- Address: Karmelitská 388/2, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 257 257 777
- Website: nm.cz
- Opening hours: 10: 00-18: 00
In Prague , in the so-called Small Town, there is a small cultural center with an interesting history - the Czech Museum of Music. Here you can not only look at the unique musical instruments of different eras, but also with the help of special earphones to listen to how they sound.
History of the Museum of Music
The first stone of the building, where the cultural center is located, was laid in 1656. Originally it was a baroque church, which was consecrated only in 1709. After the reforms of Joseph II, the cathedral was closed, and the building was used to house the warehouse, mail and even living quarters. At different times there was also a theater studio and a military barracks.
From the middle of the XIX and almost to the XX century, the building served as the state archive. The opening of the music museum in Prague took place only in the autumn of 2004.
Exposition of the Museum of Music
To date, the collection has about 3000 exhibits. Visitors to the museum have an opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Czech music, as well as see national musical instruments. Each of them can be called a model of artistic skill. Here are also exhibited:
- various illustrations of relevant topics;
- notes for musical instruments;
- vintage vinyl records,
- modern music carriers.
During the tour, experts of the music museum in Prague talk about how to create a tone of a violin or a flute, how music is written for a particular instrument, what kind of events are used for this or that instrument. The overall impression of the exhibition is enhanced by the chamber atmosphere, quiet illumination of the exhibits and their sound accompaniment. The Czech Museum of Music often organizes exhibitions dedicated to the life and work of various artists. Here you can get acquainted with the works of such famous musicians as:
- Antonin Dvořák ;
- Bedřich Smetana ;
- Yaroslav Ezek;
- Josef Sook et al.
In the exhibition halls of the Czech Museum of Music you will see exhibits relating to a variety of epochs and musical directions. Here even the tools of the Renaissance are presented.
A visit to the music museum in Prague gives an opportunity to see such unique exhibits as:
- the violin of the work of Nicolo Amati;
- harp of French masters;
- harmonic of glass;
- barrel organ with thread "Annunciation";
- Woodwinds from the Rožmberg Chapel;
- pianist Franz Liszt and Bedřich Smetana.
Among the collection, the piano of 1785 stands out. It is known that Wolfgang Mozart himself played on it when he first visited Prague.
Excursions in the Museum of Music
In addition to permanent exhibitions, this cultural center hosts regular exhibitions dedicated to famous artists. Interactive programs and quizzes are organized for children in the Czech music museum. There is also a hall for classes, a concert hall, a cafe and a music store. The center is equipped with everything necessary for visitors with disabilities.
How to get to the music museum?
The cultural center is located in the north-western part of the Czech capital on the right bank of the Vltava River. From the center and other parts of Prague to the museum of music can be reached by tram. In 70 m there is a stop Hellichova, to which it is possible to get on the routes Nos. 7, 11, 12, 23, 97.
Tourists who prefer road transport should take the Zitna road. If you move along it from the center of Prague first in the western, then in the northern direction, you can be at the Czech Museum of Music in 10-12 minutes.