Prague's Museum of Decorative Arts grew from nineteenth-century efforts to compare Czech and European applied arts and encourage better design and production. Its purpose has remained closely tied to the study and public understanding of objects made for use and display.
The collections cover glass, ceramics, furniture, textiles, books, metals, jewelry, and related decorative arts, with material ranging from historic craftsmanship to modern design. The museum's building in Josefov and its changing exhibitions provide useful context for visitors exploring Prague's artistic and industrial history.
