Moments of History: Explore 20th-Century Events at the National Museum Prague Exhibition

This long-term multimedia exhibition, located in the National Museum's connecting passageway, explores the tumultuous 20th-century events and everyday life of Wenceslas Square. It uses innovative projection technology to showcase the area's historical transformations and architectural development.

The 'Moments of History' exhibition, inaugurated on November 17, 2019, offers a unique multi-media experience within the connecting passageway between the Historical and New Buildings of the National Museum. It is dedicated to the significant events of the 20th century that unfolded in Wenceslas Square, from the establishment of Czechoslovakia to the turn of the millennium, and also provides insights into the daily life of this iconic space. The exhibition features a second multimedia program focusing on the architectural evolution of the square from the 19th century to the present day. The exhibition is comprised of three distinct multimedia projections. 'Moments of Metropolitan Nascency' traces the transformation of the square from its Gothic origins to a broad 19th and 20th-century avenue, central to modern Prague. Timelapse animations illustrate the architectural changes, featuring shifts from gas lamps to neon, and from the vibrancy of residential life to the current dominance of commercial displays. It even includes a film prologue that touches upon the area's ancient past. 'Moments of 20th Century History' takes visitors on a journey through time, starting from the present and moving backward to the euphoria of the 1989 revolution, the 'normalization' period, the 1968 occupation, the communist era, and the Nazi occupation, all preceding the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. This section processes film material from Wenceslas Square, representing each historical topic with a sequence of eight recurring situations categorized as 'action' and 'reaction,' examining the anatomy and recurring nature of historical incidents. The concluding part, 'Moments of Life,' shifts focus to ordinary scenes and daily life that occurred in the square, existing alongside the more prominent historical events and political changes.

Tickets for the Museum Complex are valid for all current and long-term exhibitions, with some exceptions. Tickets can be purchased online, via mobile app, at self-service machines, or at the box office. Capacity may be limited, especially on weekends and holidays, potentially leading to waiting times. Specific dates may offer free admission, but tickets are not sold or reserved for these days. The e-ticket is valid for 30 days from purchase for a single entry.