Last Updated on January 2, 2019
Beautiful and quirky. It isn’t always an easy combination to get right. And yet, I find, Prague does it so very well.
As a case in point, I just wanted to share with you a glimpse of our recent trip to The City of Prague Museum at Chateau Ctěnice. We drove there to see the new temporary exhibition, ‘Trnka’s Garden 2’ – based on Jiří Trnka’s children’s book, The Garden. I must admit, I knew very little about this beloved Czech classic before we went. Very quickly though, we were all charmed by this imaginative interpretation of a tale about a mysterious garden behind a rusty gate. As you will see, the exhibition – like the garden – is brimming with playfulness and beauty. As well as some hilarious elephants and a rather crotchety tomcat.
If you happen to miss the Trnka’s Garden 2 exhibition – which runs until the 2 September 2018 –Chateau Ctěnice is still an enjoyable morning out. The castle garden is free to the public and contains lots of space to roam, apple orchards and two small new playgrounds. There is also a compact garden centre (with reasonably priced plants) and horse stable on the grounds.
The museum itself has some small permanent exhibitions to explore. Most of these are fairly grown-up, but the building near the complex entrance contains a charming model railway, old-fashioned wooden toys as well as some large, soft building blocks.
It is also well worth checking the museum’s Facebook page for details of upcoming child-friendly events. We attended our first Czech Masopust here, earlier in the year. Despite the frost, there was a convivial atmosphere, as well as stalls selling snacks and hot drinks, and a free mask decorating workshop for children. The museum often hosts fun events at its other buildings too.
Hunger pangs?
The Granary hotel and restaurant is in the castle complex – should you fancy a spot of lunch. The restaurant gets mixed online reviews, although there is a child’s menu and it is possible to order a picnic basket too. Or you can just grab a drink and cake on the pretty terrace. There is also a small snack kiosk which sells ice-cream. Alternatively, the lawn and benches make a good spot for a self-packed picnic and there is a small indoor picnic area too.
Getting there
Travelling on public transport involves a metro to Letňany followed by a trip on the 185 or 302 bus to Ctěnice. If you have the option, it is easier to drive. There is free parking on site.
Chateau Ctěnice
The City of Prague Museum
Bohdanečská 259/1
190 17 Prague 9-Vinoř
For details of opening hours and admission prices, please check the museum’s website.