Imagine a world without the marvels of technology we often take for granted. That’s what the National Technical Museum in Prague is here to show us. The National Technical Museum is not just a storehouse of old objects. It is a dynamic institution that vividly showcases the evolution of technology and science in the Czech lands.
Founded in 1908, the National Technical Museum stands as the largest Czech museum specializing in scientific and technical expositions. Its mission is to document technological advancement both in the Czech lands and worldwide. The museum’s history stretches back to the 18th century. It is one of the five oldest specialized technical museums in the world. The real beginnings of the museum date back to 1862. Vojtěch Náprstek established the first museum of industry. He focused on collecting exhibits representing the latest technological progress.
As you step inside the National Technical Museum, prepare to be amazed by the sheer volume of its collection. Over 70000 exhibits are housed within these walls. They show the development of science and technology in the Czech lands. The museum has 14 permanent exhibitions and seasonal expositions. The museum spans over seven floors and 14000 square meters.
The museum’s building has a story too. Construction began in 1938 but was halted by World War II. It was finally completed in 2013 after 75 years. The National Technical Museum was initially located in the Schwarzenberg Palace on Hradčany Square.
One of the most captivating aspects of the National Technical Museum is its diverse range of exhibits. You will see aircraft, automobiles, and trains. The museum makes it a popular destination for families and aspiring engineers. The collection includes the Tatra T80 limousine of President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Also, the personal train carriages of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Austrian Emperor Franz Josef are on display. The latter’s carriage was produced in Prague.
Many exhibits are still functional. They are leased out to filmmakers. The carriage of Franz Ferdinand can be seen in the Czech film Dinner for Adele. It was also used in the French film All Quiet on the Western Front.
Among the museum’s treasures are the sextants used by Johannes Kepler and Tycho de Brahe. It was during his time in Prague that Kepler discovered the laws of planetary motion. Another gem is the golden Mercedes from the late 1930s. It was used by the racer Rudolf Caracciola. The radio desk from Czechoslovak Radio is also a highlight.
The National Technical Museum also celebrates Czech inventions. The machine Otto Wichterle used to develop soft contact lenses is on display. He built it from a Merkur toy set.
The National Technical Museum emphasizes its connection with the present. The museum houses modern objects. The first complete electric car designed by Škoda, the Enyaq, is also here.
The National Technical Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM. A visit here is more than just a tour. It’s an immersion into the world of innovation and discovery. The National Technical Museum is a testament to human ingenuity. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of science and technology.