Kafka Museum

About

The Kafka Museum in Prague, located in the historic Herget Brickworks on the Lesser Town bank of the Vltava River, offers a deeply atmospheric exploration of Franz Kafka’s life, work, and the city that shaped him. The permanent exhibition is divided into two sections: "Existential Space," which delves into Kafka’s personal world, his diaries, letters, and the profound influence Prague had on his psyche; and "Imaginary Topography," which examines how Kafka transformed Prague’s real locations into surreal, metaphorical landscapes in his fiction. Visitors can see first editions of Kafka’s books, facsimiles of manuscripts, personal correspondence, photographs, and drawings-many items never before displayed in Prague. The museum’s design is intentionally immersive and unsettling, with dark corridors, red-lit staircases, and sound installations that evoke the anxiety and alienation central to Kafka’s writing. Multimedia displays and 3D installations bring his existential themes to life, while excerpts from his novels, such as "The Trial" and "The Castle," are woven throughout the exhibit. Outside, the provocative "Piss" fountain by David Černý adds a modern, irreverent touch to the experience. The Kafka Museum is a must for literature lovers and anyone interested in the intersection of Prague’s history and Kafka’s enduring legacy.

Prague Czech Republic

Location

The Kafka Museum is located in the historic Herget Brickworks building at Cihelná 2b, on the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) bank of the Vltava River, directly across from the Old Town and close to Charles Bridge. This atmospheric riverside spot places the museum in one of Prague’s most picturesque and culturally rich neighborhoods, beneath Prague Castle and surrounded by cobbled streets, Baroque architecture, and charming cafés. Just outside the museum, in its courtyard, you’ll find David Černý’s provocative “Piss” fountain, a popular photo spot. Within a short walk are the iconic Charles Bridge, the tranquil Vojan Gardens, and the Karel Zeman Museum, which celebrates the Czech film director’s pioneering special effects. The Lennon Wall, a symbol of freedom and artistic expression, is also nearby, as are the Malá Strana Bridge Towers and the lush Wallenstein Garden. This location makes the Kafka Museum an ideal starting point for exploring both the literary heritage of Franz Kafka and the historic heart of Prague.