10 Highlights of the West Bohemian Museum Plzeň Collections

The museum is split into several locations. The main building houses the most famous items. You can walk between most sites easily. Each collection tells a different story about the region.

Here are the top things to see during your visit. This list includes the best museum exhibits and nearby sights. These picks will help you plan your trip in 2026.

1. Name: The Municipal Armory Type: museum Why go: It is the largest preserved municipal armory in Europe. You will see a massive collection of weapons. These include rare guns from the 14th century. Best for: History buffs Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk from the main square Tip: Look for the heavy Gothic shields on the walls.
2. Name: Applied Arts and Porcelain Type: museum Why go: This collection shows beautiful glass and ceramics. You can see how local styles changed over time. The Meissen porcelain is a major highlight. Best for: Art lovers Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady Time: 45 minutes Cost: Moderate Getting there: Located on the second floor of the main building Tip: Don't miss the Art Nouveau glass displays.
3. Name: Prehistory of West Bohemia Type: museum Why go: Learn about the first people in this area. You will see ancient tools and jewelry. The exhibit uses modern displays to tell old stories. Best for: Families Where: Main Building, Kopeckého sady Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Located in the basement level Tip: Check out the bronze age treasure found nearby.
4. Name: The Ethnographic Museum Type: museum Why go: This museum shows how people lived in the countryside. You can see traditional costumes and old furniture. It is located in two historic townhouses. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Náměstí Republiky 13 Time: 1 hour Cost: Budget-friendly Getting there: Walk to the north side of the main square Tip: Look at the painted ceilings in the old rooms.
5. Name: Puppet Museum Plzeň Type: museum Why go: Puppetry is a huge part of Czech culture. You can see many historic puppets and stages. Visit the Puppet Museum Plzeň visitor guide for more. Best for: Families with kids Where: Náměstí Republiky 23 Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Located on the main square Tip: Try moving the puppets in the interactive area.
6. Name: Museum of Religious Art Type: museum Why go: This collection is in a former monastery. You will see rare statues and paintings. The building itself is very peaceful. Best for: Quiet reflection Where: Františkánská Street Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: A short walk from the main museum building Tip: Visit the quiet cloister garden during your tour.
7. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: sight Why go: It is the birthplace of pilsner beer. You can tour the historic cellars. Use our Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour guide to plan. Best for: Beer lovers Where: U Prazdroje 7 Time: 2 hours Cost: Higher Getting there: Take a short tram ride from the center Tip: Book your tour online to skip the lines.
8. Name: Great Synagogue Plzeň Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The interior is colorful and grand. Learn more by visiting the Great Synagogue in Plzeň. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků Time: 45 minutes Cost: Budget-friendly Getting there: Walk five minutes from the main square Tip: Check for evening concerts held inside.
9. Name: Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: This tower offers the best views of the city. It is the tallest church tower in the country. Read about the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew tower climb first. Best for: Photography Where: Náměstí Republiky Time: 30 minutes Cost: Budget-friendly Getting there: Located in the center of the main square Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the many stairs.
10. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: experience Why go: Explore a maze of tunnels under the city. These were used for food and beer storage. Follow the Plzeň historical underground tour guide. Best for: Adventure Where: Veleslavínova 6 Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk from the Brewery Museum entrance Tip: Bring a light jacket as it is cold underground.

Essential Tips for Visiting the West Bohemian Museum

Plan your visit to make the most of your time. The museum has several different buildings. Most are within a short walk of each other. You should check the Plzeň Region official site for updates.

This area is known as the Plzeň Region in West Bohemia. Always carry some local currency for small shops. Most museum desks accept credit cards. The staff usually speak some English.

The main building is closed on Mondays. Most other branches follow this rule too. Try to visit on a weekday morning. You will avoid the largest crowds then. Photography is usually allowed for a small fee.

More Cultural Gems to Explore in Plzeň

Plzeň has even more to offer beyond the main museum. If you love science, visit the local center. Use the Techmania Science Center Plzeň guide for details. It is perfect for a rainy day.

You can also see modern design in the city. The Adolf Loos interiors are world famous. These apartment tours show unique 20th-century style. They are a must for design fans.

The city center also has many parks. These parks form a ring around the old town. They are great for a relaxing walk. You can find statues and fountains along the paths.