Discovering the West Bohemian Museum Collections

The West Bohemian Museum was founded in 1878. It serves as the primary guardian of the Plzeň Region cultural heritage. The main building is famous for its circular floor plan and grand staircase. It is a masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture.

The museum is not just one building. It includes several specialized branches across the city. Each location focuses on a different aspect of local life. You can explore religious art, traditional puppets, or folk costumes. The diversity of the West Bohemian Museum collections is truly impressive.

Before you start your tour, here are some quick picks for your itinerary:

• Best overall: The Municipal Armory (Main Building).
• Best for families: The Puppet Museum.
• Best for history buffs: The Archeology collection.
• Best free experience: The museum gardens and exterior architecture.

10 Essential West Bohemian Museum Collections

Each item in this list offers a unique perspective on Bohemian culture. We recommend spending at least two days to see them all. Most sites are within walking distance in the city center. Here are the top West Bohemian Museum collections to visit in 2026.

1. Name: The Municipal Armory Type: Sight/History Why go: It is the largest and oldest preserved municipal armory in Central Europe. You can see Gothic and Renaissance weapons used to defend the city. Best for: History enthusiasts and military buffs. Where: Main Museum Building, Kopeckého sady. Time: 1–1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (included in main ticket). Getting there: Walk from Republic Square. Tip: Look for the rare 16th-century muskets.
2. Name: The Museum of Religious Art Type: Experience/Art Why go: Located in a former Franciscan monastery, this collection features stunning Baroque and Gothic statues. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual. Best for: Art lovers and those seeking quiet. Where: Františkánská Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Two minutes from the main square. Tip: Visit the monastery garden after seeing the exhibits.
3. Name: The Puppet Museum Type: Experience/Family Why go: Plzeň has a world-famous puppetry tradition. This museum showcases historic puppets and modern theater designs. Check out our Puppet Museum Plzeň guide for more. Best for: Families and children. Where: Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located directly on the main square. Tip: Try the interactive puppet theater on the top floor.
4. Name: Applied Arts Collection Type: Art/Sight Why go: This collection features exquisite porcelain, glass, and furniture. It highlights the craftsmanship of West Bohemia over the centuries. Best for: Design and craft lovers. Where: Main Museum Building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: Central Plzeň. Tip: Don't miss the Art Nouveau glass displays.
5. Name: Archeology of West Bohemia Type: History/Science Why go: It traces human history in the region from the Stone Age. You can see rare jewelry and tools found in local excavations. Best for: Curious minds and students. Where: Main Museum Building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: Easy walk from tram stops. Tip: The Bronze Age hoards are particularly impressive.
6. Name: The Ethnography Museum Type: Experience/Culture Why go: Set in two historic townhouses, this museum shows how people lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. It features traditional folk costumes and decorated interiors. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Náměstí Republiky (Chotěšov House). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: North side of the main square. Tip: Check out the traditional "black kitchen" exhibit.
7. Name: History of the City of Plzeň Type: History Why go: This exhibit covers the city's growth from its founding in 1295. It explains how Plzeň became an industrial powerhouse. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Main Museum Building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: Kopeckého sady. Tip: View the large-scale model of the medieval city.
8. Name: Paleontology and Natural History Type: Science Why go: This collection features fossils and minerals from the Plzeň basin. It is a great look at the region's prehistoric environment. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Main Museum Building. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Getting there: City center. Tip: Look for the carboniferous plant fossils.
9. Name: Dr. Bohuslav Horák Museum Type: Day Trip Why go: This branch in nearby Rokycany focuses on ironworking history and local nature. It offers a quieter experience outside the city. Best for: Those wanting to explore the wider region. Where: Rokycany (15km from Plzeň). Time: 2–3 hours (including travel). Cost: Low. Getting there: 15-minute train ride from Plzeň Main Station. Tip: Combine this with a hike in the nearby forests.
10. Name: The Firefighting Museum Type: Day Trip/Specialty Why go: Located in Zbiroh, this is one of the most comprehensive firefighting collections in Europe. It features historic fire engines and equipment. Best for: Families and machinery fans. Where: Zbiroh (30km from Plzeň). Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train or car via the D5 highway. Tip: Visit the nearby Zbiroh Castle on the same day.

Planning Your Visit to Plzeň in 2026

Visiting the West Bohemian Museum collections is easy with a little planning. The main building is open Tuesday through Sunday. It is usually closed on Mondays. We recommend starting your day early to avoid school groups. Most exhibits have English descriptions, which is very helpful for tourists.

You can buy a combined ticket for multiple branches. This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Check the Visit Plzeň website for current prices. In 2026, many museums will offer digital guides for your smartphone. Bring your own headphones for the best experience.

The city center is very walkable. You can reach most museum branches within ten minutes of each other. If you need to travel further, the tram system is excellent. You can pay for tickets using a contactless credit card on the tram. This makes getting around very simple for international visitors.

More Cultural Experiences Near the Museum

After exploring the West Bohemian Museum collections, there is more to see. Plzeň is famous for its underground world. You should try the Plzeň historical underground tours. It is a labyrinth of cellars and corridors dating back to the 14th century.

For those interested in liquid history, visit the Brewery Museum Plzeň guide. It is located in a historic brewing house. It complements the West Bohemian Museum's history exhibits perfectly. You will learn how beer shaped the city's economy and culture.

If you have children, the Techmania Science Center tips are useful. It is a modern interactive museum located in the former Škoda factory. For military history from a different era, visit the Patton Memorial Pilsen museum. It honors the liberation of the city in 1945.