National Museum

There are two parts to the National Museum in Prague: The main building (pictured), the interior of which is closed for renovation until June 2015. And the New Building of the National Museum – the dark building to the left of the main building as you face it from Wenceslas Square – which remains open. Prior to its closure, the main building was the oldest and the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It is the foremost attraction in Wenceslas Square, set in a commanding position at its top, behind the statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse. The National Museum is a monumental neo-renaissance building, designed by Josef Schultz as an architectural symbol of the Czech National Revival. Construction lasted from 1818-1891. The National Museum is built on the site of the former Horse Gate, so named because Wenceslas Square once served as the main Prague horse market. The entrance hall of the National Museum is very grand, with sweeping staircases and intricate stonework. There are also beautiful frescos on the ceilings. The exhibition rooms, which were looking tired, will be the main beneficiary of the restoration works. Before joining the National Museum, the New Building served as the parliament of Czechoslovakia during the communist era. And more recently, it was home to Radio Free Europe. The New Building presents a program of temporary exhibitions.