10 Must-See Exhibits Inside the Brewery Museum in Plzeň
Plzeň is the world capital of beer. Most visitors head straight for the massive industrial breweries. However, the real history lies in the city center. You will find the Brewery Museum in a 15th-century malthouse. This building is a rare treasure. It tells the story of brewing from ancient times to today. If you want to know what to see inside the Brewery Museum in Plzeň, you are in the right place. This guide covers the best exhibits and hidden corners of the museum. You can even compare this experience to other places to visit in Plzeň. Let's explore the medieval roots of your favorite drink.
Planning Your Trip to the Brewery Museum
The Brewery Museum is located on Veleslavínova Street. It is just a short walk from the main square. The building itself is a historic monument. It survived centuries of change. Inside, you will feel like you stepped back in time. The thick stone walls keep the air cool. This is perfect for preserving old brewing tools. Most visitors spend about an hour here. You can take a self-guided tour with a mobile app. This allows you to explore at your own pace. Many people wonder about the Brewery Museum Plzeň vs Pilsner Urquell tour. The museum focuses more on ancient history and local craft. It is a great starting point for any beer lover. You even get a beer voucher with your adult ticket!
What to See Inside the Brewery Museum in Plzeň
The museum is packed with thousands of artifacts. It is not just about bottles and labels. You will see how beer shaped the entire city. Here are the top 10 things you cannot miss during your visit in 2026.
- Name: The Late Gothic Malthouse Type: Sight Why go: This is the heart of the building. You can see the original 15th-century architecture and massive wooden beams. Best for: History buffs. Where: Ground floor. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Walk from Republic Square. Tip: Look up at the ceiling to see the medieval craftsmanship.
- Name: The Historic Kiln Type: Experience Why go: See where the malt was dried over an open fire. It is one of the best-preserved examples in Europe. Best for: Technical minds. Where: Main exhibition hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Follow the marked museum path. Tip: Notice the dark soot marks still visible on the walls.
- Name: The Cooper’s Workshop Type: Activity Why go: Coopers made the wooden barrels used for aging beer. This room features original 19th-century tools and half-finished barrels. Best for: Craft lovers. Where: Side gallery. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Located near the malthouse section. Tip: Try to imagine the physical strength needed to bend the wood.
- Name: The World’s Smallest Beer Glass Type: Unique Why go: It is a record-breaking artifact. The glass is so tiny you can barely see it without leaning in. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Glass display case. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Middle section of the tour. Tip: Bring a camera with a good macro lens for a photo.
- Name: The Beer Stein Collection Type: Sight Why go: See thousands of mugs made from ceramic, glass, and metal. Some are hundreds of years old and very ornate. Best for: Art collectors. Where: Upper floor cabinets. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Follow the stairs from the kiln. Tip: Look for the steins with built-in whistles used to call for more beer.
- Name: The Brewing Laboratory Type: Experience Why go: Learn how science changed beer in the 1800s. You will see old microscopes and chemical testing kits. Best for: Science fans. Where: Industrial era section. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Near the end of the main floor. Tip: Read the placards about how yeast was first isolated.
- Name: The Steam Engine Model Type: Sight Why go: This model shows how the Industrial Revolution powered breweries. It represents the shift to mass production. Best for: Engineering enthusiasts. Where: Technology hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Central museum area. Tip: Check the official Pilsner Urquell Brewery site for more on industrial history.
- Name: The Historic Tavern Interior Type: Sight Why go: Walk through a reconstructed 19th-century pub. It feels incredibly cozy and authentic. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near the exit. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Getting there: Follow the tour flow. Tip: This is the best spot in the museum for a vintage-style selfie.
- Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Day trip Why go: These medieval tunnels run directly under the museum. It is a labyrinth of cellars used for food and beer storage. Best for: Adventurers. Where: Entrance inside the museum building. Time: 50 minutes. Cost: Extra fee (approx. 200 CZK). Getting there: Book at the museum reception. Tip: Wear a jacket because the temperature is always 10°C (50°F).
- Name: Na Parkánu Taproom Type: Experience Why go: This famous pub is attached to the museum. You can use your beer voucher here for a fresh, unpasteurized Pilsner. Best for: Everyone. Where: Adjacent to the museum exit. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Voucher covers one beer. Getting there: Exit the museum and turn left. Tip: Try the "beer cheese" snack with your drink.
Essential Tips for Museum Visitors
Visiting the museum is easy if you plan ahead. It is open daily, but weekends can be busy. I recommend arriving before 11:00 AM to avoid groups. You can buy tickets online to save time. The museum is fully accessible for most visitors. However, the underground portion has many stairs. If you enjoy this tour, consider the Pilsner Urquell brewery tour next. It is only a 15-minute walk away. Always check the weather if you plan to walk between sites. Plzeň is very walkable, especially the historic center. For more local information, visit the Visit Plzeň official tourism board.
Top Things to Do Near the Museum
After you see what is inside the Brewery Museum, explore the area. Republic Square is just around the corner. It features the stunning St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. You can climb the tower for the best city views. The square also has modern golden fountains. They represent the city's coat of arms. Many small cafes line the nearby streets. You can find traditional Czech meals at great prices. The city is rich in culture and history. You can find more details on the Plzeň Region via Wikipedia. It is a perfect destination for a day trip from Prague.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see the Brewery Museum in Plzeň?
A typical visit takes about 60 minutes. If you add the Historical Underground tour, plan for an extra hour. The self-guided format allows you to move faster or slower depending on your interest in the exhibits.
Is the beer voucher included with every ticket?
Beer vouchers are included with adult tickets for visitors over 18 years old. You can redeem the voucher for a 0.3L beer at the museum tavern or other participating local pubs. Non-alcoholic options are usually available as well.
Can I visit the Brewery Museum and the Underground together?
Yes, you can purchase a combined ticket at the reception. Both attractions share the same entrance building. It is highly recommended to do both to fully understand the history of the city and its beer.
The Brewery Museum in Plzeň is a must-see for any traveler. It offers a deep dive into the traditions that made Czech beer famous. From medieval malthouses to record-breaking miniatures, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to use your voucher at Na Parkánu after the tour. For more inspiration, check out our guide on places to visit in Plzeň. Enjoy your trip to the heart of West Bohemia!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Visit Plzeň — Official city tourism board; unverified source.
- City of Plzeň — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet — Major international travel guide; unverified source.
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery — Primary industrial heritage site; unverified source.
- Techmania Science Center — Major educational attraction; unverified source.
