Municipal Library of Prague (Idiom), Prague
Discover Prague's 'Idiom' book tower, a stunning art installation creating an infinite illusion of books within a historic library.
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Must-see attractions
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Experience the book tower's magic
Municipal Library of Prague (Idiom), Prague
Best Time
Experience the book tower's magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Prague's 'Idiom' book tower, a stunning art installation creating an infinite illusion of books within a historic library.
"An awe-inspiring art installation creating an infinite illusion of books, symbolizing endless knowledge."
🎯 Beat the Crowds for Photos
Arrive early or visit on a weekday morning to get the best shots of the 'Idiom' tower without too many people.
📚 Understand the 'Idiom' Art
The book tower is an art installation by Matej Kren, using mirrors to create an infinite effect.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Idiom' Book Tower
Municipal Library Entrance Hall
An awe-inspiring art installation creating an infinite illusion of books, symbolizing endless knowledge.
Antique Tome Collection
Library Interior
Discover a collection of historical books, offering a glimpse into Prague's rich literary past.
Czech Modern Art Exhibitions
Exhibition Space
Explore rotating displays of contemporary Czech art, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Book Tower
Beyond the Tower: A Cultural Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crowds for Photos
Arrive early or visit on a weekday morning to get the best shots of the 'Idiom' tower without too many people.
📚 Understand the 'Idiom' Art
The book tower is an art installation by Matej Kren, using mirrors to create an infinite effect. +1
⏰ Check Closing Times
The library closes to visitors for the 'Idiom' installation after 8 PM, so plan accordingly.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Tower
Don't miss the library's antique books and modern art exhibitions for a fuller experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crowds for Photos
Arrive early or visit on a weekday morning to get the best shots of the 'Idiom' tower without too many people.
📚 Understand the 'Idiom' Art
The book tower is an art installation by Matej Kren, using mirrors to create an infinite effect. +1
⏰ Check Closing Times
The library closes to visitors for the 'Idiom' installation after 8 PM, so plan accordingly.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Tower
Don't miss the library's antique books and modern art exhibitions for a fuller experience.
📸 Capture the Illusion
Mirrors at the top and bottom create the 'infinite' effect; experiment with angles for unique photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the 'Idiom' book tower, praising its unique artistic concept and the mesmerizing infinity illusion. Many also appreciate the library's historical ambiance and art exhibitions. Some find the crowds can detract from the experience, and note that the installation is the primary draw, with other library features being secondary for most visitors.
"The art work is nice but really not worth the almost an hour wait. I thought that the queue was not only to take a photo in front of the art work but also to enter in the library. So if you want to see the art work from the side and enter you can do it without the waiting."
Hristina Georgieva
"We stopped here for the famous book tower view, but there was a long line, so we decided to enter from a side and see it from there. It was perfect and more than enough. Is not really worth staying hours in line for a 2 minutes experience, take the shortcut, see it and move on further."
Ana
"It is for me a 5/5 library, and it deeply saddens me that this library gets so much low star reviews from tourists, because first of all, this is a library, not a sightseeing spot. While the book tower is popular and cool, people primarily go there to read and study, and not to sightsee.
Beautiful, well-equipped library, with a wide selection of printed resources - from books, to magazines, to newspapers. There are also resources for kids, books and audiovisual ones, there's a space dedicated to where kids can do activities. There's a keyboard/organ for playing music, and computer stations, desks for studying with power outlets, a coffee vending machine, too, is available. The seats are comfortable and clean, and there are outdoor benches for reading under the sun when the weather permits. The library also organizes a lot of activities, concerts, and film-watching, book clubs, etc. Registration is required for borrowing and reserving books - 80 czk for a year, but if you just want to study there, or read inside, entrance is free. The staff are kind and helpful and they do their best to speak in English for their non-Czech-speaking users. It is a valuable facility for the people, old and young alike. I go here a lot, and I will continue to go here as often as I am able.
There's usually a line outside, but take note that that's for the photo-taking. There is no line for entering the library.
No one's stopping anybody from taking photos of the book tower, but one should manage their expectations. This is first and foremost, a library, not a sightseeing spot."
abby v
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Municipal Library of Prague is conveniently located in the Old Town Square area. You can easily walk there from the Old Town Square itself, as it's just a few minutes away. Many public transport options also stop nearby, making it accessible via tram or metro.
Yes, it's quite easy to find. It's situated in the heart of Prague's Old Town, a short walk from the Astronomical Clock. Look for the building that houses this unique art installation.
Walking is highly recommended as you'll be exploring the charming streets of Prague's Old Town. The library is a short stroll from major landmarks.
Parking in the Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's generally advised to use public transport or walk to the Municipal Library to avoid parking hassles.
While the main library areas are generally accessible, the 'Idiom' installation might have some limitations due to its nature. It's best to inquire upon arrival if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Municipal Library and its 'Idiom' book tower installation is generally free. However, it's an art installation within a functioning library, so be respectful of the space.
The 'Idiom' book tower is accessible to visitors until 8 PM. It's advisable to check the library's official hours beforehand, as these can sometimes change.
No, there is typically no admission fee to enter the Municipal Library and view the 'Idiom' installation. It's a public library and a free art exhibit.
You can visit the library and see the 'Idiom' installation until 8 PM. After that, the library may close or the installation area might be inaccessible to the public.
While the book tower is free, the library may host separate exhibitions that could have their own admission fees or require special tickets. It's best to check their current schedule.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially for capturing the 'Idiom' installation. However, always be mindful of other visitors and library etiquette. +1
Weekday mornings or earlier in the day before peak hours offer fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos of the 'Idiom' tower.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional shoots or commercial photography might require special permission. Avoid using flash if it disturbs others.
Experiment with different angles, especially from the bottom looking up and from the sides. The mirrors at the top and bottom are key to the illusion, so try to incorporate them.
Tripods might be restricted, especially during busy times, to avoid obstructing pathways. It's best to check with library staff if you plan to use one.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
The 'Idiom' is a captivating art installation by Matej Kren, featuring a cylindrical tower made of over 8,000 books. Mirrors at the top and bottom create a stunning illusion of endlessness, symbolizing the infinity of knowledge. +1
A quick visit to see the 'Idiom' book tower can take as little as 15-30 minutes. If you wish to explore the antique books or art exhibitions, allow an hour or more. +1
The library, especially the area around the 'Idiom' installation, can get quite crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons and times. Visiting early or on weekdays can help mitigate this.
Beyond the 'Idiom' installation, you can admire the library's collection of antique books and explore its exhibition spaces which often feature Czech modern art.
Children are often fascinated by the 'Idiom' book tower's visual spectacle. The library itself offers a quiet environment, and the art exhibitions might also be engaging for older children.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
📚 Book Lovers & Art Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Idiom' Installation: A Deeper Look
Visitors are often mesmerized by this visual spectacle, which has become a significant draw for tourists and locals alike. The installation is a permanent fixture in the library's entrance hall, making it a consistent attraction. The sheer scale and the clever use of reflection make 'Idiom' a unique and memorable experience, often described as a 'hidden gem' by visitors.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and the concept behind 'Idiom'. It's more than just an Instagrammable spot; it's a profound representation of literature and the pursuit of knowledge. The installation encourages contemplation on the vastness of information available and the continuous journey of learning.
Exploring the Municipal Library's Collections
Furthermore, the library serves as a venue for Czech modern art exhibitions. These rotating displays showcase contemporary artists, offering a vibrant contrast to the historical collections. This dual focus on both historical literature and modern artistic expression makes the Municipal Library a multifaceted cultural destination.
For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, dedicating time to explore these other aspects of the library can be highly rewarding. It transforms a quick visit to see the book tower into a more immersive cultural outing, revealing the library's depth beyond its most famous installation.
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