See Czechia's crown jewels for free in Prague, but only for 10 days: Here's how

One of Czechia's most closely guarded national treasures is going on public display in Prague this month, giving visitors just 10 days to see the Bohemian Crown Jewels up close. Admission is completely free.

The centuries-old collection, including the famed St. Wenceslas Crown, will be exhibited in Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle from Sept. 19 to 28. The exhibition will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although organizers warn that capacity is limited and admission may close several hours early on busy days.

The jewels are normally kept under lock and key in the Crown Chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral and were traditionally displayed only on exceptional occasions. President Petr Pavel changed that practice in 2024, deciding that they should be shown annually around St. Wenceslas Day, celebrated on Sept. 28.

The collection served as the ceremonial insignia of the kings of Bohemia and today ranks among the most important symbols of Czech statehood.

At its heart is the St. Wenceslas Crown, commissioned by Charles IV for his coronation as King of Bohemia in 1347. Decorated with precious stones and pearls, it is the oldest surviving piece in the collection.

The complete set includes:

The crown is usually stored in a chamber above the St. Wenceslas Chapel in St. Vitus Cathedral. Access is traditionally protected by seven locks, with the keys entrusted to seven senior representatives of the Czech state, church and Prague.

That elaborate security, combined with the jewels' historical importance and traditionally infrequent public appearances, has made exhibitions major public events. Long lines have formed during previous displays, including the 2024 exhibition at Prague Castle.

This year's exhibition, Bohemian Crown Jewels – Habsburgs 500, also marks the 500th anniversary of Ferdinand I of Habsburg's accession to the Bohemian throne in 1526.

The display traces the jewels' history under the Habsburg dynasty, including their removal from Prague during the Thirty Years' War amid fears that Swedish troops could seize them. They were taken to the imperial treasury in Vienna before being ceremonially returned to Prague in 1791 for the coronation of Leopold II.

Visitors will also see historical keys once used to guard the jewels and funeral insignia carried or displayed during royal funerals. The exhibition highlights the royal scepter and orb commissioned by Ferdinand I from Augsburg goldsmith Hans Haller in 1533. Originally Ferdinand's personal insignia, they later replaced older Gothic pieces as part of the Bohemian coronation set.

The exhibition comes as Czechia marks the anniversary of a dynasty that ruled the Czech lands, in various forms, until the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918. By the late 18th century, curator Štěpán Vácha told Czech Television, the crown jewels had increasingly come to represent not just royal authority but Czech state sovereignty and national identity.

Public admission runs from Sept. 19 through Sept. 28 at Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace, with entry free of charge. The preceding four days are reserved for registered school groups.