Guide to the Night of the Museums 2024: What to Visit for FREE in Prague

International Museum Day is held every year on May 18 and is a project of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

The day was established in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society.

The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness about the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, development of mutual understanding, and peace among people.

Admission fees will be waived in nearly all departments of the National Museum, offering visitors a wide range of exhibits and collections to enjoy.

Moreover, four branches of the National Gallery in Prague will be accessible without charge. From 10:00 to 18:00, guests can explore exhibitions such as “Old Masters I” at Schwarzenberský Palace and “Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe 1200-1550” at St. Agnes Monastery.

Visitors can explore the National Agricultural Museum free of charge and take in breathtaking views of Prague from the building’s rooftop. The museum, located at Kostelní 1300/44, will welcome guests from 09:00 to 17:00.

The Clam-Gallas Palace, part of the Prague City Museum, will also be open to the public at no cost, offering a glimpse into its rich history and architectural splendor. Visitors can explore from 10:00 to 18:00 at Husova 158/20, Staré Město.

Furthermore, the Museum of the Czech Police, situated at Ke Karlovu 453/1, will open its doors to guests from 10:00 to 17:00.

While some venues maintain reduced admission fees, the National Technical Museum will offer a significant discount, with tickets priced at 80 CZK for adults and 40 CZK for children under 15. Visitors can marvel at an array of cars, motorcycles, trains, and other machinery from the First Republic era. The museum, located at Kostelní 42, will be open from 09:00 to 18:00.

Additionally, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts will reduce ticket prices at its main historical building, offering entry for 120 CZK.

History

The first International Museum Day took place in 1977, coordinated by ICOM.

IMD was established following the adoption of a resolution by ICOM to create an annual event “with the aim of further unifying the creative aspirations and efforts of museums and drawing the attention of the world public to their activity.”

Each year, museums internationally are invited to participate in IMD to promote the role of museums around in the world. They do so through events and activities related to the annual theme. An annual theme for the event was first adopted in 1992.

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