From the Duke's entourage to the President's Castle Guard

The exhibition located on three floors of the Mihulka Tower presents the history and the present of the Castle Guard and the historical development of its predecessors. Visitors will be guided through the history through a series of exhibits and historical scenes. There is also one of the symbols of the rebirth of the Castle Guard after November 1989 (the end of the communist era), the now legendary BMW K75 motorcycle that accompanied state visits after Václav Havel was elected president.  

Visitors will first learn about the history of the protection of the monarchs at Prague Castle from the 16th century to the establishment of an independent Czechoslovakia on 28 October 1918. The Czech Sokol Society took over the role of guard of honour at Prague Castle for a temporary period until 6 December 1918. The Castle Guard was created in connection with the expected return of President T. G. Masaryk from exile.

After the occupation of the republic by German troops on 15 March 1939, the 1st Battalion of the Government Army of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia took over its tasks. Between 1945 and 1948, the Castle Guard was again built according to the model used during the years of the First Republic. During the communist regime, the Castle Guard lost its elite character and became only a symbolic unit of the Ministry of the Interior.

The events of November 17, 1989 and the subsequent socio-political changes allowed the Castle Guard to return to the status it had held between 1918 and 1938.

Opening hours:

April - October: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
November - March: daily 9 am - 4 pm

Admission:

basic 250 CZK
reduced 175 CZK
family 500 CZK

The exhibition is included in the "Prague Castle - permanent exhibitions" route, the ticket is joint for the Story of Prague Castle, the Prague Castle Picture Gallery and the permanent exhibition of the Castle Guard.

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