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Jewish Museum in Prague: A Testament to History and Heritage

Explore Prague's Jewish Quarter: a journey through synagogues, history, and one of the world's largest Judaica collections.

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The Jewish Museum in Prague, located in the heart of Josefov, is not a single building but a collection of significant Jewish monuments, including synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Robert Guttmann Gallery. Established in 1906, it stands as one of the oldest Jewish museums in Europe, preserving invaluable artifacts and documenting the rich history of Jewish life in the Czech lands.

A brief summary to Jewish Museum in Prague

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online or at the Spanish Synagogue to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the various synagogues, exhibitions, and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the synagogues; avoid exposed shoulders, arms, and abdomen.
  • Consider a guided tour for in-depth insights into the history and significance of the Jewish Quarter.
  • The Old-New Synagogue requires a separate ticket, so plan accordingly if you wish to visit it.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Jewish Museum is located in Josefov, Prague's Jewish Quarter, easily accessible on foot from the Old Town Square. From the square, walk north on Pařížská street. Turn right onto Maiselova street, where you'll find the Information and Reservation Centre, a central starting point for exploring the museum's sites. Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for this walk. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Jewish Museum via public transport, take Metro Line A or Tram lines 2, 17, or 18 to the Staroměstská station. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk to the Jewish Quarter. A single 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines in the metro station or via the PID Lítačka mobile app.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Prague. A taxi ride from Wenceslas Square to the Jewish Museum typically takes about 5 minutes and costs between 230-290 CZK. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Be sure the driver is using a meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Jewish Museum in Prague

The Jewish Museum in Prague is more than just a museum; it's a journey through centuries of Jewish history, resilience, and cultural heritage. Spread across six different sites within Prague's Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, the museum comprises several synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Robert Guttmann Gallery. These monuments, along with the Old-New Synagogue, collectively form the 'Jewish Town Monuments,' representing one of the best-preserved complexes of Jewish historical sites in Europe. Founded in 1906, the museum's initial aim was to safeguard artifacts from Prague synagogues demolished during the Jewish Quarter's redevelopment. During the Nazi occupation, the museum was abolished but later re-established by the Prague Jewish community in 1942, ironically with Nazi approval, to preserve Jewish heritage. It served as a haven for liturgical objects, books, and archival documents from defunct Jewish communities throughout World War II. After the war, the museum faced restrictions under the communist regime until regaining independence in 1994. The museum's collection is one of the largest Judaica collections in the world, boasting approximately 40,000 objects, 100,000 books, and an extensive archive of Czech and Moravian Jewish community histories. Key sites include the Maisel Synagogue, which showcases the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia from the 10th to 18th centuries, and the Spanish Synagogue, known for its stunning Moorish architecture and exhibits detailing Jewish history from emancipation to the present day. The Pinkas Synagogue serves as a memorial to Czech victims of the Holocaust, with the Old Jewish Cemetery offering a poignant look at centuries of Jewish burial traditions. Visiting the Jewish Museum is essential for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of Jewish culture and history in Prague and beyond. Wandering through the Jewish Quarter is free, but entry to the historical monuments requires a ticket. The Information and Reservation Centre at Maiselova 15 is a central point for tickets, guided tours, audio guides, and useful visitor information.

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