The World of Fungi, Lichens and Plants

The new exhibition on the second floor of the Historical Building showcases the astonishing diversity of fungi, lichens, and plants from the Czech Republic and around the world — from microscopic life forms to trees, and from edible to poisonous mushrooms.

Visitors will explore the taxonomic classification, life strategies, and the vital ecological and cultural roles these organisms play in our everyday lives. Rare herbarium specimens, scientific models, and interactive displays guide you through this quiet yet essential part of the natural world.

Fungi Hall

Did you know that fungi are not just boletes and amanitas — and that their fruiting bodies can take on many different forms? All major types of fungal fruiting bodies found in the Czech Republic are represented here.

And did you know that the visible mushroom is only a small part of the whole organism? The primary structure of fungi is the mycelium — a network of hyphae usually hidden underground or within substrates. At the museum, you’ll get a chance to see mycelium showcased multiple times. On the surface of a large tree stump from the Šumava forest, you’ll discover that fungi behave in some surprisingly human-like ways — even marking their territory with “fences” made of mycelium.

Can’t find mushrooms in the forest? Come and see them here. You’ll encounter a freeze-dried oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on a straw block. Learn how fungi interact with human life in unexpected ways. And if you’ve ever wondered how fast a mushroom grows, you'll finally get your answer — and more — in this comprehensive Fungi Hall.

Lichen Hall

In the Lichen Hall, you’ll meet fungi that have “teamed up” with algae to form a symbiotic organism capable of surviving in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

Lichens are symbiotic associations between a fungus (usually an ascomycete) and a photobiont — either a green alga or a cyanobacterium — that performs photosynthesis. This partnership allows lichens to colonize a wide range of substrates: tree bark (epiphytic lichens), rocks (saxicolous lichens), soil (terricolous lichens), and even human-made materials like glass and car paint.

Because lichens are bioindicators of air quality, the presence or absence of certain genera (e.g. Usnea, Bryoria) can reveal the degree of air pollution in a given area.

The environment in which a lichen grows shapes both its species composition and the morphology of its thallus. Visitors will explore the full spectrum of thallus types — from crustose, powdery, and foliose to fruticose lichens.

While they may look like simple organisms, lichens perform photosynthesis even under harsh conditions — including winter, freezing temperatures, or even beneath snow. This resilience makes them visible year-round and useful to northern cultures. For example, fruticose lichens like Cladonia stellaris (commonly used in holiday decorations such as Advent wreaths) are abundant in boreal regions. However, due to their slow growth rates, collecting lichens in Central Europe is discouraged to protect local populations.

Plant Hall

The Plant Hall celebrates the fascinating world of plants. What can happen in 500 years? Come and ask our oak tree cross-section. Each light and dark growth ring tells the story of a year in the tree’s life — from spring awakening to winter dormancy.

Discover the extraordinary ways plants disperse their seeds. You'll encounter the aerodynamic seeds of Alsomitra, gliding through the air like wings, the hooked fruits of Uncarina, which can cling to bare skin, and the resurrection plant Selaginella lepidophylla, whose curled-up form protects its seeds from desert droughts while it waits for rain.

Which plant has the largest seed, and which the smallest? See them side by side: the giant seed of the double coconut (Lodoicea maldivica) and the dust-like seeds of orchids.

What would plants be without sunlight? The discovery of photosynthesis transformed the Earth and sparked an evolutionary race for light. Trees developed woody stems and towering trunks — but how do the stems of lianas, tree ferns, or cacti compare? Be captivated by the intricate internal structures of these plants, so different from the predictable annual rings of trees.

And for those who think herbariums are boring — our Herbarium Gallery, featuring a majestic palm leaf, may just change your mind.

For Children

All exhibition halls include interactive elements, animations, and projections that engage both children and adults. In the Fungi Hall, children can light up different types of mycelium on an interactive wall or watch a time-lapse video of a bolete growing in the forest.

In the Lichen Hall, they can touch a lichen-covered rock and examine a highlighted cross-section of the thallus.

In the Plant Hall, they can explore animated photosynthesis, watch projections of plant facts, and use a magnifier to compare the smallest and largest plant seeds — all designed to make learning both fun and memorable.