Museum, Library, and a couple more towers

In the interest of trying to finish blogging about our June travel before the rest of the summer is over, I am combining three places we visited in Prague.  They each deserve more time and space, but there's lots of good sites at everyone's fingertips for further information.   I've been doing a lot of that kind of research these days to refresh my memory.

The Czech National Museum was  within easy walking distance of our Prague apartment.    It's located near  the top of Wenceslas Square, the main gathering/shopping area in the City.

Main entrance Hall

We spent most of a day in just one wing of the the main (Historical) building but also visited the New Building next to it.  The buildings are connected by a tunnel.   

The stunning main building is a major landmark for the city.  It was built between 1885 and 1891.  The main building underwent a major renovation between 2011 and 2019 and was even completely closed part of that time.  (It had been damaged during the war and again when the city metro tunnels were being built.)  During those years, exhibits were either stored or moved into the "New Building" next door which had been purchased both for that purpose and to eventually add exhibition space.  I'm glad we visited after the big move and reopening had taken place. In the main building the exhibits we visited were on Czech history -- ancient treasures.   No pictures included -- the ones I could take did not turn out well enough to bother.  

 

 Cupola from entryway

The exhibits in the newer building were where we learned more about recent history (during our lifetime).  There was an excellent photo and light display showing what it was like to be in Prague at the time of the Velvet Revolution in 1989.    This is when massive demonstrations (hundred of thousands of people at times) helped to force the end of the Communist regime in  Czech and Slovakia.  Some  major gatherings took place right here on Wenceslas Square in front of the Museum buildings.  A fitting place to learn about this incredibly important piece of history. It was after this time that the  former Czechoslovakia, which had been part of  the USSR, became two republics:  The Czech Republic and the Slovakian Republic.  This display was impossible to capture with my camera, but the contribution to our understanding will not be forgotten. 

 There are more stunning views of Prague from the top floor of the Main Building.  

On another day during our stay we took the Metro (underground) to Prague Old Town.   The famed medieval astronomical clock of Prague is attached to the Old Town Hall. 

 

It was first installed in 1410 and is the oldest astronomical clock still in operation.  The figures surrounding the clock are the apostles and other Catholic saints and a skeleton representing death (he shows up pretty clearly to the top right of the clock.)  The apostles and the skeleton do a very quick parade around the dial on the hour.  I forgive them for being quick about it, because they are probably tired of working that hard after all these years. 

 

The astronomical dial represents the position of the sun and moon.   HERE is a link to the Wikipedia page with more about the mechanism, history, and legends surrounding the clock. 

I think it was on the same day that we also visited  the different kind of tower below: 

    Idiom by Matej Kren

This art installation in the foyer of the Prague Public Library  includes hundreds of books stacked in a cylindrical tower.  Mirrors at the top and bottom give the tower the illusion of infinity. There's a tiny window that lets you look in and imagine what it would like to drown in an infinity of books.  The question  is whether that is a book-lovers dream or nightmare.  

Of course, I have family pictures from every single place we went with our grands, but those  from the children's section of this library  (bel0w) may well be my all-time favorites:  

 

It's never too early to introduce a child to the love of reading.  We all love libraries and I was so glad our  three "guides" took us to this one.  

 

LINKING this week to the following sharing opportunities.  Thank you to the hosts.

MOSAIC MONDAY;    THROUGH MY LENS;   TUESDAY TREASURES;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;   THANKFUL THURSDAY;  and SKYWATCH FRIDAY   

Comments

[Lavender Dreams]

I love libraries too and that's a place I like to visit when we travel. Amazing architecture! WOW!

[Traude "Rostrose"]

Dear Sallie, I really enjoyed the cultural walk through Prague. It's been way too long since my husband and I were in Prague and we really need to go back there soon. There is still so much to see there. By the way, there are also many similarities to Vienna. We were in Vienna's National Library last week and it looks a bit similar to the inside of the Czech National Museum, especially in terms of the dreamy ceiling painting. I will report "soon" (well, MY kind of soon ;-DD). Like you, I don't get to report on all our experiences and visits in as much detail as I would like - time flies and flies ;-)
How nice, the family picture looking at the books - I see it like you: it's never too early to start!
I am very pleased that you were so interested in my Costa Rica posts - thank you for your lovely comments! Of course, I wish you from the bottom of my heart that you will not have any flight problems there.
All the best!
Traude
🌼🪴🍀🌻❤️🌼🪴🍀🌻
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/08/rückblick-auf-den-rostrosen-sommer-2023.html

[Fun60]

I've just been going back through your posts reading about your trip to Prague. It's a beautiful city and your photos brought back memories of a trip there quite a few years ago. You managed to fit in so much during your stay. Thank you for sharing.

[Terri]

Beautiful!

[Michelle Keltner]

Wonderful architecture and I like the tower of books. Thanks for linking up.

[Veronica Lee]

The architecture is amazing!
I love the tower of books.
Thank you for sharing this with us.

Hugs and blessings, Sallie

[Jim, Sydney, Australia]

Marvellous.

[Yogi]

What a place with such rich history, even recent history.

I love pics of children reading. Even better than that is parents reading to their kids.

[Amila]

The Czech National Museum is a wonderful place.Great architecture and a clock tower too.
Wishing you a fantastic day!

[Peter B.]

The more I see of Prague, the more impressed I am. I love the tower of books!

[Penelope Notes]

The architecture, clock, and book tower are all stunning. And it is lovely to see your family looking so cozy in the library.

[Jocelyn]

Beautiful!

[Linda W]

Wow, fantastic architecture! Thanks for sharing

[DeniseinVA]

I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling with you from my armchair. Great photos and cute ones of your family. The world is fun to see through your camera lens :) Thanks Sallie!

[ellen b.]

The clock is amazing and yes, I see how the library family shots would be favorites! I love libraries!

[Dee]

Grand buildings! The interiors are grand too. This is architectural wealth!
Thank you for the visuals from your trip, Sallie. :)
Have a great week!

[::: Heidrun]

Stunning story and pictures, dear Sallie. It`s again a wonderful post with many interesting things. But most with the lovely young parents.

Thank you for sharing and being part at
MosaicMonday.

Have a wonderful week.
Hugsby Heidrun

[Lillian]

I love towers, thank you for showing me

[gillena cox]

Wow a grand old structure. Happy Monday.

Much💖love

[Amy]

Loving the library. That clock is incredible, I wonder if when they made it back then they wondered if it would still be there today.

[William Kendall]

Exquisite architecture.

[Juliet (craftygreenpoet)]

Lovely photos of a beautiful city. i love the clock and the tower of books. Infinite books is both a dream and a nightmare for a booklover I think...

[tomthebackroadstraveller]

...Sallie, they certainly don't build things like this today! Thanks for sharing.

[Eileen]

Hello,
The museum is beautiful, I always love the clock towers.
The art display at the library is cool. Cute photos of your grands, I agree it is never to early to start reading to your children.
Take care, have a great week!