Karel Zeman Museum – Prague, Czechia - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Karel Zeman Museum

Prague, Czechia

Dedicated to the works of the legendary special effects artist. 

View all photos
The glass figurine from “Inspiration” (1949). Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
The glass figurine from “Inspiration” (1949). Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
A miniature submarine from the world of Jules Verne. Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Journey to the Beginning of Time. Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Journey to the Beginning of Time. Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)
Inter-active flying contraption SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
Various Backdrops SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
'Jules Verne' diorama SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
83
153
Top Places in Prague
Prague Astronomical Clock
Prague, Czechia
Prague Metronome
Prague, Czechia
St. Valentine’s Shoulder Blade
Prague, Czechia
 See All

Karel Zeman was a wizard of stop-motion animation, a god in the pantheon of special effect artists. Widely recognized as the Czech Méliès, he directed many fantasy films, both short and feature-length combining live-action footage with animation.

Through his filmmaking, Zeman brought such fantastical stories as Jules Verne’s books and Baron Munchausen’s adventures to life, in addition to Krabat and A Thousand and One Nights. Furthermore, one of his most famous films, Journey to the Beginning of Time, features a variety of prehistoric creatures as a group of teenage boys travel back in time.

In 2013, an interactive museum dedicated to Zeman’s cinematic fantasy opened in Prague near the popular Charles Bridge. Visitors are first welcomed by the little ballerina from the 1949 short film Inspiration, which was beautifully animated using glass figurines.

The exhibit goes on to showcase an extensive collection of props and costumes, along with clips of Zeman’s films playing constantly to illustrate the scene. Each room is also designed to emulate the sets, so visitors can feel as if they’re in the movies themselves.

special effects movie sets film museums
Community Contributors
Fred Cherrygarden
Added by
Fred Cherrygarden
linkogecko
SEANETTA
Edited by
linkogecko, SEANETTA
Published
February 13, 2022
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Kabourek
0.04 miles
Lennon Wall
0.05 miles
Vinárna Čertovka
0.12 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Prague, Czechia

Kabourek

A grumpy old water goblin guarding an old mill on the Devil’s Stream in Prague.
The Lennon Wall.
Prague, Czechia

Lennon Wall

Despite attempts by local police to discourage it, Beatles-inspired graffiti has been a means for artists to air grievances for decades.
The street is so narrow pedestrians need a stoplight.
Prague, Czechia

Vinárna Čertovka

This walkway is so narrow it needs its own light to stop pedestrian traffic jams.
Flowers in summer bloom
Prague, Czechia

Vojan Gardens

The oldest garden in Prague, once part of an medieval orchard.
Related Places
Sukagawa, Japan

Tsuburaya Eiji Museum

A small, family-friendly museum dedicated to the “god of special effects” who brought Godzilla to life.
Boulder City, Nevada

Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum

A professional special effects makeup artist’s collection of horror creatures and one-of-a-kind recreations on display in downtown Boulder City.
The Outsiders House
Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Outsiders House Museum

Once in disrepair, the house where the 1983 film was shot has been restored and turned into a museum.
Burbank, California

Gordon R. Howard Museum

Home to a massive collection curated by the Burbank Historical Society, this museum examines every aspect of life in the city known for aviation and the film industry.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web