Václav Havel’s Cars from the National Technical Museum‘s Collections … Plus a Special Bonus
The exhibition centers on four authentic automobiles used by Václav Havel, one of which, however, was not driven by President Havel at the end of the 20th century, but by his grandfather at the very beginning of that century. While the newer cars are closely linked to the life and presidency of Václav Havel, the older 1911 Mercedes 14/30 HP was the very first car in the Havel family. Václav Havel, the architect of Prague’s Lucerna Palace, drove it from 1912 until his death
in 1921; his wife Emilie then drove it until 1926. In 1950, Václav Havel—son of the original owner and father of the future president—donated it to the collections of the National Technical Museum. At that time, however, the car was already without a body, so only the complete chassis has survived.
The automobiles in the exhibition are accompanied by text panels with photographs that highlight not only the history of the displayed cars but also some other vehicles used by President Václav Havel and his ancestors.
An added bonus is one automobile from a private collection.
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The exhibition is organised by the National Technical Museum and the Prague Castle Administration.