Top Brewery Museum Plzeň Historical Exhibits You Must See

The Brewery Museum Plzeň historical exhibits are located in the city's old center. These displays show the evolution of brewing from the Middle Ages. You will find everything from massive vats to tiny curiosities. The museum provides a sensory experience with the smell of malt and hops. Here are the top items to see during your visit.

• Best Overall: The Late-Gothic Malt House
• Best for History: The Beer Laboratory
• Best Unique Item: World’s Smallest Beer Mug
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Museum Courtyard

1. Name: The Late-Gothic Malt House Type: Historical exhibit Why go: It is the building itself. This 15th-century structure features original threshing floors and soaking pits. You can see where grain was turned into malt. Best for: Architecture lovers and history buffs. Where: Veleslavínova Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard museum ticket. Getting there: Walk from Republic Square. Tip: Look at the ceiling to see the original wooden beams.
2. Name: The World’s Smallest Beer Mug Type: Unique exhibit Why go: This is a quirky record-breaker. It is a tiny, functional mug that fits on a fingernail. It highlights the craftsmanship of local artisans. Best for: Families and curiosity seekers. Where: Main exhibition hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Getting there: Located on the first floor. Tip: Use the magnifying glass provided to see the details.
3. Name: The Historic Beer Laboratory Type: Science exhibit Why go: This exhibit shows the transition to scientific brewing. It features 19th-century glass tubes and testing equipment. You can learn how brewers ensured beer quality. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Second floor. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Getting there: Follow the marked museum path. Tip: Read the placards to understand the yeast fermentation process.
4. Name: The Cooper’s Workshop Type: Craft exhibit Why go: Brewing required specialized barrels. This workshop displays the tools used to make wooden casks. It smells of aged oak and history. Best for: Fans of traditional crafts. Where: Ground floor courtyard area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Getting there: Accessible from the main entrance. Tip: Check the size of the massive storage barrels nearby.
5. Name: The Beer Mug and Glass Collection Type: Museum collection Why go: This is one of the largest collections in Europe. It features thousands of mugs from different eras. Some are made of wood, stone, or fine glass. Best for: Collectors and design fans. Where: Upper gallery. Time: 25 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Getting there: Take the stairs near the lab. Tip: Find the mugs with built-in whistles used to call for more beer.

Iconic Landmarks and Experiences Near the Museum

After seeing the Brewery Museum Plzeň historical exhibits, explore the surrounding area. Plzeň has a compact center filled with stunning landmarks. You can walk from the museum to most of these spots in minutes. These sights offer a mix of religion, war history, and science. They provide a full picture of the city's identity.

1. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Activity Why go: This is a massive labyrinth of tunnels. It was used for food storage and defense. The tour starts right next to the Brewery Museum. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Veleslavínova 6. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approximately 150-200 CZK. Getting there: The entrance is shared with the museum. Tip: Read our Plzeň historical underground tour guide before you go.
2. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. It offers a 360-degree view of the city. On clear days, you can see the Bohemian Forest. Best for: Photography and great views. Where: Republic Square. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK. Getting there: A 3-minute walk from the museum. Tip: Prepare for a long climb up narrow stairs. Check out our guide to the cathedral tower climb.
3. Name: Great Synagogue of Plzeň Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The Moorish-Romanesque architecture is breathtaking. The interior has been beautifully restored. Best for: History and architecture fans. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually 120 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes west from the museum. Tip: Visit the Great Synagogue Plzeň for unique acoustics during concerts.
4. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Cellars Type: Day trip Why go: This is where the world's first golden lager was born. You can taste unfiltered beer straight from the barrel. It is an essential industrial heritage site. Best for: Beer lovers. Where: U Prazdroje 7. Time: 2 hours. Cost: About 350-400 CZK. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the city center. Tip: Book your brewery cellar tour in advance on the official site.
5. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: Unique experience Why go: See world-class modernist design. Adolf Loos designed several apartment interiors for wealthy families in Plzeň. They are hidden gems of minimalist style. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Various locations (Bendova, Klatovská). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Varies by tour route. Getting there: Best reached by local tram. Tip: Reservations are mandatory for Adolf Loos apartment tours.
6. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Indoor activity Why go: It is a massive interactive museum. It features a 3D planetarium and hundreds of hands-on exhibits. It is located in old industrial halls. Best for: Families with children. Where: U Planetária 1. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Around 280 CZK. Getting there: Take a short bus or trolleybus ride. Tip: Plan your Techmania visit around the science shows on the official website.
7. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: It honors the liberation of Plzeň by the US Army in 1945. You can see personal items from soldiers and military equipment. It tells a powerful story of freedom. Best for: WWII history buffs. Where: Pobřežní 10. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approximately 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the museum. Tip: Check out our Patton Memorial guide for more details.

Planning Your Visit to Plzeň in 2026

Visiting Plzeň is easy and rewarding. Most Brewery Museum Plzeň historical exhibits are open year-round. However, summer months can be very busy with tourists. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Always check the museum website for seasonal holiday hours.

Consider buying a combined ticket. You can often save money by bundling the museum and underground tours. Most staff speak English well. The city center is very walkable. You won't need a car for the main sights.

Local food is a must-try. Many pubs near the museum serve traditional Czech goulash. Pair your meal with a fresh Pilsner lager. This completes the cultural experience. Plzeň is a safe and welcoming city for all travelers.