Lapidarium
A repository of stone sculpture, tombs and architectural fragments spanning centuries of Bohemian heritage, the Lapidarium holds Europe’s most comprehensive collection of carved stone artifacts from Prague and its region.
At a glance
The Lapidarium is one of the National Museum’s most distinctive collections, devoted entirely to the preservation and study of stone objects removed from buildings, churches, and public spaces across Prague and Bohemia. Its galleries trace the evolution of architectural ornament and monumental sculpture from medieval times to the modern era.
History
As Prague developed and historic structures were renovated or demolished, fragments of their carved stone decoration and sculpture were systematically gathered. The Lapidarium emerged as the institutional answer to preserving these orphaned artifacts—objects too significant to discard but no longer in their original context. Over time it became the National Museum’s primary repository for such materials.
What you see
Stone sculpture in multiple forms: architectural fragments from facades and doorways; decorative capitals and cornices; funerary monuments and tomb slabs; free-standing statuary from churches and public squares. The collection spans medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and later periods, each era represented by the quality of its stonework and sculptural technique.
Cultural significance
The Lapidarium documents Prague’s architectural heritage through its most durable materials. These objects reveal the tastes, techniques and spiritual priorities of successive generations—from Gothic stone carvers to Baroque sculptors. The collection is invaluable to historians, conservators and architects studying the city’s built environment.
Key facts
- Country: Czechia
- City: Prague
- Coordinates: 50.10553889, 14.43148611
- Part of the National Museum in Prague
- Largest permanent exhibition of historical stone sculpture and architectural fragments from Bohemia
Practical information & getting there
The Lapidarium operates as part of the National Museum complex. Check the museum’s website for current opening hours, admission fees and guided tour availability before your visit.
Sources & resources
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