One of the exceptional museums in Prague is the Alchemists and Magicians Museum of Old Prague.
It offers visitors a glimpse into the world of alchemy and magic with a special focus on the most famous era of alchemists, the reign of Rudolf II.
In this complete guide you will learn all about the exhibition, and its history, as well as helpful information about directions, tickets, and guided tours.
What Can I Do in the Alchemist and Magician Museum of Old Prague?
The Alchemist and Magician Museum of Old Prague is located in the House of the Donkey, the former residence of the imperial court alchemist and maker of miracle elixirs, Edward Kelley. Visitors can get to the bottom of the mystery of alchemy in the former laboratory of the famous alchemist.
The museum is also a popular attraction in Prague for children.
Exhibition
The museum is divided into three parts
- First Floor: Information about alchemy, as well as personalities associated with alchemy are exhibited on the first floor. Numerous interactive objects complement the exhibition. The highlight of the first floor is the chamber of Doctor Faust.
- Loft: You reach the attic after climbing 60 steps up an old spiral staircase, which Edward Kelley is said to have called the spiral of life. Upstairs awaits the old workshop of the court alchemist, where Kelley spent three years performing alchemical practices. The laboratory also served as a storeroom, library, and waiting room. You will discover the conditions under which experiments were performed and elixirs were brewed here. The interactive exhibition of alchemical cauldrons shows various alchemical procedures, including the creation of a homunculus.
- Kellyxír: Kellyxír is an alchemical wine bar. In the mystical ambience of the bar, visitors can linger over wine, beer, or coffee and review the impressions they have gathered.
Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours
- Tickets: The current ticket prices can be found on the museum's website.
- Family Tickets: The museum offers a discounted family ticket that provides admission for two adults and two children.
- Combination Tickets: Two different combination tickets are also available. Details can be found here.
- Guided Tours: A guide leads visitors through the top floor of the exhibition with explanations. This is included in the ticket price.
How Do I Get to the Alchemists and Magicians Museum of Old Prague?
The Alchemists and Magicians Museum in Prague's Lesser Town is located in the House of the Donkey near Prague Castle. The best way to get there from the Old Town is to take bus number 194 to the Šporkova station. After a 2-minute walk you will reach the museum.
History
The fact that Prague is closely associated with alchemy and magic, and is even said to be home to the "Gate to Hell", is due to the fact that Emperor Rudolf II had a special passion for alchemy and occult arts.
For this reason, the emperor employed numerous alchemists and scientists at his court. One of the most famous among them was the Englishman Edward Kelley, who moved to the court of Rudolf II in Prague at the end of the 16th century on the recommendation of Wilhelm von Rosenberg.
Here he lived in the House of the Donkey not far from Prague Castle and at the same time used this as a laboratory to produce artificial gold on behalf of the emperor, which he never succeeded in doing.
Today, Kelley's former alchemy workshop serves as a museum and offers insights into the golden age of alchemy.
Contact
- Address: Muzeum alchymistů a mágů staré Prahy, Jánský vršek 8, 118 00 Praha 1- Malá Strana
- Website: https://mysteriapragensia.cz/en/muzeum-alchymistu-en/
- Public Transport: Bus line 194 to the Šporkova station
- Opening Hours: The current opening hours can be found on the website of the museum.