10 Exciting Adventures with Models and Miniatures

A truly special item is Langweil’s model of Prague. Its creator was Antonín Langweil (1791-1837), who dedicated all his free time and money to this extraordinary hobby. Unfortunately, he passed away in poverty, yet he produced a remarkable treasure: through the detailed representation of two thousand buildings, including facades, yards, gardens, and interiors, this model serves as the only visual record of many areas of the city that have since been destroyed. Langweil’s model of Prague is the most popular piece in the historical display at the Museum of the City of Prague, which is currently being renovated. During this significant remodeling of the Museum’s Main Building, this precious exhibit is being kept in storage. It is set to be made available for public viewing again by autumn 2025.

While we’re still talking about Prague: check out the brutalist miniature park created by Kryštof Kintera. Even if you haven’t visited Klárova yet, you probably know about the giant Kingdom of Railways, which features the largest model railway in the Czech Republic. This site is one of the most popular attractions on the portal Which way out of boredom, and the exhibition also includes other large models of the capital city based on Langweil’s original work.

If you enjoy miniatures, a visit to Boheminium in Marianske Lazne is a must, as it is one of Europe’s largest miniature parks. New additions are introduced each year, the latest being a model of St. Barbara’s Cathedral in Kutná Hora and a model of Prague’s Vyšehrad. Those fond of castle and chateau models should take a stroll through the Highlands, particularly visiting Bystřice nad Pernštejnem to explore Bystřice Miniature Park. For railway enthusiasts, Model Railway Kingdom awaits in Žďár nad Sázavou.

If you have a passion for dollhouses, head to South Bohemia in Bavorova to check out the Small Worlds exhibition. You will also find joy at the Museum of paper models located in Police nad Metují or in the model railway display at the castle in Trmice.

We began with a model city, and we’ll conclude with another: at The Rear Synagogue in Trebic, you can admire an interactive model of a Jewish town that illustrates the actual state of the ghetto in 1850.