Exhibitions

Exhibitions (6.10.2010-7.7.2011)

Ancient Czech Legends

last major exhibition in the historical building of the National Museum before its reconstruction

Location: National Museum, Václavské nám. 68, 115 79 Praha 1

From October 6th, 2010 through July 6th, 2011, the National Museum has on display the exhibition titled "Ancient Czech Legends". It focuses on the set of legends and folk tales about the oldest histories of the Czechs, which arose over the course of five centuries. The National Museum has opened this last major exhibition in the historical building before its planned renovation. Even before entry, visitors' attention is immediately drawn to the exhibition by palisades in front of the building, built in the manner of an historical defensive fortification. The exhibition has material of interest for both children and adults, for anyone who desires to learn, or to simply be entertained. Visitors will see medieval manuscripts, renaissance engravings, baroque paintings, illustrations from children's' books and humorous magazines, exclusive archeological discoveries with authoritative descriptions and multimedia games. Everyone may pick up a 'lottery ticket' on entry with a name from the legends, join an historic clan or use an interactive video map to change the patriarch Čech's decision about where to settle. Both children and adults may try to carry Bivoj's wild boar, or climb the summit Říp and look around, like the patriarch Čech, or topple a set of pagan idols. Mysteries await the visitor in the form of an undeciphered carving from the headstone of patriarch Čech's tomb, or the vision of an enigmatic spirit from the tale of Neklan. The exhibition is quite interactive, entertaining and playful. An important role is played by archeological discoveries. Among the most valuable are artifacts from the grave of a Kolín duke from the 9th century. The National Museum unveils errors and intentional falsifications, committed by researchers of the past. Both famous and obscure, there are pictures, statues, books, illustrations, graphics, archery targets, theater costumes and set designs, coins, medals, advertisements and much more. Nor did the authors neglect theater and musical interpretations of the legends. Visitors will see the famous color film by Jiří Trnka from 1952 and hear music directly inspired by the ancient legends.

The National Museum, as a supplement to its exhibition "Ancient Czech Legends" will display the originals of several medieval manuscripts containing texts of the ancient legends.

Each manuscript will be displayed for 14 days.

• February 18th–March 3rd Budyšin manuscript of Kosmas' chronicle, early 13th century. Kosmas wrote the original story of Čech's arrival and the founding of the Czech state.
• March 4th–March 17th Dalimil's chronicle, mid 15th century. This author embellished Kosmas' legends and described the Women's War in much greater detail.
• March 18th–March 31st Chronicle of Přibík Pulkava of Radenín, early 15th century. Pulkava was the first to write about Čech's brother, Lech.
• April 1st–April 14th Marignola's chronicle, late 15th century. Italian chronicler of the mid 14th century, altered the legend of Ploughman Přemysl being summoned to govern.
• April 15th–April 29th Zelenohorský and Královedvorský manuscripts, true age unknown. Younger than originally assumed, they served as a tremendous boost to the Czech nation's emerging self-confidence. They had an enormous influence on Czech art and literature, and the battle over their authenticity lasted through most of the 19th century.