The Národní technické muzeum is celebrating several significant railway anniversaries this year. A new exhibition tells the story of the railway in an original way – from its beginnings, through technological innovations, to its impact on everyday life.
Under the title “Co stvořilo železnici, co stvořila železnice”, the Národní technické muzeum (Technical Museum) in Prague opened a new exhibition today, telling the history of the railway in an original manner. The focus is on the railway as one of the decisive engines of social and technological transformation. Visitors can explore the beginnings of rail mobility, technological innovations, and their influence on daily life through authentic exhibits, interactive stations, and artistic works.
“With this exhibition, we are commemorating important railway anniversaries this year,” explains Karel Ksandr, Director General of the NTM. “A few days ago marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first public steam railway line between Stockton and Darlington in England. Two hundred years ago, construction began on the horse railway from České Budějovice to Linz – the first public railway in our territory. One hundred and eighty years ago, the first steam train reached Prague at today’s Masarykovo nádraží. The oldest preserved steam locomotive in the Czech Republic, Kladno I. 103, is celebrating its 170th birthday and is on display in the exhibition.”
Curator Adam Horký describes the exhibition: “Visitors will learn everything about the beginnings of rail mobility, see an almost 200-year-old British steam locomotive, and view original exhibits from the first railway operations in our lands. They can also try the role of a signalman themselves at a fully interactive signal box from Trhový Štěpánov.”
As the exhibition’s title already suggests, it shows not only what the railway created – such as new impulses for construction, architecture, signalling systems, or the introduction of standardised time – but also what it made possible: modern society’s reliance on fast and precise mobility, easy access to goods and services, and the accuracy we take for granted today are achievements owed to the railway.
The exhibition also addresses the future of Prague’s oldest station, today’s Masarykovo nádraží. A planned museum area in the protected former workshops will present the history of the railway in a European and global context.
Národní technické muzeum (Technical Museum)
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