Czechia’s closely guarded crown jewels are on display for ten days at Prague Castle as part of the country’s celebration for St. Wenceslas Day.
From Sept. 19 to 28, visitors can view the historical collection at Vladislav Hall in Prague Castle. The exhibition is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, however, admission may close early depending on capacity.
For decades, the jewels were hidden away in the Crown Chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral and only brought out for special celebrations. In 2024 President Petr Pavel decided to showcase them annually leading up to St. Wenceslas Day on September 28th.
The collection holds the Royal Crown on its cushion, the Royal Orb, the Royal Scepter, and other accessories including the coronation cloak, a maniple, a stole and an ermine collar. At its center is the St. Wenceslas Crown, which was created in the 14th century for Charles IV’s coronation as King of Bohemia.
Since the Crown is normally protected under seven locks and the keys guarded by seven senior representatives, public displays attract massive crowds and this year is no exception.
“Every year, we try to look at the story and meaning of the crown jewels from a different perspective,” said President Pavel in the introduction. The title this time, Bohemian Crown Jewels – Habsburgs 500, is a nod to Ferdinand I of Habsburg’s succession to the Bohemian Throne in 1526, marking five-hundred years since the start of Habsburg rule.
The display traces the history of the collection all the way to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918 and continues on to the 20th century. The jewels were removed multiple times from Prague during times of war and political change. They lived in Karlstejn, Ceske Budejovice and Vienna before ceremoniously traveling back for Leopold II in 1791.
Entry is possible from Hradčany Square, through the Southern Gardens, which are closed to general visitor traffic at this time. With enough patience, the queue will lead into Vladislav Hall, the collection waiting for new curious eyes.
