Want to learn more about the exhibtion of Bohemian Crown Jewels? Download e-brochure.
CZ-EN e-brochure.pdf

This year's display of the Bohemian Crown Jewels is subtitled Treasure in the Darkness. As the name suggests, it introduces visitors to the fate of the royal regalia during the Second World War. Even before the war, President Beneš had them transferred to Slovakia for safekeeping in the vault of a branch of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. However, due to the rapidly changing situation in both Czechia and Slovakia, an urgent decision was made just days later to bring them back to Prague. Towards the end of the war, some of the jewels were then secretly walled up in the Romanesque underground of the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle. They remained in the cellar until they were brought to light in October 1945.

The exhibition recounts the dramatic story of the jewels through materials from the funds and collections of the Archive of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, the Prague Castle Collections, and the Czech News Agency Photo Archive. In addition to written sources, it will feature period photographs and physical objects, including the crate used to transport the jewels.

The Crown Jewels will be ceremonially removed from the Crown Chamber in the Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas, and St Adalbert on Monday, 15 September 2025. School groups will be able to see them for the next two days. The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 18 September to Monday 29 September and admission will again be free.

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

18 - 29 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.
PDF document

• Toilets and the possibility to buy small snacks are available while you wait in line.
• 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.
• Visitors in wheelchairs (with a valid ZTP or ZTP/P card, accompanied by one person) can access the exhibition directly from the Third Courtyard. School groups 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.

There is a gift shop at the end of the sightseeing route.