Many visitors to the Czech Republic turn their stay into a true marathon of museums and galleries, which Prague has in abundance. But how to get the little ones inside during a holiday!
- What if the museum is full of toys, offering girls the sight of several hundred dolls and boys the chance to view an impressive model railway? In Prague, the Toy Museum (Muzeum hraček) is the very thing, and the kids will love it! Two floors of the former Burgrave’s Residence in Prague Castle are devoted to a great many unique European and American toys.
- Also consider a trip to Prague’s Museum of Miniatures (Muzeum miniatur). Here you can see, for instance, the smallest book in the world, measuring 0.9 x 0.9 mm and containing 30 pages, as well as miniature replicas of famous paintings and other points of interest.
- If your fancy is tickled by this museum, you will love even more the Miniature Kingdom (Malé Království) in Prague, offering cleverly miniaturised replicas of the most famous castles, chateaux, and other significant or noteworthy architectural and technical monuments in the Czech Republic.
- Boys in particular will love the Technical Museum (Technické muzeum) in Prague, with a large exhibition of historic and modern cars, cycles, aircraft, machinery – and some things that can even be touched and pulled.
A particularly popular event for both parents and children in recent years has become the nationwide Museum Night – an exceptional presentation of the national cultural heritage at an unusual time and in an unusual way. Every year, an increasing number of museums and galleries across the entire nation take part in this event, held in late May or early June. The gates of the museums remain open for visitors nearly all night long, making a tour of their public areas a true adventure. Many museums and galleries furthermore enliven the nocturnal tours with a rich accompanying programme, competitions and special guided tours.
Among the regional museums and galleries that your children will certainly enjoy are these special recommendations:
- Miniuni Ostrava is a popular attraction for children and adults. Over around 1.5 hectares display over 20 models of the landmarks of Europe’s capitals, dominated by a 12-m-high Eiffel Tower. The models are built to a scale of 1:25, and are supplemented by a fully functional model railway, airport and water routes with a steamship.
- Children and youth have additional attractions in this complex: wooden climbing bars and swings, inflatable bouncing toys, as well as educational and technical amusements. The models and attractions are regularly expanded. There is also a restaurant in the complex serving specialities from around Europe. Special celebrations of individual EU states and cities are regularly held here.
- The Fairy-Tale House (Pohádkový dům) in Český Krumlov offers the chance to view dozens of the most valuable historic marionettes and puppets from the collections of the National Museum – along with a gift shop where replicas can be purchased.
