Modern Society Through the Eyes of Vojta Náprstek

The National Technical Museum exhibition commemorates 200 years since the birth of Vojta Náprstek and maps his vision of modern society in the second half of the 19th century. Running from April 15 to September 13, 2026, in the Small Gallery of the Architecture, Construction and Design exhibition at NTM, the show traces how Náprstek systematically collected technological innovations from around the world after visiting the 1862 London World's Fair, aiming to introduce them to Czech society, manufacturers and craftspeople. His efforts culminated in opening the Czech Industrial Museum in 1874; the collection was transferred to NTM in 1943.

The exhibition's opening section introduces visitors to Náprstek's personality, family background, travels and acquisitions. A highlight is the historic Wheeler-Wilson sewing machine, which Náprstek was the first to publicly present in Bohemia, displayed alongside an Elias Howe machine—whose invention was 180 years ago this year. The exhibition further showcases everyday objects: drills, pliers, scissors, planes, presses, door hinges, models, sample boards, samples of English tiles and flooring, firefighting equipment, measuring instruments, educational artifacts and travel necessities. A separate section focuses on gas cooking, which Náprstek actively promoted, as well as plant cultivation and animal husbandry. The exhibition complements the permanent display "Technology in the Home," where additional items from Náprstek's collection are on view.