The Přemyslids: A Ruling Dynasty Exhibition Unveiling Czech History at the Czech Museum of Music

This exhibition delves into the story of the Přemyslid dynasty, exploring their transformation of the Czech principality into a kingdom and their profound influence on Central Europe. It features over 900 exhibits from numerous institutions, presenting a comprehensive look at the dynasty's rise, reign, and legacy.

The National Museum's largest exhibition of the year, 'The Přemyslids. A Ruling Dynasty and Its Age,' offers an immersive journey into the lives and times of this pivotal Czech dynasty. Spanning from legendary beginnings to their decline, the exhibition traces their influence on the Czech lands and wider European context through four distinct halls. It highlights key moments such as the legend of Libuše and Přemysl, conflicts like the one between Saint Ludmila and Drahomíra, the veneration of Prince Wenceslas, the rise of Přemysl I Otakar, and the expansive reign and tragic end of Přemysl II Otakar. The narrative also acknowledges the influence of women like Saint Agnes of Bohemia and concludes with the unsolved assassination of Wenceslas III. The exhibition goes beyond the rulers to illuminate everyday life in the early and high Middle Ages, showcasing religion, urban development, trade, craftsmanship, art, and scholarship. Visitors can expect to see exceptional and rare exhibits, including the Romanesque sarcophagus of St. Longinus, the Royal Crown of Środa Śląska, textiles from Saint Ludmila's tomb, and the funerary jewels of Přemysl II Otakar, among over 900 significant items borrowed from nearly seventy institutions across the Czech Republic and abroad. These artifacts, ranging from jewelry and liturgical objects to weapons, coins, and books, collectively document the profound transformation of Bohemian and Moravian society and its integration into a broader European framework.

Tickets for the Museum Complex, which grant access to all current and long-term exhibitions, can be purchased online, via the mobile app, at self-service ticket machines, or at the box office. On Sundays, admission to the Museum Complex is free, with the exception of the Children's Museum. Special timed tickets are recommended for the Children's Museum. Tickets are valid for one-time entry within 30 days of purchase and cannot be returned or changed. Entry may be temporarily suspended if building capacity is full, particularly on weekends and holidays. Free admission is available for various groups upon presentation of valid identification.