Národní pedagogické muzeum a knihovna J. A. Komenského

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest museums in the Czech Republic. It is a national research centre focused on the history of schooling, pedagogy, the teaching profession and education, in connection with the life, work and legacy of J. A. Komenský (Comenius). As the only Czech pedagogical museum, it comprehensively addresses and documents the history of schooling at the central level.

The museum is part of the institution Národní pedagogické muzeum a knihovna J. A. Komenského (National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Komenský), which is run by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and has existed in its present form since 2011. The institution also includes the Národní pedagogická knihovna (National Pedagogical Library) on Jeruzalémská Street. The museum is a member of the Asociace muzeí a galerií České republiky (Association of Museums and Galleries of the Czech Republic) and of the International Council of Museums.

The main attraction is the modern, interactive permanent exhibition “The Legacy of J. A. Komenský”, which operates under the auspices of the Czech National Commission for UNESCO. It guides visitors chronologically through the history of education, from the Christian beginnings in the 9th–14th centuries, through the Prague university, humanism and the Baroque, to Komenský and on to the 20th century and the present day. It includes a school room, an interactive programme on the life and work of J. A. Komenský with a collection of old school reports, and screenings of documents. Short-term thematic exhibitions complement the exhibition.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition “The Legacy of J. A. Komenský” with eleven thematic sections from the Middle Ages to the present
• School room and screenings of documents
• Interactive programme on the life and work of J. A. Komenský and a collection of old school reports
• Scribes’ corner with writing with quill pens at old school desks
• School classrooms from the First Republic and the socialist era
• Café Comenius with Wi-Fi and a museum shop

Permanent exhibition

• Odkaz J. A. Komenského – Tradice a výzvy české vzdělanosti Evropě – The interactive exhibition traces the history of education from the 9th century to the present in eleven sections, and includes a school room, a programme on the life and work of J. A. Komenský and screenings of documents.

Founded

1892

Operated by

Národní pedagogické muzeum a knihovna J. A. Komenského – příspěvková organizace Ministerstva školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy

Visitors per year

approx. 5,854

Admission & discounts

Payment is possible in cash or by payment card at the museum reception. Organised groups must reserve the time of their visit in advance (even without an educational programme), and the museum must confirm the reservation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 historic museum building does not have step-free access. The National Pedagogical Library on Jeruzalémská Street does have step-free access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

For children the exhibition offers a scribes’ corner (writing with quill pens and pen holders at old desks), school classrooms from the First Republic and the socialist era, a photo corner, interactive screens with school pictures and old school reports, and writing in Glagolitic script. The museum offers educational programmes for children of all age groups, as well as workbooks.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Café Comenius on the ground floor of the museum offers coffee, tea, desserts and Wi-Fi access; books from the home library can be borrowed freely in the café. The café is connected to the museum shop. Payment can be made in cash or by card.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit