František Palacký 1798–1876

An exhibition created on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of František Palacký's death (14 June 1798 Hodslavice – 26 May 1876 Prague) – a historian, politician, and one of the key figures in the birth of modern Czech society, whom his contemporaries called the Father of the Nation and creator of national historical memory. The exhibition runs in the Historic Building of the National Museum on Wenceslas Square from 1 April to 31 August 2026.

The exhibition presents Palacký as a thoughtful man of his time through eight short fictional dialogues between him and a person from 2026, styled as a chat on a mobile phone screen. The narrative is complemented by an original comic strip capturing key life moments – from youth through scientific work to political activity. A strong atmosphere is created by numerous audio recordings featuring excerpts from Palacký's works and personal correspondence. The centrepiece is a large map of Europe showing Palacký's travel activities and ethnic relations in Central Europe. Rotating cylinders with period newspapers and simple manual elements evoke 19th-century communication. Visitors will see an extensive collection of authentic objects: a thousand books from his personal library, an original travel suitcase from 1823, glasses, card catalogue, barometer, hat, and walking stick. For the first time, clothing items commemorating his wife Tereza Palacká and daughter Maria Riegrová Palacká are presented. The exhibition is accompanied by guided tours, educational programmes for schools, and a lecture series in cooperation with the František Palacký and František Ladislav Rieger Memorial.