The Bohemian Crown Jewels – Habsburgs 500 exhibition commemorates the quincentennial of Ferdinand I of Habsburg’s accession to the Bohemian throne. It follows the path of the Bohemian Crown Jewels from their safekeeping at Karlštejn Castle through their transfer to Vienna during the Thirty Years’ War until their ceremonial return to Prague in 1791. It was then that the Crown Jewels became a modern symbol of Czech statehood, historical continuity, and national identity. 

In addition to the St Wenceslas Crown, focus will be placed on the richly decorated Royal Sceptre and Royal Orb, which originally served as Ferdinand I’s personal insignia. Other items to be featured include the coronation robe from 1653, historical keys belonging to the Crown Archives guardians, as well as portraits of the monarchs and other depictions from that era attesting to the link between the Crown Jewels and the Habsburg dynasty.

The Crown Jewels will be ceremonially removed from the Crown Chamber in the Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas, and St Adalbert on Monday, 14 September 2026. School groups will be able to see them for the next three days. The exhibition will be open to the public from
Friday 18 September to Monday 28 September and admission will again be free.

On 15, 16, and 17 September, the exhibition is reserved for pre-registered school groups only.
Register here

18–28 September, the exhibition will be open to the public

Practical information

Directions to the exhibition: Entry is from Hradčany Square through the gate to the Southern Gardens, up the Bull Staircase to the Third Courtyard, and into the Old Royal Palace.

• Toilets and the possibility to buy small snacks are available while you wait in the queue.
• Please note that all visitors must undergo a security check before entering the Vladislav Hall, including passing through a metal detector and having handbags and similar items inspected on an X-ray conveyor belt. It is advisable to visit with minimal belongings.
• A cloakroom is available.
• Due to operational and security reasons, prams are not permitted inside the exhibition; they cannot be admitted into the Vladislav Hall, and the waiting area is also not wheelchair accessible. Visiting with prams is therefore strongly discouraged.
• Visitors in wheelchairs (with a valid ZTP or ZTP/P card, accompanied by one person) can access the exhibition directly from the Third Courtyard. The same access applies to school groups, who must make prior reservations.
• It is necessary to comply with any instructions from security personnel on site and to refrain from using flash photography.
• The exhibition adheres to the visitor regulations of the Prague Castle area, prohibiting firearms, knives, sharp objects, explosive substances or pyrotechnic objects, and any other dangerous items that could be used as a weapon.