On Thursday, a new museum opened its doors on the historic paddle steamer Vyšehrad in Prague. The floating exhibition explores the history of steam navigation on the Vltava and also offers a glimpse into the future of shipping.
On Thursday, 4 September 2025, a unique museum opened on one of the finest examples of Czech engineering heritage, the historic paddle steamer Vyšehrad. The floating exhibition is intended not only to highlight the rich tradition of steam navigation on the Vltava but also to look ahead to the future of shipping, which will increasingly be shaped by fully electric catamarans.
Visitors can expect a wide range of exhibits. Among them is a centenary exhibition of the Czech construction set Merkur, which celebrates its hundredth anniversary this year – including a nearly two-metre-long model of the Vyšehrad, built entirely from Merkur parts. Also on display are works by children who took part in the competition organised as part of the project “Vltava slavná a splavná”. Particularly impressive is the fully restored steam engine room, along with the reinstated beige paintwork and the faithfully renewed wooden panelling of the historic mayor’s salon.
A charming feature: the Vyšehrad has its own postbox and a special commemorative stamp design, allowing visitors to send postcards directly from the deck. An interesting side note: the length of the ship matches the height of Prague’s Petřín Observation Tower.
The new museum has been open since yesterday, 4 September. On weekends in September, opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00. Groups and school classes can also arrange special visits by prior appointment.
With this, Prague gains not only a new waterside attraction but also a living monument to its engineering heritage.
Paddle Steamer Vyšehrad | Paroplavba
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