National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Connecting People to Czech and Slovak History & Culture

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year from across the country and around the world to learn about and celebrate Czech and Slovak history and culture through innovative experiences and interactive exhibits. Universal themes of culture, freedom, democracy and immigration are likewise celebrated as the museum continues its mission of engaging the global community with unique Czech, Slovak and American stories and history.

A National Smithsonian Affiliate, this stately museum on the banks of the Cedar River is an iconic landmark of strength and resiliency. Guests can explore the permanent exhibit, Faces of Freedom, and an authentic immigrant home from the 1890s. NCSML also offers several events and programs throughout the year such as an online cooking series, author visits, walking tours, community programs and 4 temporary exhibit spaces that are updated regularly with new and exciting displays.

The Skala Bartizal Library collects materials that document Czech and Slovak history and culture within both European and American contexts and attracts scholars and authors, as well as Czech- and Slovak-Americans looking to research their family heritage. Library staff is available to assist visitors with both quick questions and substantial research projects (with advance booking).

Experience the NCSML’s commitment to lifelong learning, community building and cross-cultural connections through year-long programming full of experience, history, creativity and fun!

ORLOJ Astronomical Clock Tower

In the heart of the Czech Village, you will find North America’s only Orloj clock.

Unveiled in the fall of 2024 in celebration of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s 50th anniversary, the clocktower is based on the world’s oldest astronomical clock in Prague, Czechia (built in 1410). The newly renovated clocktower has been fit with the complex astronomical and clock mechanism called an astrolabe. All astrolabe parts, developed and produced by the SPEL Company in Prague, are made of stainless steel and symbols gilded with 24-karat gold.

The tower also features 12 figurines, sculpted by Andrej Harsany of Bratislava, Slovakia (each almost 4-feet tall), sat on two carousels which awaken each hour to delight visitors by rotating to the music of Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. The twelve figurines express the stories of immigrants, with a farmer, a coal miner, a meatpacker, and other sculptures representing those who came to Cedar Rapids from Czechia, Slovakia, Moravia and more.

2025 Featured Exhibits...

Amazing Castles

May 10, 2025 - September 7, 2025

Step inside the castle and get to know the characters who make this wonderful castle a community. In this hands-on exhibit, children don costumes and engage in role-play by becoming lords and ladies, castle villagers or even the Jester. Visitors try their hands in the Royal Workshops with Trim the Tailor or Gable the Carpenter. After picking vegetables in the garden, kids tote them to the Great Hall to cook up a royal meal or visit the tower to wake Herald, the sleeping dragon.

Spotlight on Slovakia​

May 4 - September 1, 2024

All thing Slovak from the collection of the NCSML will be showcased. See folk art, textiles, furniture, jewelry, and wooden items.

SHOP THE STORE

Stop by the Museum Store while at NCSML for one of the largest selections in the area of imported products that connect with Czech and Slovak culture. Stunning glass ornaments are available year round, along with garnets, apparel, books, and gifts for all ages.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

1400 Inspiration Place, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

319-362-8500

ncsml.org

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