Exciting News: Prague Set to Welcome a Railway Museum by 2030!
The National Technical Museum is set to open a new Museum of Railways and Electrical Engineering by 2030, thanks to the renovation and expansion of the historic workshop halls located near Prague’s Masaryk Railway Station.
The latest estimates indicate that the project’s cost has now increased to an impressive 1.89 billion CZK, inclusive of VAT, a rise from the initial estimation of 1.69 billion.
This exciting new museum will be developed on the premises of the old workshops situated along Husitská Street, and it will include a newly built structure along with a sheltered track area.
“These buildings are officially acknowledged as cultural monuments,” stated Karel Ksandr, the director of the NTM.
“They serve as a tribute to the arrival of the first train in Prague, a significant event that happened 180 years ago this year.” This historic occasion took place on August 4, 1845, when the inaugural train arrived at what is now known as Masaryk Station. The first ceremonial train was celebrated at the Gate of Glory on August 20 of that same year.
An architectural study has already been finalized, and additional land has been acquired adjacent to the museum site.
Working collaboratively with the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University (CTU), the team is exploring innovative solutions to help minimize energy consumption within the historic halls. As noted by Ksandr, the design concept draws inspiration from the railway museum located in Kyoto, Japan.
A significant aspect of the project was identifying the position of the main entrance. After discussions with nearby property owners, NTM has successfully arranged for the entrance to be oriented towards the city center.
The exhibits at the Prague museum will be regularly refreshed to keep the display engaging.
Notable attractions will include Emperor Franz Joseph’s personal saloon car, as well as historic locomotives and carriages from various eras.
Highlighting the collection are two restored steam locomotives: the 210.001 Serenyi and the 411.019 Conrad Vorlauf, both of which were unveiled to the public two years ago.
