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The exhibition of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, subtitled Habsburgs 500, was held in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle from 15 September to 29 September 2026. According to the Castle's communications department, about 36,600 people saw it over 14 days, including roughly 9,000 schoolchildren, for whom the first four days were reserved. Ten days were open to the public, with 27,606 visitors. Last year the exhibition was seen by 51,553 visitors.[1] On 18 September the exhibition was closed for about half a day because of the state visit of King Abdullah II of Jordan.[1]
Content of the exhibition
The display recalled the story of the jewels, from their storage at Karlštejn in the 16th century, through their transfer to Vienna during the Thirty Years' War, to their return to Prague in 1791. It also included objects connected with the administration and protection of the jewels, such as the historic keys of the keepers and a coronation robe from 1653. Portraits and period depictions presented the link to the Habsburg dynasty, whose first ruler, in October 1526, was Ferdinand I of Habsburg.[1]
Storage of the jewels
The coronation jewels consist of the Crown of Saint Wenceslas, the royal sceptre and orb, leather cases, the cushion for the crown, and a coronation mantle with accessories. President Petr Pavel decided the year before last that they would be exhibited every year. They are stored long-term in the Korunní komora (Crown Chamber) in St. Vitus Cathedral and can be taken out only in the presence of all seven key holders: the President, the Prime Minister, the chairs of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the Archbishop of Prague, the Mayor of Prague and the Dean of the St. Vitus chapter. They were returned to the chamber on Tuesday morning.[1]
Related articles: Prague Castle
Chronology
- — The exhibition of the Czech crown jewels at Prague Castle ended; the key-holders returned them to St Vitus Cathedral. ČTK / České noviny ČTK / České noviny
Sources
- ČTK / České noviny — 29 September 2026