracing the evolution of craftsmanship and aesthetic forms from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits, including historical and contemporary glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and jewelry. The permanent exhibition, 'ART, LIFE. ART FOR LIFE,' offers insights into art's role in daily life and culture. This museum is also recognized as Prague's largest museum of glass.

Grand staircase with ornate balustrades, classical statues, and arched ceilings in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague opening hours in Prague

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

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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10:00-20:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Admission Information for the Museum of Decorative Arts

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague provides various admission options for its collections and exhibitions. Concession tickets are available for students aged 15-26 and individuals aged 65 or over, while children under 15 generally receive free entry. The museum also offers group tickets, and guided tours can be arranged, though these require booking one week in advance. Visitors should note that entry to the Josef Sudek Gallery is free with a ticket purchased for the Main Building.

Full admission - Main Building

Price not listed

Concession - Main Building

CZK 180.00

Students aged 15–26, people aged 65 or over

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague provides various facilities to support a comfortable visitor experience, including full elevator access and an accessible toilet equipped for wheelchair users. The main building is designed to be fully accessible, with wheelchairs available for rent upon request to assist those with limited mobility. Families visiting with young children may bring strollers, though their use is subject to specific staff instructions during the visit.

Accessible toilet

Available

lift available

Available

full accessible

Available

Stroller friendly

Limited
Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Location

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is situated at 17. listopadu 2, offering an accessible cultural destination in the heart of Prague. Its central position in the city allows visitors to conveniently explore centuries of European applied arts, design, and glass within the Czech capital.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

17. listopadu 2

110 00 Prague

Prague, CZ

Visiting the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

To fully appreciate the diverse collections at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, visitors typically spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the exhibits. For those arriving by car, paid parking facilities are available nearby. Planning this duration helps ensure a comprehensive and comfortable experience through the decorative arts displays.

Visiting the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague

Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Experience

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague offers a comprehensive journey through European applied arts and design history, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Visitors can explore diverse collections showcasing historical and contemporary glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewelry, and graphic art. The institution is particularly renowned for its extensive holdings, being the largest museum of glass in Prague. Its permanent exhibition, 'ART, LIFE. ART FOR LIFE,' invites guests to discover how art has profoundly shaped daily life and culture throughout centuries. This immersive experience allows for an understanding of the intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic evolution behind everyday objects.

Ornate wooden cabinet with intricate carvings displayed in a museum gallery with glass cases and a decorated ceiling

History and Context of the Museum of Decorative Arts

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague was established in 1885, reflecting the significant development of Czech society and an international trend to address aesthetic concerns post-Industrial Revolution. Located in a **Neo-Renaissance edifice** designed by Josef Schulz, built from 1897 to 1899, the museum opened to the public in 1900. Key supporter Vojtěch Lanna aided its establishment, contributing historical arts and crafts. The institution's mandate was to collect and exhibit decorative and applied arts and design, spanning from Late Antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on European objects, particularly from the Bohemian lands. This foundational period solidified its role as a crucial cultural and educational hub.

  • Museum of Decorative Arts founded

    1885Founding

    The foundation of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague in 1885 reflected the significant development of Czech society at the time, aiming to become a cultural and educational center within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

  • Neo-Renaissance edifice construction

    1897-1899Architecture

    The museum is housed in a Neo-Renaissance edifice designed by architect Josef Schulz. Construction of this building took place from 1897 to 1899.

  • Museum opened to the public

    1900Opening

    The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague officially opened its doors to the public in 1900, initially with exhibitions displayed on the first floor of its new building.

  • Collection scope established

    Collection

    The museum's rich collections encompass decorative and applied arts, and design, spanning from Late Antiquity to the present, with a strong emphasis on European objects, particularly those from the Bohemian lands.

  • Vojtěch Lanna as key donor

    Notable person

    Vojtěch Lanna was a crucial supporter of the museum's establishment, contributing historical arts and crafts from his collection, which significantly aided the museum in finding resources and a suitable building.

  • Inspiration from international institutions

    Overview

    The establishment of the Prague museum was influenced by similar institutions like the South Kensington Museum in London (opened 1852) and the Österreichisches Museum für Kunst und Industrie in Vienna (opened 1864), highlighting an international trend in promoting decorative arts.

  • Reflecting societal changes of the 19th century

    Historical period

    The museum's founding in 1885 was a direct response to the dramatic development of Czech society and concerns about the aesthetic impact of the Industrial Revolution on product quality.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers for Your Visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts

Ever wondered if the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is open on a Tuesday night or if it's easy to navigate with a wheelchair? We've gathered all the practical details and more. Dive into our FAQs for answers to those burning questions before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Does the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague have an email address for inquiries?

An email address for the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is not specified in the provided information.

What is the phone number for the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague?

A phone number for the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is not available in the given data.

How can I contact the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague?

Information on how to contact the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, including specific methods like email or phone, is not provided in the available data.

Is the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the main building of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague is fully accessible for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs can also be rented upon request for less mobile visitors.

Planning Your Visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts

A visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague typically spans between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, providing ample time to experience its diverse collections. For visitor convenience, paid parking is available on site. The main building offers full accessibility, complete with an elevator and an accessible toilet for those who need it. Strollers are permitted, and visitors bringing them should be mindful of instructions from the museum staff.

Who the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Suits

The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague appeals to those interested in the history and development of European applied arts and design. Visitors can explore extensive collections featuring glass, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and graphic art from various periods. The main building offers wheelchair accessibility, including an elevator and accessible toilets, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. Strollers are permitted, with guidance from the museum custodians. A visit typically lasts between 90 to 150 minutes, providing a focused experience.

Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague Gallery

Explore a visual journey through the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, showcasing its grand Neo-Renaissance architecture and intricate interiors, including ornate staircases and a stately reading room. The gallery highlights diverse collections, from vibrant modern design pieces and colorful sculptures to gilded historical artifacts, offering a rich overview of applied arts and craftsmanship.

The wordmark of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague with the text 'u(p)m' and 'uměleckoprůmyslové muzeum v Praze' on a black background
White text 'VÁZA' and 'VASE' on a black background with a colorful line drawing of a vase and the text 'SYMBOL KULTURY A ŽIVOTA A SYMBOL OF CULTURE AND LIFE'
Interior of a grand reading room with wooden tables, chairs, and bookshelves under an ornate ceiling
Grand staircase with ornate balustrades, classical statues, and arched ceilings in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
Neo-Renaissance building with green-tiled roof and arched windows under a clear blue sky
Interior gallery with colorful modern art and design objects on black shelves
An ornate golden reliquary with enamel medallions and sculpted figures on display
Neo-Renaissance building with beige stone facade, arched windows, and a central tower under a blue sky with clouds
Ornate wooden cabinet with intricate carvings displayed in a museum gallery with glass cases and a decorated ceiling
Neo-Renaissance building with arched windows and a central entrance, surrounded by parked cars on a paved street.
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