International Museum Day in Prague: Where to visit for free on May 18

Museums and galleries across Prague will open their doors for free on Sunday, May 18, in celebration of International Museum Day. The annual event, launched in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), promotes public awareness of museums’ cultural, educational, and social value.

Held in more than 150 countries, the event encourages communities to engage with their cultural heritage through special programming and free admission. This year’s theme, 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' underscores how museums are adapting to social, technological, and environmental shifts.

In Prague, numerous institutions are marking the day with free entry and other activities aimed at welcoming both locals and tourists. From historical landmarks to modern art collections, the event provides a rare chance to experience a wide variety of exhibitions without an entry fee.

Among the highlights is the National Museum on Wenceslas Square, which will be open to visitors free of charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its current exhibitions include displays on Czech history, natural science, and classical archaeology. Both National Museum buildings atop Wenceslas Square will open their doors for free on May 18.

Additionally, other Prague venues that are part of the National Museum network will also feature free admission. These include the Czech Museum of Music in Malá Strana, which showcases historical instruments and the development of music in the Czech lands, as well as museums dedicated to Czech composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.

The National Gallery in Prague will offer free admission to several of its venues on May 18. Visitors can explore the Monastery of St. Agnes of Bohemia, Schwarzenberg Palace, Šternberk Palace, and the Veletržní Palace free of charge. The date also coincides with the We Are Open festival in Prague 7, which includes special events and programs throughout the day.

The City of Prague Museum will also open its network of locations for free on Sunday. These include the main museum building at Florenc, which features an impressive scale model of the city, and the House at the Golden Ring near Old Town Square, which focuses on Prague’s history and medieval development.

Though not open for free, the National Technical Museum in Letná, known for its large transport and technology exhibits, will offer discounted admission for International Museum Day. Entry to the museum’s main building in Prague will be CZK 80 for adults and CZK 40 for children aged 6 to 15.

Other Prague institutions offering free entry on the day include the Czech Police Museum, the National Agricultural Museum, and the National Pedagogical Museum.

The following Prague museums and galleries will open their doors with free or reduced admission on Sunday, May 18. Some institutions may still charge for temporary exhibitions or guided tours, so visitors are advised to check each museum’s website for exact details and hours: