Following the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak Republic on 28 October 1918, the first organization to provide security for Prague Castle was the Czech Sokol Community. On 6 December 1918, an infantry company was established by order of the Headquarters of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces to safeguard Prague Castle, operating under the jurisdiction of the 28th Infantry Regiment in Prague. In May 1929, the Castle Guard adopted historical uniforms inspired by those of the Czechoslovak legions in France, Italy, and Russia. Following the occupation of Czechoslovakia by German troops on 15 March 1939, the 1st Battalion of the Government Army of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, established under Nazi authority, forcibly assumed the duties of the Castle Guard. However, the legal continuity of the Castle Guard was maintained by the guard group of the President of the Republic in exile in Great Britain. From 1945 to 1948, the newly liberated Castle Guard was reorganized 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 a token unit of the Ministry of the Interior. The events of 17 November 1989 and subsequent socio-political changes brought about entirely new roles and status for the Castle Guard. Today, it stands as an independent unit of the Czech Armed Forces, proudly upholding the traditions of the Czechoslovak Legions.

This exhibition is jointly organized by the Prague Castle Administration, the Military History Institute Prague, and the Castle Guard. 

Mihulka Powder Tower

The Mihulka Powder Tower, constructed in the latter half of the 15th century as the most formidable cannon tower of the Prague Castle fortification, was designed by the builder Benedikt Rejt. Alongside its defensive role, the tower has served various purposes throughout its history. In the late 16th century, the bell-ringer and cannon-maker Tomáš Jaroš from Brno operated his workshop within the tower. During the reign of Rudolf II, Mihulka was roofed and used as accommodation for castle alchemists. During the Thirty Years' War, the tower was repurposed as a powder magazine – a secure storage space for gunpowder – until 1754. Over time, it acquired its nickname, the Powder Tower.