The exhibition consists of two sections: Existential Space and Imaginary Topography. The first explores the way that Prague shaped the author’s life via his diaries and correspondence with family members, friends, lovers, and publishers. The second is focused on the way that Kafka depicted Prague in his work—although he generally did not name the places he described in his novels and stories, it is generally accepted that, for example, the cathedral in The Trial is Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral and that the path taken by Joseph K. in the last chapter of the novel goes from the Old Town, across Charles Bridge, to the Lesser Town.
Visitors can tour the museum independently or, for an additional fee, book a guided tour (it is advised that you book seven days in advance). The museum sells maps of Franz Kafka’s Prague, which is a great way to further explore the city in his footsteps.
The museum is located in Prague’s Lesser Town (Malá Strana), less than a 15-minute walk from Old Town Square. A 3-minute walk away, Malostranská (served by Line A) is the closest to Prague Metro station. Tram numbers 2 and 18 also stop at Malostranská.
The Franz Kafka Museum is open seven days a week from 10am until 6pm. Try to give yourself at least one hour to thoroughly explore the exhibits. The museum is typically busiest during summer: the peak tourist season.
Kafka fans can see even more sites around Prague that are related to the writer. His birthplace is on the corner of Kaprova and Maiselova in the Old Town; Petřín Hill was one of his favorite places to visit as a young man; he attended salons at the New Town’s Café Louvre, and gave a first reading of The Judgement at the nearby Grand Hotel Europa. His final resting place is in the New Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov.
