10 Essential West Bohemian Museum Collections to Visit

The museum is spread across several unique locations in the city center. Each branch focuses on a different part of Bohemian life. You can explore grand neo-Renaissance halls or quiet monastic cloisters. Most sites are within walking distance of each other. This makes it easy to see several collections in one day. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Name: The Municipal Armory Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and oldest preserved municipal armory in Europe. Best for: History buffs and military enthusiasts. Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Republic Square. Tip: Don't miss the 16th-century muskets. For more details, see our guide on visiting the armory at West Bohemian Museum.
• Name: The Puppet Museum Type: experience Why go: Plzeň is the birthplace of world-famous puppets like Spejbl and Hurvínek. Best for: Families and fans of theater. Where: Náměstí Republiky. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Located directly on the main square. Tip: Try the interactive puppet stage on the top floor.
• Name: Meissen Porcelain Collection Type: sight Why go: It features rare and delicate pieces from the famous German factory. Best for: Art lovers and collectors. Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: Central tram stop nearby. Tip: Look for the intricate floral patterns on the 18th-century tea sets.
• Name: Museum of Religious Art Type: sight Why go: It is housed in a beautiful Franciscan monastery with stunning cloisters. Best for: Architecture fans and spiritual seekers. Where: Františkánská Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Two minutes from the main square. Tip: Visit the quiet garden for a peaceful break.
• Name: The Archaeological Exhibition Type: sight Why go: See how people lived in West Bohemia from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. Best for: Students and curious travelers. Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easy walk from the city center. Tip: Check out the gold treasures from ancient burial sites.
• Name: Ethnography Museum (Chotěšov House) Type: experience Why go: Explore traditional Czech rooms and folk costumes from the 19th century. Best for: Cultural explorers. Where: Náměstí Republiky 13. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Look for the historic building on Republic Square. Tip: The painted furniture is a highlight of this collection.
• Name: Art Nouveau Glass Collection Type: sight Why go: Bohemian glass is world-renowned for its quality and beauty. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: Main building entrance. Tip: The iridescent colors change depending on the lighting.
• Name: Historical Furniture Collection Type: sight Why go: See how the wealthy citizens of Plzeň decorated their homes over the centuries. Best for: Interior design fans. Where: Main Building. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram lines 1 or 2. Tip: Notice the secret compartments in the heavy wooden desks.
• Name: Dr. Bohuslav Horák Museum Type: day trip Why go: This branch focuses on local ironworking and natural history. Best for: Those wanting to see beyond the city. Where: Rokycany (15km from Plzeň). Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: 15-minute train ride from Plzeň main station. Tip: Combine this with a hike in the nearby Brdy hills.
• Name: The Museum Library Type: sight Why go: It holds over 100,000 volumes, including rare medieval manuscripts. Best for: Book lovers and researchers. Where: Main Building. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Usually free for viewing. Getting there: Located on the ground floor. Tip: Ask about the special exhibitions of old maps.

Planning Your Visit to the Museum Collections

Visiting the West Bohemian Museum collections requires a little bit of planning. The main building is open most days except Mondays. You should check the official Visit Plzeň website for holiday hours. Most collections offer English descriptions or audio guides. We recommend starting your day early to avoid school groups.

Tickets can be bought for individual branches or as a combined pass. This pass is a great way to save money if you plan to see three or more sites. You can find more details on West Bohemian Museum ticket prices online. Most buildings are accessible, but some historic houses have narrow stairs. Always wear comfortable shoes for walking between the different museum sites.

Photography is often allowed for a small extra fee. However, you cannot use a flash near delicate textiles or old paintings. The museum staff are very helpful and often speak basic English. There are many cafes near the main building for a quick lunch. Try a local pastry before heading to your next stop.

More History Near the West Bohemian Museum

Once you finish the West Bohemian Museum collections, explore more of the city. Plzeň has a very compact historic center. You can walk from the museum to the St. Bartholomew Cathedral tower in five minutes. The view from the top is the best in the city. It gives you a great perspective of the entire region.

If you prefer to stay underground, try the Plzeň historical underground tour. This labyrinth of tunnels dates back to the 14th century. It is located very close to the Brewery Museum. Another important site is the Great Synagogue of Plzeň. It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and has amazing acoustics.

The city parks also offer a nice break from indoor exhibits. The ring of gardens around the center is perfect for a stroll. You will find statues of famous local figures along the paths. These parks connect the main museum building with the rest of the old town. It is a very scenic way to navigate Plzeň.