Speculum Alchemiae
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet street in Prague's Old Town, the Speculum Alchemiae isn't just a museum—it's a perfectly preserved 16th-century alchemist's workshop, a place where history feels almost tangible. You're walking on the same worn floorboards and touching the same soot-stained workbenches where Rudolf II's imperial chemists once toiled, desperately trying to transmute base metals into gold. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and dried herbs, and you can almost hear the whisper of secret formulas. It’s an incredibly intimate and atmospheric glimpse into the clandestine world of medieval science.
Collection Highlights
The real magic lies in the labyrinth of hidden tunnels snaking beneath the building, which were used to smuggle materials and escape prying eyes. You'll also see original glass distillation vessels, intricate astrological charts, and beautifully labeled drawers filled with ingredients like mandrake root and mercury—the very tools of their enigmatic trade.
Visitor Information
You absolutely need to book one of their guided tours; it's the only way to get in and your guide brings the whole mysterious story to life. They run frequently but spaces are limited, so it's best to check their website ahead of your visit.
Architecture & Building
From the outside, it’s an unassuming Renaissance townhouse that blends right into its historic neighborhood, making the secret world hidden within its cellar all the more surprising.
Contact & Location
Address: 795/1, Haštalská, Staré Město, Praha 1, Praha, obvod Praha 1, Hlavní město Praha, Praha, 110 00, Česko
Phone: +420 773 645 234
Website: Visit Website
