Náprstkovo muzeum asijských, afrických a amerických kultur

About the museum

The museum was founded by the patron and patriot Vojta Náprstek, who settled in the family house U Halánků on Betlémské náměstí after returning from American exile. In 1858 he opened a public library there and in 1874 a private museum, originally called the Czech Industrial Museum. The collections grew quickly, so from 1885 a new exhibition building was constructed on the site of the former brewery and distillery; the first exhibitions were held there in 1887, and an extension was added in 1901.

In 1932 the state took over the museum under the name Náprstek Museum of General Ethnography, and from 1 January 1943 it has been part of the National Museum. Technical exhibits passed to the National Technical Museum at that time. In the 1960s the institution concentrated on non-European cultures and acquired its present name; the European collections were handed over to another department of the National Museum.

The collections of the Náprstek Museum are among the largest of their kind in Central Europe, and only a small part of them is on display. The Asian collection is the largest; other holdings include objects from Africa, Oceania and both Americas, as well as numismatics, photography and an archive. The museum also includes the original Náprstek Library, with tens of thousands of volumes, preserved as a whole. The building comprises the U Halánků house and an exhibition wing from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a courtyard that is freely accessible.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the cultures of Australia and Oceania on the second floor
• Historic building from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries on the site of the former U Halánků brewery
• Freely accessible courtyard with a café and outdoor exhibitions
• The original Náprstek Library, with a guided tour by arrangement
• Extensive collections of Asian, African and American cultures

Permanent exhibition

• Kultury Austrálie a Oceánie – The permanent exhibition on the second floor of the main building presents the cultures of Australia and Oceania from the museum’s collections.

Founded

1874

Operated by

Národní muzeum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free-entry days for National Museum buildings are published on the page Free Entry Days.

The e-ticket is valid for one entry for 30 days from purchase. Holders of ICOM and Společnost NM cards and of the Prague Card – CoolPass also enter free (at the ticket office only). Guided tours for the public (Czech only, by reservation): admission plus CZK 70 per person; tour of the historic library interior CZK 70. The courtyard is freely accessible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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 building is partly step-free: the exhibitions and displays can be reached by lift or by a stair platform lift. Special toilets are not available. Details can be obtained by telephone on 224 497 511.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

There is an unattended children’s corner with play elements in the courtyard; the baby changing table is in the toilets on the first mezzanine floor. Prams are not allowed into the exhibitions and can be left on the ground floor. Programmes for families with children are listed in the section For Families with Children on the museum’s website.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Betlémské náměstí in the Old Town; the museum’s website does not provide parking information.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Dorado Coffee café in the courtyard (daily except Mondays, 10:00–18:00). Cloakroom with lockable lockers for a refundable deposit of CZK 100. The shop on the ground floor offers catalogues, specialist literature, calendars and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The premises of the Náprstek Museum can be rented; the conditions are listed on the National Museum’s page Rentals.

Plan your visit