Accessible Prague: Culture without barriers

Do you or your loved one have restricted mobility, and are wondering where to go in Prague for accessible culture? Well, just for you, we have prepared a summary of cultural institutions that provide easy access, be it for wheelchair users, seniors or those with a small child in a stroller. Some of the buildings are fully accessible, but we recommend visiting some of the others with accompaniment. Please accept our invitation and we wish you a lot of fine cultural experiences.

Museums

The National Museum on Wenceslas Square has been through a major overhaul, not least to provide barrier-free access. The modern exhibitions in the Historical and the New Building of the National Museum will not only take you through various stages of Czech history, but will also offer a glimpse into the amazing world of animals, and minerals. Smaller visitors are sure to enjoy the “Mouseum” relaxation zone.

The beautifully restored Renaissance façade of the Museum of Decorative Arts (UPM), situated opposite the Rudolfinum concert hall is sure to catch your attention at first sight. Coming in to the building through the side entrance from Široká street, you can enjoy a diverse show of top-notch historical and contemporary designs.

Right next to the UPM is the Josefov district, which houses the buildings of the Jewish Museum in Prague. For anyone interested in this range of sights we would definitely recommend a visit to the Spanish Synagogue in Vězeňská street or the Maisel Synagogue in Maiselova street.

The Museum of Prague has a permanent exhibition dedicated to Charles IV’s Prague in the Dům U Zlatého prstenu (House at the Golden Ring) in Týnská street near the Old Town Square. To get there you do have to overcome some more demanding terrain, specifically, historical cobbles.

If you are heading to Letná, you simply cannot miss two almost identical functionalist buildings opposite Letná Park. They house the National Technical Museum and the National Museum of Agriculture. Their names tell you what awaits inside. From the accessible roof of the National Museum of Agriculture you will also enjoy a wonderful view of Prague.

Galleries

Lovers of modern art should definitely not miss a visit to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Holešovice. This former factory building has become an example of outstanding contemporary architecture with perfectly designed accessibility. The centre’s programme covers a range of genres – fine arts, literature, theatre and music.

When it comes to the National Gallery Prague sites, we recommend the Trade Fair Palace. This jewel of Czech Functionalist architecture, purpose-built for trade fairs, provides space for exhibitions of 19th and 20th century fine art and other short-term exhibitions. The Baroque premises of the Wallenstein Riding School in Klárov are used by the National Gallery Prague for key short-term exhibition projects.

House of Photography in Revoluční street is managed by Prague City Gallery, which organizes regular exhibitions here. If you are a fan of the photographic arts, do not hesitate to visit.

Another accessible exhibition space we gladly draw your attention to is the Kooperativa Gallery in Prague’s Karlín district. Every year there are two thematic exhibitions from the eponymous insurance company’s own art collections, as well as loans from other galleries and private collections.

You can also top off your visit to our most famous heritage monument, Prague Castle, with a visit to the Imperial Stables in the 2nd Courtyard. Exhibitions dedicated to leading Czech fine art are regularly held here.

Museum Kampa is undoubtedly one of the most notable Prague galleries. Its permanent exhibition ‘Kupka / Gutfreund – world masters of painting’ and other short-term exhibitions are definitely worth seeing. The exhibition spaces themselves are easily accessible, the hindrance here being somewhat more demanding surrounding terrain.

From 22.2.2022 you will have the opportunity to enter the renovated premises of the former transformer station in Klárov. Opening here will be the art site Kunsthalle Praha, a modern gallery space with perfect facilities. The exhibition programme being prepared for visitors is sure to delight.

Theatres

If you are a fan of theatre, then you certainly have plenty to choose from, whatever your preferred style of drama. Your to witness on the boards of the National Theatre are performances by Laterna magika ensembles, drama, ballet, opera and a number of other original projects. They are offered by the New Stage of the National Theatre on Národní třída, the State Opera in Wilsonova street and the Estates Theatre in Železná street.

Among the special categories of dramatic art to be seen is the black light theatre. If you have kids with you, why not take them along to the exceptional performances at the Image Theatre on Národní třída. Also not to be missed is the new circus genre, combining dance, music, theatre, fine arts and film with circus acts. The Jatka 78 stage in the Prague Market in Holešovice is becoming increasingly popular with spectators.

Concerts

Lovers of classical music are most welcome to enjoy the virtuosity of their favourite composers and performers in the beautiful surroundings of the most famous Prague concert halls. These naturally include the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House, the Art Nouveau gem on Republic Square, the Dvořák Hall in the Rudolfinum, which is the seat of the Czech Philharmonic on Jan Palach Square, or HAMU, the Bohuslav Martinů Hall in the Liechtenstein Palace on Malostranské náměstí square.

If you prefer other musical genres, be they jazz, rock, blues, folk or country, you will surely find something to suit from the diverse range on offer at the legendary Klub Malostranská beseda.

Special programmes

In addition to physical accessibility, cultural institutions strive for a comprehensive approach to removing barriers, including those of communication, resulting in a gradually expanding range of programmes for visitors with hearing and vision impairments. Detailed information about some of these can be found on their website: The National Gallery in Prague, Prague City Gallery.