Mozart comes alive in Prague with new, interactive museum

The Mozart Interactive Museum officially opened its doors today on Malostranské náměstí in Prague 1, showcasing the works of famed Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who himself had a close connection to Prague in the 18th century. It will fully open to the public on Friday, Dec. 13.

Museum director and musicologist Eva Velická said at the opening that the three-story exhibition combines 18th-century history with modern technology. Using animated artifacts and immersive displays, the museum “blends the old with the new—Mozart’s legacy and Prague’s history.”

Visitors can listen to the Don Giovanni opera, which notably premiered in Prague, and also play the harpsichord with help from a 3D display of Mozart’s father, Leopold. In a twist, guests can also interact with historical figures like Empress Maria Theresa on animated panels. Actor Karel Dobrý also narrates Mozart’s “inner thoughts” as visitors move through different rooms that track the composer's growth and inspirations.

A special virtual reality (VR) room also allows visitors to try their hand at composing some of Mozart’s most famous works with VR headsets, and throughout the museum, guests can also enjoy reinterpretations of Mozart’s works in modern genres like hip-hop, reggae, and metal. Available for all ages, special sections for children allow them to play and learn about Mozart in an interactive way through games.

Velická told Expats.cz: “When he came to Prague, Mozart stayed on the same street in which the museum is housed. St. Nicholas Church around the corner held a ceremony a few days after Mozart's death to remember him. He was loved here in Prague, and many people [around 5,000] came. We want to further commemorate Mozart’s life.”

Given the fact it lies around a minute on foot from Charles Bridge, there is little doubt that the museum will attract hoards of tourists. But that isn’t only what Velická wants. Speaking to Expats.cz, she says: “Prague has a lot of museums for visitors…we want to also focus on educational programs for schools, as well as hold concerts and workshops here.” She hopes that the museum will see around 200,000 people in 2025.

New recordings of Mozart’s music, featuring an orchestra, choir, and soloists led by conductor Varhan Orchestrovic Bauer, play throughout the museum, which also has information panels in English, German, and Italian (as well as Czech).

The museum highlights Mozart’s deep connection to Prague. Born in Salzburg in 1756, the Austrian conducted The Marriage of Figaro at Prague's Estates Theatre on Jan. 20, 1787. The enthusiastic reception inspired him to compose Don Giovanni, which premiered later that year in the same venue—the only remaining theater today where Mozart performed.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs CZK 400 for adults and charges CZK 290 for concessions.