Speculum Alchemiae

History museum · Josefov

Speculum Alchemiae

History museum · Josefov

Haštalská 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Highlights

Step into a hidden Prague gem where you can explore a historical alchemist's workshop and its intriguing underground tunnels on a captivating guided tour.

Haštalská 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia Get directions

alchemiae.cz

@speculumalchemiae

@cntraveler

"A museum about alchemy in Prague that inspired the apartment design of the character Albin Eberhart Von Franz in Nosferatu."

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@atlasobscura

"Hidden in the historical center of Prague you will find a ground floor studio sporting portraits, books, and assorted curiosities. The hide of the last black bear to be hunted in the outskirts of Prague lies on the floor. The real treasure is yet to come. Locate the small statue in the library and give it a twist. A secret door will open down onto a narrow set of stairs, which leads to an underground laboratory sprawling beneath. This underground space, re-discovered after the massive flood of 2002, contains the equipment and the crucible used (supposedly) to turn lead into gold. A mummified crocodile hangs from the ceiling: the alchemists used to refer to it as a “dragon” to inspire awe in their visitors. While the museum is a re-creation, a bit gimmicky, and the trip through the secret door down into the basement is done with a tour guide it is nonetheless an unusual journey into Prague’s occult history. This was the place where experiments were conducted, hidden from the eyes of the inquisition: for good measure, a tunnel (the beginning of which is shown during the guided visit) led directly from the laboratory to a safe escape in the woods out of the city… alchemists can never be too careful." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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Shelley C

Google

This little museum is fun to visit as you get to explore some of the underground tunnels of Prague and learn about the history of this house. While the museum opens at ten, the first English tour does not start until half past ten. There was no ticket queue, so we ended up having to hang around for half an hour. There are no seats in the waiting area. The museum only accepts cash payments. The lady who took us around presented the information well and was happy to answer questions. The tour lasts thirty minutes. There are no toilets or places to eat in the museum. The ticket area has a souvenir shop. There is no disabled access to this building. While there is only a little walking, the floor is uneven, and there are some uneven steps, so people with mobility issues may find it difficult. The underground area is damp, so this may be something to consider if you have asthma or other breathing issues.

dawn of the dread uk

Google

We enjoyed this. As it was nice to squeeze in between other activities in the area. Short and sweet. I found it really interesting. Hopefully one day, the tunnels will be repaired and they can expand on their tour.

Kathilynn Teeling

Google

Amazing place to visit. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They offered information and answered questions. Also kindly offered to take photos. Absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Prague!

Simone Patrick

Google

TIP: Take cash (Euros or Czech Koruna) This is a fantastic little tour not far in the centre of Prague. I didn't know much before I went, I just knew it was about alchemy and wanted to go. You go underground into the rooms used hundreds of years ago by alchemists. Some of the original instruments still remain. Our tour guide was really informative and engaging and was able to answer any questions. There's a lovely shop when you enter as well that sells elixirs in hand-painted bottles which are beautiful.

Tomasmacpro

Google

This is a fascinating and unique museum about alchemy in Prague. I really recommend this museum to everyone who is interested and wants a unique experience. The visit consists in a guide tour around the alchemy tunnels and it's very interesting. The guide spoke very good English and was friendly, and also gave time to take pictures. The visit was very interesting and I was fascinated the whole time. Recommend the fisit.

Elizabeth Parham

Google

The alchemy museum was really cool! They do tours in English every 30 mins and the tour lasts about 30 mins. Even though it was fairly short, it was interesting to learn about, cool to see, and well worth the roughly $6! We enjoyed it :)

shishir ganesh

Google

The Speculum alchemiae museum is situated in the old town, Prague. The underground laboratories can be accessed as a part of the tour with a tour guide, the laboratories are spectacular to watch, the tour lasts for 30 mins. Tickets can be bought at the store/museum, they accept only cash (10€ per adult), first English language tour takes place at half past 10 everyday.

Lloyd De Jongh

Google

The Speculum Alchemiae museum in Prague is an absolute must-see! I stumbled upon this hidden gem while exploring the Jewish quarter and I'm so glad I did. The museum is located in a stunning 9th-century building, which adds to its unique charm. The exhibits are incredibly interesting - you can actually explore underground alchemical laboratories from the 16th century, used by Emperor Rudolf II and his alchemists! And get this - you can even open a secret door to the laboratory! The museum also sells elixirs made according to original recipes from the time period, although be warned - they're not cheap! The atmosphere is truly magical and transportive, with recreated rooms that make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The guided tours are every 30 minutes and provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of alchemy and magic during the late Middle Ages and early modern times. The exhibits are unlike anything I've ever seen before (except perhaps a movie) - there's even a crucible for turning lead into gold and a mummified crocodile hanging from the ceiling! It's located in the heart of the Jewish quarter, just a short walk from Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Overall, I highly recommend spending an hour here - it's a truly unique and interesting experience that will leave you with some amazing memories of your trip to Prague.

Brian L.

Yelp

A short tour but one worth taking if you're into this kind of stuff. I came in somewhat on a whim, just before the start of a new tour. There were four of us, which seemed appropriate for the size of the spaces. Our tour guide was new, but she did a fantastic job nonetheless with giving us cool facts and details about the space. There are lots of cool objects and items. Some authentic, some rebuilt, some just for show. You have to guess which is which before the sand in the hourglass empties or everyone dies. There's even a shop where you can purchase versions of the opium-laden potions of the past. Too bad they're not the same. PS, everyone in our group was wearing all black. It's that kind of place ;)

Patience S.

Yelp

The Speculum Alchemiae (Museum of Alchemy) was informative and fun. Floods opened up a basement in which alchemical texts and equipment. Recreated with love, this alchemy lab is a blast and the guide was as delightful as one could imagine. My companion, a Prague native, had never heard of the place but found it entertaining, while I nd my other companion found it charming. It's maybe not everyone's cup of tea. but if alchemy (the historical origins of chemistry) appeal, then this is a fantastic couple of hours worth of fun.

Jan S.

Yelp

WOW! Amazingly great old survivor of hundreds of years of oppression. It was re-discovered recently and bought by a wealthy keeper of antiquities. Well worth the effort to go and learn what real Alchemy hundreds of years ago was about. Very sweet and helpful front desk staff and tour guides. Buy an old style bottle of some of their potions, from the original hundreds of years old recipe! Mine worked.