Czechia Shines as a Cultural Leader: Discover the “Lucy and Selam” Exhibition in Prague!
Recent data from the Institute of Tourism reveals a growing interest in domestic culture. In 2023, after lifting all anti-poverty measures, 40.8% of visitors engaged in local cultural sites during their stay. This year, that percentage has already surpassed 45.3% in the first half. Both domestic and foreign travelers are increasingly drawn to history, architecture, and cultural institutions. The share of cultural activities for foreign visitors has risen by over 5 percentage points in the last 2.5 years, reaching 48.5% in H1 2025. For residents, it has increased by 3.5 percentage points, hitting 48% in the same period.
Tourists from distant countries show a particular interest in Czech culture. Notably, visitors from Japan engage in cultural activities 93.6% of the time, followed by those from Portugal (91.9%), Belgium (90.6%), South Korea (87.9%), and Spain (82.2%).
Lucy and Selam – A World Unique in Prague
The increasing popularity of cultural events is highlighted by an extraordinary exhibition featuring the skeletal remains of the famous Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis, 3.2 million years old) and Selam, a 100-year-old fossil of a child of the same species. These are among the most valuable paleoanthropological finds globally, and Czechia is the only European country to exhibit them, enhancing its status as a cultural center and attracting visitors seeking exceptional experiences.
“The exhibition of the skeletal remains of Lucy and Selam at the National Museum is a truly unique event – for the first time ever, these iconic remains are on display in Europe. It affirms the Czech Republic’s reputation as a cultural hub worldwide. The presence of such unique exhibits demonstrates that we can offer not only architectural and historical gems but also extraordinary international cultural events,” says František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism.
Cultural Heritage as a Draw for Visitors
The exhibition serves as a significant promotional tool for the country, both domestically and internationally. The annual Tourist Destinations List reflects a strong interest in cultural monuments across all regions, showing that visitors continually discover new places, resulting in regular changes in rankings. For instance, last year, the Covozoo in the Old Town, featuring life-size metal animal sculptures, attracted over 181,000 visitors, making it a top choice among more than 430 domestic museums and galleries. More details are available on the Institute of Tourism’s website Tourdata.cz.
“Cultural tourism is one of the pillars we rely on to promote Czechia abroad. With the ‘Lucy and Selam’ exhibition, we position ourselves among the top cultural destinations, showcasing experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in Europe,” adds František Reismüller.
Czechia – A Destination that Connects History and the Present
Modern exhibitions and unique historical monuments make Czechia a cultural powerhouse. The “Lucy and Selam” exhibition is not just a scientific wonder but also a powerful promotional tool, reinforcing that the country can host globally significant events. CzechTourism promotes this and other cultural happenings through the Kudy z nudy portal, its websites and social media, the VisitCzechia site, aimed primarily at foreign tourists, and through its foreign representatives.
