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WW2 MUSEUM PRAGUE
WORLD WAR II SITES & MOVIES

Anthropoid WW2 museum prague

WWII MUSEUM PRAGUE WITH THE OPERATION ANTHROPOID CRYPT – (this museum is included in our tour)

 
Discover the WW2 Museum in Prague – A Fascinating Military Museum and Memorial to Resistance
 
Unveil the captivating layers of Prague’s history by embarking on a journey within the Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius, home to an extraordinary WW2 Museum that doubles as a Military Museum and serves as a Memorial to Resistance.
 
WW2 Museum Prague – A Living Tribute to our Military History
 
If your quest leads you to seek a WW2 Museum in Prague or a Military Museum in Prague, the Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius is the answer. Deep within its crypt lies the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror, a place that not only highlights WW2 history but also stands as a significant symbol of Prague’s military heritage.
 
The museum’s centerpiece revolves around The Anthropoid Operation, which plays a pivotal role in the story of Prague and Czechoslovak WW2 history. This comprehensive exhibit extends beyond military history and delves into the occupation of Czechoslovakia and the multifaceted events that surrounded this crucial period.
 
Resilience & Anthropoid
 
Czechoslovakia was gradually torn apart by Nazi forces, leading to a tumultuous period in Prague’s history. Key events, such as the Munich Agreement in 1938 and Slovakia’s declaration of independence in 1939, laid the foundation for various resistance groups to emerge.
 
Operation Anthropoid – A Remarkable Chapter in Prague’s History
 
The covert operation, known as „Anthropoid,“ was born out of the United Kingdom but executed by the Czechoslovakian government in exile. The very name „Anthropoid“ carries deep symbolism, reflecting the human-like qualities of this operation.
 
The mission focused on eliminating key figures like Secretary of the State, Karl Hermann Frank, or Reichsprotektor Reinhard Heydrich. The chosen agents for this daring mission, Jozef Gabcik and Jan Kubis, opted to target the infamous „Butcher of Prague,“ Reinhard Heydrich.
 
Before embarking on this perilous journey, the two paratroopers underwent rigorous training in the art of assassination techniques, a testament to their courage and dedication. In December 1941, they were air-dropped near Prague, where they established contact with the domestic resistance and meticulously prepared for their mission.
 
On May 27, 1942, these brave paratroopers staged an audacious attack on Reinhard Heydrich’s car en route to Prague Castle. However, the mission was not without its complications; Jozef Gabcik’s Sten Gun malfunctioned, necessitating a well-thrown bomb by Jan Kubis to secure their success. This ultimately led to the demise of Reinhard Heydrich on June 4, 1942, marking the triumphant conclusion of Operation Anthropoid.
 
The Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius served as the paratroopers‘ sanctuary, hidden in its crypt. Unfortunately, their location was eventually revealed, leading to a dramatic showdown with more than 700 Nazi soldiers surrounding the area, leaving the paratroopers outnumbered and trapped within the church crypt.
 
A Glimpse into Prague’s Rich History
 
The museum’s immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore the compelling narrative of Anthropoid and offers a unique opportunity to step into the crypt where these brave paratroopers made their final stand.
 
The Three Kings – Heroes of Prague
 
The legendary „Three Kings“ constitute one of the most celebrated domestic resistance groups in Prague’s history, comprising Josef Masin, Vaclav Moravek, and Josef Balaban. Their distinctive approach involved independent operations, keeping their comrades‘ identities concealed from each other, effectively thwarting the Nazis‘ efforts to locate them.
 
Their legacy extends beyond resistance; they managed to amass invaluable information and transmit it to the United Kingdom. Furthermore, they fearlessly taunted the Nazis, sending messages, detonating trucks right in front of the Gestapo headquarters, and undertaking other audacious feats. Tragically, Josef Masin and Josef Balaban were captured, tortured, and executed, while Vaclav Moravek met his fate during a fierce firefight.
 
**Unveiling the Church’s Rich History**
 
The museum, nestled within the crypt of the Cathedral of St. Cyril and Methodius, is a significant piece of Prague’s history. Originally constructed between 1730 and 1736, this place of worship served various roles, from military barracks to storage. In 1935, the church was consecrated again, this time dedicated to St. Cyril and Methodius. Presently, it stands as a cathedral under the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
 
Honoring Sacrifice – A Piece of Prague’s History
 
Before entering the WW2 Museum, visitors are greeted with the names etched at the entrance of the cathedral, just above the steps leading to the crypt. These names memorialize the individuals, primarily civilians, who provided invaluable support during the resistance. Their contributions ranged from washing clothes to gathering crucial information on Reinhard Heydrich’s routines, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period.
 
Operating Hours of WW2 museum Prague in Ressslova street
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays.
 
 
 
WW2 museum prague

Army Museum Žižkov – Military Historical Institute

Nestled in the heart of Prague, the Army Museum Zizkov stands as a repository of historical significance, offering a poignant window into the past through its immersive World War II exhibition. This museum’s dedication to preserving and sharing this chapter of history makes it an invaluable resource for those interested in the military history of the Czech Republic.

 
The World War II exhibition at the Army Museum Zizkov is a journey through time. It presents an opportunity to delve into the complexities of an era marked by monumental global events and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. This isn’t just a collection of artifacts and documents; it’s a living testimony to the stories of those who lived through the tumultuous years of the war.
 
As the premier Prague WW2 museum, the Army Museum Zizkov boasts an extensive collection that tells the stories of courage and sacrifice. Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits and immersive displays, each offering a unique perspective on the historical events of World War II. It’s a place where history comes alive, and where the legacy of this era is carefully preserved.
 
When you visit the Army Museum Zizkov, you’re not just stepping into a museum; you’re stepping back in time. The exhibits and collections here take you on a journey through pivotal moments and extraordinary acts of bravery. It’s a place to reflect, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the significant role the Czech Republic played in the context of World War II.
 
For an enriching experience at the WW2 Museum Prague and Army Museum Prague, a visit to the Army Museum Zizkov is a must. It’s a place where history is celebrated, and the echoes of the past are given a voice, allowing visitors to connect with the profound impact of World War II on both the local and global scale.
 
Operating Hours
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays.
 
 
 
 

Hitler’s Madman is a 1943 World War II drama directed by Douglas Sirk. It is a highly fictionalized account of the 1942 assassination of Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich and the resulting Lidice massacre, which the Germans committed as revenge. The film stars Patricia Morison and Alan Curtis and features John Carradine as Reinhard Heydrich.

Hangmen Also Die! is a 1943 noir war film directed by the Austrian director Fritz Lang and written by John Wexley from a story by Bertolt Brecht (credited as Bert Brecht) and Lang. The film stars Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, Brian Donlevy, Walter Brennan, Alexander Granach and Anna Lee, and features Gene Lockhart and Dennis O’Keefe. 

The Silent Village is a 1943 British propaganda short film in the form of a drama documentary, made by the Crown Film Unit and directed by Humphrey Jennings. The film was named one of the top 5 documentaries of 1943 by the National Board of Review.It was inspired by the Lidice massacre in Czech Republic in June 1942.

Atentát (English title: The Assassination) is a 1964 black-and-white Czechoslovak war film directed by Jiří Sequens. The World War II story depicts events before and after the assassination of top German leader Reinhard Heydrich in Prague (Operation Anthropoid). Czech historians have called the film the historically most accurate depiction of the events surrounding Operation Anthropoid.

Operation Daybreak (also known as The Price of Freedom in the U.S.and Seven Men at Daybreak during production) is a 1975 war film based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of SS general Reinhard Heydrich in Prague. Starring Anthony Andrews, Timothy Bottoms and Martin Shaw, the film was directed by Lewis Gilbert and shot mostly on location in Prague. It is adapted from the book Seven Men at Daybreak by Alan Burgess.

Anthropoid is a 2016 war film directed by Sean Ellis and starring Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan, Charlotte Le Bon, Anna Geislerová, Harry Lloyd, and Toby Jones. It was written by Ellis and Anthony Frewin. It tells the story of Operation Anthropoid, the World War II assassination of Reinhard Heydrich by exiled Czechoslovak soldiers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš on 27 May 1942

The Man with the Iron Heart (released as HHhH in France and Killing Heydrich in Canada) is a 2017 biographical action-thriller film directed by Cédric Jimenez and written by David Farr, Audrey Diwan, and Jimenez. An English-language French-Belgian production, it is based on French writer Laurent Binet’s 2010 novel HHhH, and focuses on Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in Prague during World War II.

Lidice (also known as The Butcher of Prague and Fall of the Innocent in the UK) is a 2011 Czech drama film produced by Adam Dvořák from a screenplay by Zdenek Mahler. It was initially directed by Alice Nellis, but after she contracted Lyme disease (borreliosis), Petr Nikolaev took over. It tells a story involving the Nazi massacre at—and destruction of—the Czech village of Lidice. 

The Shop on Main Street (Czech/Slovak: Obchod na korze; in the UK The Shop on the High Street) is a 1965 Czechoslovakian film about the Aryanization program during World War II in the Slovak State.The film was written by Ladislav Grosman and directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos. The film won the 1965 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and Kamińska was nominated one year later for Best Actress in a Leading Role.It was entered into the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.

All My Loved Ones (Czech: Všichni moji blízcí) is a 1999 Czech-language film directed by Matej Mináč. It is the story of an upwardly-mobile Jewish-Czech family before Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia. After initial denial about the looming danger, the family is unable to find a way out of the country upon realizing the reality of the imminent Nazi threat. An uncle in the family meets Nicholas Winton, the (real life) British humanitarian who, just before the start of the Second World War, organized the rescue of several hundred Jewish children from German-occupied Czechoslovakia and likely death in the Holocaust.