Muzeum Karlova mostu

About the museum

The museum occupies several halls of the original Křižovnický špitál (Hospital of the Knights of the Cross) and of the Church of the Holy Spirit (kostel sv. Ducha, also called sv. Františka, St Francis), at the Prague end of the Charles Bridge. It opened to the public in 2007 and is run by the association Muzeum Karlova mostu Praha. The exhibition recalls the history of the place where the two banks of the Vltava meet, and the history of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, who were based here.

On display are stone building elements of bridge architecture, original craftsmen’s tools and reconstructions of period building machinery, for example a four-metre winch, as well as a reconstruction of the founding of a bridge pier at a scale of 1:2. The models deserve particular attention: Prague around the year 1000 with the fords across the Vltava, the first wooden bridge, and a joint model of the Judith Bridge (Juditin most) and the Charles Bridge.

The exhibition includes casts of statues from the Old Town Bridge Tower, made from moulds taken in the 19th century, and the bozzetto of Jan Nepomuk, the original sketch for the first sculpture for the bridge. The sacred highlight is part of the altar of Grand Master Mikuláš Puchner from the 1480s, and lunette paintings by Jan Jiří Heinsch can also be seen. Visitors can also walk through the underground part of the Baroque church of the order. The building also houses a museum café, and the museum holds temporary exhibitions, for example of nativity scenes and Easter exhibitions.

Highlights

• Models of the Charles Bridge, the Judith Bridge and Prague around the year 1000
• Reconstruction of the founding of a bridge pier and of building machinery
• Casts of statues from the Old Town Bridge Tower and the bozzetto of Jan Nepomuk
• Part of the altar of Grand Master Mikuláš Puchner from the 1480s
• Underground part of the Baroque church of the order
• Museum café in the Baroque rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Stálá expozice Muzea Karlova mostu – The exhibition presents the construction of the Charles Bridge, bridge models, sculptural decoration and the history of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, including the underground part of the church.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Muzeum Karlova mostu Praha z.s.

Admission & discounts

Entitlement to reduced admission must be proven with an ID document. Tickets can also be bought online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum’s website gives no information on step-free access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

For school groups there is an age-appropriate commentary, worksheets and a programme about Charles IV. Reduced admission applies for children under 15.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Křižovnické náměstí at the Prague end of the Charles Bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Baroque rooms of the museum house a non-smoking café with Czech cakes, sandwiches, wines and cocktails. Also part of the complex is the Charles Bridge Info information centre, where public transport tickets, maps and souvenirs are sold.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The museum offers its historic rooms for company events and Christmas parties.

Plan your visit