National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Connecting People to Czech and Slovak History & Culture

For more than 50 years, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has connected people from all cultural backgrounds with stories of freedom, democracy, and immigration. In 2026, as the United States recognizes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, these stories are celebrated as the cornerstone of the nation.

A National Smithsonian Affiliate in the heart of Czech Village, NCSML is an iconic landmark of strength, determination, and resiliency. Through world-class exhibitions, an extensive research library, and engaging educational initiatives, NCSML creates opportunities for the exploration of culture, heritage, and history. NCSML also hosts events and programs throughout the year, including art workshops, language classes, concerts, tours, and more.

See Faces of Freedom: The Czech and Slovak Journey, NCSML’s largest exhibition open to visitors year-round. Through first-hand accounts, visitors can journey through the World Wars, life under communism, the pursuit of opportunity in America, and celebration of culture and heritage. This 7,200 square feet exhibit includes interactive and immersive components, unique artifacts, a dazzling display of kroje (traditional folk clothing), and so much more. Return throughout the year as the curatorial team changes exhibits in four additional galleries to host art and artifacts from abroad, traveling exhibits, and NCSML’s robust collection.

NCSML welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year from across the country and around the world to celebrate life: Czech life, Slovak life, American life, international life.

ORLOJ Astronomical Clock Tower

In the heart of the Czech Village, you will find North America’s only Orloj clock.

Unveiled in the fall of 2024 in celebration of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s 50th anniversary, the clocktower is based on the world’s oldest astronomical clock in Prague, Czechia (built in 1410). The newly renovated clocktower has been fit with the complex astronomical and clock mechanism called an astrolabe. All astrolabe parts, developed and produced by the SPEL Company in Prague, are made of stainless steel and symbols gilded with 24-karat gold.

The tower also features 12 figurines, sculpted by Andrej Harsany of Bratislava, Slovakia (each almost 4-feet tall), sat on two carousels which awaken each hour to delight visitors by rotating to the music of Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. The twelve figurines express the stories of immigrants, with a farmer, a coal miner, a meatpacker, and other sculptures representing those who came to Cedar Rapids from Czechia, Slovakia, Moravia and more.

2026 Featured Exhibits

Embroidered Life

March 14 – August 30, 2026

Colorful embroidery produced by Romani Artist Markéta Šestáková.

Slovak Country Music

May 1 - Sept. 20, 2026

Country music became a phenomenon in Slovakia as the Iron Curtain fell and people expressed freedom.

Shop the Museum Store

Whether shopping for souvenirs or treasures from abroad, the Museum Store has unique and traditional items that reflect the culture and life of the Czech and Slovak people. See examples of craftsmanship in Czech glass and Slovak embroidery and woodwork, plus food, jewelry, apparel, decor, toys, books, and a show-stopping selection of handcrafted ornaments.

Events:

BrewNost is National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s premier international beer, food, and music festival. Held annually on the third Friday in September, BrewNost is an opportunity to gather with friends while supporting the educational mission of NCSML.

Old World Christmas Market, the first weekend in December, features free admission to the galleries, activities for children, holiday shopping, festive treats, and fun for the whole family.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

1400 Inspiration Place, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

319-362-8500

ncsml.org

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