Muzeum komunismu
A museum in the Old Customs House near Republic Square shows everyday life, propaganda and repression in communist Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989 on about 1,500 m².
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of Communism was founded in 2001 by the American entrepreneur Glenn Spicker, who lived in Prague. It is run by the private company Legacy s.r.o. For the first sixteen years it was located in the Sylva-Taroucca Palace on Příkopy; since 21 August 2017 it has been located in the Old Customs House on V Celnici street, close to Republic Square.
The exhibition, covering about 1,500 m², traces the history of Czechoslovakia from the communists' seizure of power in February 1948 until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. It is divided into three thematic parts: Dream, Reality and Nightmare. Visitors become acquainted with everyday life, the economy, schooling, sport, socialist realism and propaganda, but also with the People's Militia, the army, the police, State Security (StB), censorship and political trials, as well as forced labour camps.
The commentary consists of about sixty information panels, period posters, everyday objects and short videos. The photographs come, among other sources, from the archive of the Czech News Agency (ČTK) and from the Archive of the Security Services, which is a partner of the exhibition. Part of the visit also includes built-up spaces, for example a shock worker's workshop, a school classroom, a children's room and an interrogation room.
Highlights
- Built-up spaces: a shock worker's workshop, a school classroom, a children's room and an interrogation room
- Three thematic parts, Dream, Reality and Nightmare, from February 1948 to the Velvet Revolution
- Propaganda, State Security (StB), political trials and forced labour camps
- Documentary film on the years 1969–1989 shown directly in the museum (screened every 20 minutes)
- Photographs from the ČTK archive and the Archive of the Security Services
Permanent exhibition
- Stálá expozice Muzea komunismu – The exhibition covers about 1,500 m² and traces life in Czechoslovakia from February 1948 until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Apart from panels, posters and videos, it includes built-up spaces, for example a school classroom, a children's room or an interrogation room.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Legacy s.r.o.
- Visitors per year
- approx. 88,357
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 390 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 310 Kčsecondary and university students with a valid student card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Children under 10 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. |
| Seniors | 340 KčSeniors from 65. |
| Students & apprentices | 310 KčSecondary and university students; a valid student card is required. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Groups of 15 or more people receive a 10% discount on admission; the discount is also given directly at the ticket office without a reservation. Children under 10 are not counted towards the group size. The museum offers reduced prices to schools, and the accompanying teacher enters free; drivers and guides of travel agencies enter free. |
| Families | 820 KčUp to 2 adults and 2 children aged 10–17; each additional child pays CZK 190. |
| Guided tour (group price, in addition to admission) | 1,500 KčUp to 40 people; lasts about an hour; in English, German and French; only with prior booking. |
The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the end of opening hours.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 820 Kč · Up to 2 adults and 2 children aged 10–17; each additional child pays CZK 190. |
Children under 10 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. The family admission is valid for up to two adults and two children aged 10–17. Worksheets have been prepared for school classes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Náměstí Republiky
Metro line B, Náměstí Republiky station.
The museum entrance is from Republic Square, between the Billa supermarket and the Kolkovna restaurant. The museum is located in the Old Customs House (V Celnici 1031/4).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The museum has a souvenir shop (books, posters, postcards, T-shirts) and a café, run by Legacy Retail s.r.o. There is also a small cinema inside.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Filming and photography without flash for non-commercial purposes are free with a valid ticket. |
| Good to know | A guided tour is possible only after prior booking through the museum's reservation office. For schools there is a teaching room and worksheets. |
