PRAGUE GUIDE

The museum, opened in what was the former Old Town waterworks, pays tribute to the deepest traditions of Czech classical music and its most patriotic composer Bedrich Smetana.

Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884) is the Czech Republic's most beloved of composers and musicians, the father of Czech music. His life and work are traced here through letters, documents, scores and musical instruments. Smetana studied piano and composition in Prague. A fervent patriot, whose music helped inspire the Czech national revival of the 19th century, he is best known abroad for his emotionally charged symphonic poem, Ma Vlast (My Homeland) - the famous second movement evokes the swirling currents of the Vltava. Bedrich Smetana's Ma Vlast traditionally opens the Prague Spring Festival each year. He also composed some fine chamber music, as well as numerous operas for the National Theatre, including The Bartered Bride and The Kiss. Smetana's later life was clouded by personal tragedy: in 1874 he went profoundly deaf after suffering from tinnitus and later lost his reason, dying in an asylum.

Occasional concerts are also held here.

Location: Novotneho lavka 1, Old Town; Directions: Metro line A to Staroměstská/Tram 17, 18 to Karlovy lázně.
Phone: +420 - 222 222 082
Open: Wed—Mon 10-12, 12.30-5
Admission: 50 CZK (reduced 25 CZK)