Featured Events in Prague in April, 2025 (August Updated)

The exhibition, Stories Behind the Glass, at the Ethnographic Museum will display reverse glass paintings from the collections of the Ethnographic Department of the National Museum. This is one of the most common types of folk art appearing in the interiors of the common people in the 19th century. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the restoration workshop, where one can learn about the equipment, tools and the individual steps of the complex restoration procedure. It will also demonstrate the production specifics of reverse glass paintings and the most common types of damage that can be incurred. The work of the restorers is exemplified, among other things, by comparing the condition of the paintings before and after professional intervention. The exhibition also features a number of interactive elements, usually referring directly to practice of restoration. The exhibition is also aimed at children, who may try their hand at retouching reverse glass paintings using colored paper or putting together glass puzzles.

A smaller exhibition in the showcases located in the Eastern hall of the Historical Building presents the expeditions of the National Museum, which are primarily united by a desire for knowledge that overcomes borders. It presents a selection of the most important historical expeditions which demonstrate the institution's long research tradition, up to contemporary expeditions. One of the oldest research trips is reminiscent of A. Frič's expeditions to Banat (1853) and Dalmatia (1856) accompanied by acquired zoological specimens. The challenging nature of the expeditions is exemplified by the entomological expedition to Iran by Praga V3S museum vehicle in the 1970s or, at the time, the pioneering expeditions to the Mapuche area in South America. Current expeditions of the National Museum will take you to diverse corners of the world on almost all continents and unearth the latest scientific and archaeological discoveries made by the researchers. They will explain the importance of cooperation between scientific and museum departments and multidisciplinary approach, which lead to the joint results of the work of a team of experts that examine the topic from different points of view.

As part of the Year of Czech Music and the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth, the My Country exhibition commemorates the personality of Bedřich Smetana and one of his most important compositions. Through authentic notes, correspondence and, above all, scores, it presents the individual symphonic poems as the composer himself conceived them, the historical context in which they were composed and the reactions that accompanied them at later important historical moments in czech history. The exhibition opens symbolically on November 2024, the 142nd anniversary of the first complete performance of My Country. In the exhibition, you can look forward to unique collection items from the National Museum, which will be on display during nine thematic stops. At the beginning, the exhibition will introduce you to the personality of Bedřich Smetana, whose life you will be able to glimpse through his personal objects, such as glasses, a desk, writing utensils, a calamus, a peephole or a hearing aid. The second stop will immerse you in the time and circumstances in which the My Country cycle was created between 1874 and 1879, and will also remind you of the first ensemble performance on 5 November 1882 at the Žofín in Prague. Other parts of the exhibition are devoted to six individual poems – Vyšehrad, Vltava, Šárka, the poem From the Czech Meadows and Groves, Tábor and Blaník. You will learn, for example, that the score for Vltava was written under the composer's hands for an incredible 19 days, when he added the note "being completely deaf" to the score. The last, ninth stop will present My Homeland in the Changes of Time and will recall performances of the piece associated with important historical moments. In addition to the composer's personal objects, you will be able to see various musical materials and sheet music, photographs, sculptures, paintings, letters, books, illustrations, musical instruments – for example, there will be a harp to play. The exhibition also includes historical artefacts such as replicas of Hussite weapons from the 19th century. My Homeland in Stones is also on display, so you will be able to touch rocks from Blaník or pebbles from the Vltava River. Of course, the exhibition also focuses on the sound experience. It includes a listening map of the Vltava and audio islands with entire symphonic poems. The central themes can be heard in short excerpts.

Every important building has its foundations, not only structural, but also symbolic. The pillar of the National Museum are its collections. They are the most important thing inside the building, which in itself is one of the most precious items. However, it is the people, not only the founders, employees, donors, but also the visitors, who make the museum come alive. Collections, buildings and people – this is the National Museum. Together they form added values. The Museum from the cellar to the attic exhibition offers its visitors to peek into the life of the institution. It is symbolically installed in period cabinets designed more than a hundred years ago by Josef Schulz, the architect of the Historical Building. Individual collections and themes across the institution compose a puzzle-like image of the museum in the cabinets. It reflects contemporary scientific practices and knowledge, cultural norms and political changes, as well as modifications in the ways of acquiring, preserving and presenting collections over a period of more than 200 years.

During his eleven years of exploration in South Africa, traveller Dr. Emil Holub collected tens of thousands of objects, made observations covering the fields of natural history and ethnography, hunted game, and studied the ethnic groups he encountered on his travels. His portrait with a typical tropical helmet is basically iconic. To this day, his immense popularity has been exploited by various artistic and advertising projects, shaping and distorting the traveller into an image that has become almost cult-like. The aim of the Emil Holub exhibition is not to convey a comprehensive view of Holub's personality, but to open up questions directed towards the present. How do we perceive Emil Holub and the activities associated with him today? How do various myths and legends influence this perception? What is the value of Holub's collections, how did he work with them and how does contemporary exhibition and collection-building work with them? Where can we see objects from these collections? How do we perceive Holub through the lens of colonial studies? The exhibition is divided into four parts. The first one is devoted to two journeys to Africa that Holub made in the 1870s and 1880s. Through several examples, it shows how Holub created a depiction of the course of these journeys, what their original goals were, how they were fulfilled, and how they were reacted to by some of the later products of mass culture. It also shows the most important discoveries made by Holub during his expeditions in South Africa and presents his natural history collection.

In our minds, Vietnam evokes diverse scenes; some of us imagine beautiful natural landscapes, others see rice fields, and some recall the war the United States waged there. However, these stereotypical images fail to capture the rich tapestry of a society with a long history and vibrant traditional culture, one that has also undergone rapid transformation in recent years Vietnam represents a blend of tradition and contemporary lifestyles. In our country, our connection with this distant land runs deep, largely due to the substantial Vietnamese minority residing here. There were no relations between the two nations until 1950, yet their subsequent interactions were notably profound. This led to the establishment of a large Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, whose narrative is inherently fascinating. The exhibition not only delves into Vietnam's history and traditions but also sheds light on this community, exploring mutual relationships and the dynamics of coexistence. This project presented a significant challenge for the Náprstek Museum, involving not only its professional team but also active engagement from the community itself. The preparation of the exhibition was a collaborative effort, consulting not only individuals but also Czech-Vietnamese organizations.

The need to seek out and induce physically pleasurable sensations is common to both animals and humans. Over the course of human evolution, people have used their boundless ingenuity to explore and develop tools in order to experience physical bliss. Across time and space, countless means of indulgence have emerged, uniting pleasure–seekers throughout the ages. Yet, the boundary between pleasure and vice is a delicate one; its definition has been evershifting, shaped by the moral standards and cultural background of each era. We invite you to discover the desires, passions and humour of our ancestors, who often had to carve out their moments of relief and pleasure amidst the daily toil, the binding demands of the Church and social norms, material scarcity and feelings of insecurity. Learn the stories of those who have succumbed to temptation.

The exhibition, which was prepared and adapted for Prachatice by the Naive Theatre in Liberec, presents the work of important scenographers such as Pavel Kalfus, Ivan Antoš, Ivan Nesveda, Marek Zákostelecký, Barbora Jakůbková and Robert Smolík, who have collaborated with the theatre for a long time or still do. In the exhibition, you can enjoy puppets and decorations from dozens of productions that have been successful in the Czech Republic and abroad – the most popular productions include Headless Knight and Alibaba and the Forty Robbers. The current repertoire of the Naive Theatre Liberec is reminded by posters and a short film composed of excerpts from current productions. The new exhibition concludes the three-year cycle Profiles of Professional Puppet Theatres, which builds on the existing exhibition at the Museum of Czech Puppets and Circus in Prachatice.

The exhibition Antonín Dvořák in Photographs presents more than 45 photographs taken by prominent Czech and international photographic studios, as well as amateur photographers, capturing Antonín Dvořák at various stages of his life. The display includes several rarely seen and previously unexhibited photographs of Antonín Dvořák from age 27 to the end of his life. A particularly unique feature is a set of amateur photographs (snapshots) showing Antonín Dvořák enjoying leisure time with his family at their summer residence in Vysoká u Příbramě. Also featured are stereoscopic photographs of the composer with his family taken during their stay in the United States of America.

SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for professionals and enthusiasts in the field, taking place from April 7 to April 11 at the prestigious Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. This premier conference will gather leading experts, researchers, and industry pioneers to delve into the latest advancements in optics and optoelectronics. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring cutting-edge presentations, insightful panel discussions, and numerous networking opportunities. With a focus on the latest technological innovations and research breakthroughs, SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for anyone invested in the future of these dynamic fields. The vibrant city of Prague, with its rich history and cultural heritage, provides an inspiring backdrop for this significant gathering, making it an event not to be missed.

In May 2023, a selected part of the collection of the National Museum–Antonín Dvořák Museum was registered under the name Antonín Dvořák Archive in the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme Register which safeguards the most important documentary heritage of humanity. Following the addition of the Leoš Janáček Archive in 2018, this marks the second instance of a collection from a Czech music composer being included on this prestigious list. An archive containing Dvořák's musical manuscripts, letters, personal documents, non-musical manuscripts, his personal library, iconographic documents, first editions of Dvořák's compositions, printed documentation, diplomas and honorary memberships has been entried into the Register. A total of 3,500 units were part of the nomination. However, the collection of the Antonín Dvořák Museum contains significantly more objects. As of 2023, the museum oversees a compilation of approximately 9,000 items within its collection. The aim of the Antonín Dvořák: My life & Work exhibition is to comprehensively showcase the Dvořák collection, taking into account both the chronological progression of the composer's life and the essence of the UNESCO nomination. Over the course of a year, the exceptional exhibition will present 18 Dvořák’s original musical manuscripts.

A musician’s livelihood is built on diligence, their technical knowledge of playing, and their talent. But what is the use of daily practice and talent without the ability to reach an audience? Come behind the scenes of the music industry and go on a concert tour with us. How did music travel from the Czech Lands to the world and back again? Stars go on tour, itinerant musicians wander from town to town, some musical nomads may not even have a permanent home. They travel by land, air, and sea, on foot and by saloon carriage, and spend the night roughing it and in luxury hotels. As well as a way of making a living, travelling offers a number of stimuli, inspiration and the opportunity to see distant lands.

The Mysterious Nubia exhibition in the Historical Building of the National Museum commemorates the international action to save endangered monuments in the historical territory of Nubia, which was announced by UNESCO 65 years ago. Thanks to the Czechoslovak expeditions and the participation in the findings of the then Czechoslovak Institute of Egyptology of the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University, the exceptional cultural heritage of the Lower Nubian region has been preserved in the collections of the National Museum.

In the New Building of the National Museum, you can visit the exhibition of the 30th edition of the prestigious Czech Press Photo journalistic competition. Eight photography categories were announced this year. 256 photographers who submitted over 4,500 photos competed.The exhibition of the winning and other selected photos of Czech Press Photo competition is organized in cooperation with the National Museum. Award-winning images and other selected photographs that characterize the past year are presented at the exhibition. In total, there are more than 500 printed photographs and more than 250 images in screens and projections from 80 authors. A rich accompanying program will be part of the exhibition. Also this year, the Czech Photo Junior was announced for young authors from primary and secondary schools who have sent almost 1,500 photos. An exhibition of award-winning Czech Photo Junior images will be on display both in the National Museum and in a larger format in a unique outdoor exhibition in front of Fragment Gallery in Prague – Karlín.

The exhibition in the Historical Building of the National Museum focuses on the life and work of Giambattista Bodoni (1740–1813), one of the most important typographers and typesetters in history. Bodoni, who came from a printing family, founded a royal printing house in Parma and later his own private workshop, from which he produced typographically magnificent works. The exhibition traces Bodoni's journey to typographic excellence, from his early years in his father's printing house, to his work for the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in Rome, to his success in Parma. The exhibition introduces Bodoni's revolutionary style, which is characterized by a striking contrast of thin and thick strokes of type and an emphasis on the harmony between text and free space. The exhibition also documents Bodoni's collaboration with important figures of his time, including Duke Ferdinand of Parma and the King of Spain. The exhibition presents Bodoni's most important prints, including the Manuale tipografico, a specimen book of typefaces published after Bodoni's death by his wife Margherita Paola.

An extraordinary personality of world history gave the name to the exhibition held in the Historical Building of the National Museum: Chinggis Khan. But the subject matter is much broader and does not focus only on the life and times of the legendary conqueror and founder of one of history's greatest empires. The unique Chinggis Khan exhibition offers unique objects of world cultural heritage that are rarely presented abroad, from the collections of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the Institute of Archaeology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. It is also supplemented by equally unique objects from the National Museum's depositories and will take you through the world of the Great Khan in the first quarter of the 13th century and the centuries before and after. You can look forward to treasures from the monumental underground tombs of the Hun rulers, the weapons and cavalry equipment of the feared Mongol horsemen, reminders of their campaigns that changed much of the then known world for centuries, and objects that provide insight into the mysterious spiritual world and mysticism of the ancient Mongols, their everyday lives and personal stories. The exhibition, which includes more than 260 exhibits, will present rare gold jewellery, weapons, clothing, ritual masks, paintings, ceramics and equestrian equipment in three exhibition halls, including the rarest exhibit from the Great Mongol Empire, a unique wooden horse saddle.The exhibition is realized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth and with the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

The Prague Jobspin Job and Relocation Fair 2025, set to take place on April 1st at the prestigious Prague Congress Center inc. in Prague, Czech, is an unparalleled opportunity for job seekers and expatriates. This highly anticipated event will bring together top employers, industry experts, and relocation service providers, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to explore diverse career prospects, gain expert advice on relocation, and attend informative workshops and seminars. The Prague Jobspin Job and Relocation Fair 2025 is designed to facilitate seamless transitions for professionals looking to advance their careers or relocate to Prague, making it an essential event for anyone considering a move to this vibrant city.

Different powerful forces are transforming the banking industry.  New technologies, increasing customer expectations, demographical changes, open APIs, new market players, regulatory requirements, micro and macro-economic climate are together creating precondition for change. In todays demanding market situation, it is not only necessary for banks to comply, but also to retool and transform, to be innovative, new and fresh, in order to win the customer of the future. The 12th Global Banking Innovation Forum & Expo is a must-attend event for bankers from all over the world, with a strong educational program based on leading banks case studies, various networking opportunities: formal and informal, and a great EXPO hall with world’s most innovative existing FinTech solutions to date. Information Source: UniGlobal | expotobi

For Garden will display of Garden Architecture, Greenery, Furniture, Garden and Municipal Technology Fair, etc. Profile for exhibit includes Garden Architecture, Garden Constructions, Functional Garden Equipment, Garden Furniture, Small lakes, irrigation technics, water plumbing, Garden Accessories, Plants and preparation for their growing, Storage and transport of horticulture products, Garden and Municipal Technology and Mechanization. Information Source: expotobi

The For Interior Living Fair is a significant event for producers and suppliers of gift and decoration products, is an opportunity for the people to live in style here and now rather than in the distant future. Professionals working in the field of Decoration, Home & Office Design, Furniture, Lightning, Fabrics - Clothing Textiles, Home Exhibitions, Kitchen & Bathroom accessories, Carpets, Curtains & Blinds, Decorative Accessories, Fabrics, Homewares, Lights & Lamps, Manchester, Objets d'art, Rugs & Floorcoverings, Soft Furnishings will be participating in the exhibition. Information Source: expotobi

Design Shaker is the biggest show of interior design, which aims to present contemporary interior trends to the general public and to create an ideal platform for meeting designers, interior designers, and manufacturers. Exhibitors will showcase interior design, furniture and accessories based products and services associated with this field. Information Source: expotobi

The purpose of the International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems (ICEIS) is to bring together researchers, engineers and practitioners interested in the advances and business applications of information systems. Six simultaneous tracks will be held, covering different aspects of Enterprise Information Systems Applications, including Enterprise Database Technology, Systems Integration, Artificial Intelligence, Decision Support Systems, Information Systems Analysis and Specification, Internet Computing, Electronic Commerce, Human Factors and Enterprise Architecture. Information Source: Institute For Systems Technologies Of Information Control & Communication (INSTICC) | expotobi