The Mystery of the Tower

The main exhibit of the new permanent exhibition will be the tower itself, its inner spaces, dungeons, stairs, roof and especially the gallery platform with its wonderful view. The Old Town bridge tower belongs among the most impressive Gothic works in Prague, and was personally commissioned by Charles IV to be built along with the bridge, to a design by Petr Parléř. The tower was ultimately conceived as a symbolic triumphal arch, through which Czech Kings would pass on their coronation procession through the city, heading for the Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert at Prague Castle.

The symbolism of the whole edifice and of its decoration is an important cultural phenomenon in the history of Prague’s medieval architecture, hence the new exposition focuses on this aspect, highlighting the connection between the construction and artistic expression in the conceptual setting of its time. The exposition will presents the historical and contextual interlinking between the existence of the tower, Charles bridge and their vicinity and the circumstances that led to both heritage monuments being built.