National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Worth the stop. In this era when immigration is pivoting, I am so glad to drop in to this museum; and listen to the VOICES of FREEDOM. This exhibit helps me realize just how grateful I am for the freedom and privileges I have inherited. I live on the backs of those who came before me here in this land, and those who sacrificed for the preservation of our liberties and ideals. Beautifully and artfully done.

This museum contains exhibits and artifacts chronicling the arrival of Czech and Slovak immigrants to the United States. The museum also contains a store and library, which includes books and periodicals for research. The staff are very knowledgeable about this overlooked piece of American history. Highly recommended for history buffs.

The museum represents our history, which should resonate deeply with every Slovak and Czech. It reminds us where we came from, what kind of world we once lived in, and why we should value freedom and democracy. Powerful stories of our ancestors are told here.

Professionally curated collections including both historical and modern treasures. The museum highlights the Immigrant experience as well as the home country experience. People exploring their heritage will find an abundance of information on Czech and Slovak culture. The volunteers offer valuable insights and personal stories. The gift shop includes authentic pieces for purchase. Additionally, the library has limitless resources and helpful and knowledgeable staff.

As someone who enjoys visiting museums across the US that focus on the cultures and countries from which immigrants came to America, I can confidently say the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids is an absolute gem. Impressive Scale and Infrastructure The size of this facility is truly astounding. This isn't just a small cultural center—it's a comprehensive 50,000 square-foot institution that rivals major museums in much larger cities. The infrastructure is remarkable. Outstanding Exhibits and Experiences The exhibits were superb throughout. Each display thoughtfully tells the story of Czech and Slovak immigration and culture, making it accessible whether you have personal connections to this heritage or are simply curious about American immigration history. A particular highlight was watching the clock tower's on-the-hour display of Czech workmanship—it's a rewarding experience that showcases the artistic traditions and craftsmanship that immigrants brought with them to America. A Source of Pride Having grown up in Northwest Iowa and spent time in Omaha, I've seen how immigrant communities maintain connections to their heritage. The Czechs, both those from the US and from the Czech Republic itself, must be incredibly proud of this museum. It's clear that significant care, resources, and love have gone into creating this institution. Bottom Line This is absolutely a must-visit destination in Iowa. Whether you're interested in immigration history, Czech and Slovak culture, or simply appreciate well-curated museums, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library delivers an exceptional experience that honors both the immigrant journey and the rich cultural traditions that continue to enrich American communities today.

Very informative and knowledgable staff! Everyone was very welcoming and as we only had a short time to spend there they were able to give suggestions on what to see quickly. Quality exhibits and gift shop with great gift ideas. Worth the stop and perfect location to then walk around an explore more of the Czech Village.

My husband and I stumbled in here, the displays were so informative and I love learning about another culture. We ended walking around for a couple of hours, the clothes and music were by far my favorite, the ship was also pretty cool. The gift shop seemed crazy high in prices but worth getting a couple of trinkets to commemorate your visit, the ladies working there were so nice!

Always good to remember how our ancestors emigrated to United States, how hard it was to start a new life here without knowing the language . Nice and renovated museum with good vibe.

Interesting and full of unique information. Must see the video of moving the Museum. The collection of beaded headdresses and clothing - so intricate.

On my way through Iowa, I planned a stop at this museum because I wanted to explore my heritage and learn more about where my family came from. It's a very well put together museum, not large, but I learned a lot and I spent a good hour going through the exhibits. I think there was a film but I skipped it in the interest of time. I feel a bit bad because I was the only visitor in the place and I hope they get more visitors. It's a very nice museum and considering the contributions that the many Czech and Slovak immigrants have made to America, worthwhile to see.

I went on a date with my boyfriend to visit the National Czech and Slovak Museum. Staff at the front desk was very friendly and helpful about the exhibit. It turned out to be a really neat exhibit, with lots of interesting information provided everywhere you turned. I liked seeing the rotating mannequins displaying the different outfits worn by the Czech and Slovak people. I also liked reading about their different foods associated with their culture. We both enjoyed our time there very much! The gift shop at the end of the exhibit was filled with all sorts of neat traditional items of the Czech and Slovak culture. All Very Cool! I definitely recommend for everyone to visit this museum at least once in your life!

I'm definitely glad I had the chance to visit the National Czech and Slovak Museum. However, it was a lot smaller exhibit-wise than it appeared on the outside which might be worth noting. Underground parking garage kind of seemed to be closed when we pulled up, but it is not - just don't be shy about pulling your vehicle right up to the door! The nearby Czech Village is a fun artsy neighborhood worth your time as well.

This was my first time visiting the new National Czech & Slovak Museum since the flood of 2008. This museum is really spectacular. It's a great part of the Cedar Rapids community and has so much to offer. We specifically visited because of the touring exhibit, Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar. This exhibit is organized by the National Guitar Museum and is really something to see; whether you're a guitarist or music lover (elementary ages +). Plan to spend 30 minutes - 1 hour at this exhibit, depending on how much you like to read and how busy it is. ***Prior to entering the Medieval to Metal exhibit you'll see fabulous newspaper dresses on display. This exhibit is titled, Newspaper Dolls. It's mind-blowing what someone can do with everyday newspaper that we simply recycle. From Medieval to Metal, take a look at the rest of the museum and the permanent exhibit called Faces of Freedom. I have to say, the curators did a fabulous job. So many interactive and vibrant exhibits. The replica steamer ship that brought immigrants to America was especially interesting to me. Many interactive activities for the younger learner (puppet theater, etc.) From here we took a 30 minute tour of the Immigrant Home with volunteer, Shirley. She was a real treat and you could tell she thoroughly enjoys being a docent. The gift shop has many, many beautiful and unique gifts and ornaments for sale. I'm not into buying tchotchkes, but if you are definitely stop. "Revolution Starts in the Streets" is located outside the museum and is a temporary art installation designed to replicate the Berlin Wall. Very cool to watch people paint the wall. This museum is an experience, not just a beautiful building to walk through and admire. General admission is $10, but this gets you in to all special exhibits, the library, Immigrant Home, gift shop, etc. Free parking in the underground garage. You can't beat it. Once you're done at the museum, take a walk around the revitalized Czech Village neighborhood.

We stopped here after first arriving to Cedar Rapids. The museum originally was in the other side of the river and was moved here and added on. Super friendly ticket sellers. We meandered the displays and my sister in law is from Russia and I tagged her in some photos. There was a cute display of babies photographed in clothes of Slavic nations. A volunteer took us outside to show us a replica of Berlin wall, I didn't look where I was walking and walked in mud. After that there was an older house to tour outside. The older lady guide described almost every item in the kitchen. It was kinda funny. There was a free screen print you could do of two fingers up for peace or an elephant. I did the peace sign. This place was really neat.

There's a museum for everything, isn't there? Not all of 'em are good. Some of them have fancy names, but clearly the museum founders' idea was grander than the reality. Some of 'em look funky or cool on the outside, but are just a dumpy old house on the inside. And some of them sound puzzling, but turn out to be pretty cool. This one is one of those. It IS good. No, it's GREAT. Goes in the "small-ish but well-thought-out and interesting" bin. Lots of things you didn't know, probably hadn't considered before. Nice section on how it might feel to be forced to be a refugee by your own country, and what it feels like to try to make a home in America - completely different in too many ways from where you came from. And surprisingly unwelcoming in too many ways, as well. Even the gift shop is fun. Take a look at the cookbooks. Your (or your friend's) aunt from the Old Country with the thick-but-cool accent probably made you a couple of recipes you'll find in there. You probably liked them, rolling home stuffedly after a filling, tasty lunch. Mm. Won't take you more than a couple of hours to go through the place, so you'll have time to do other stuff - UNLESS you stop in the library. If you have any family connection at all to Czechia or Slovakia or the neighborhood, you'll WANT to stop in there. If you think about it, bring your best version of your family tree. The library has lots of fun books to dig into, from books about the countries to books containing manifests of ships bringing refugees covering many decades. With the help of a very nice research librarian, we found mention of a Kabatnik coming over some time in the late 1800s. Might or might not be related, but it was fascinating to not only see the name in a passenger list, listen to the librarian's surmise about why they came here when they did. He also gave us more ideas about where and how to look for more information (hint - ancestry.com ain't all it's cracked up to be). Go there. If you're of Czech or Slovak ancestry, you GOTTA go there.

We visited this museum last month and really enjoyed it. I was especially interested in the exhibit focused on Czech immigration to America. The museum is really quite nice. The exhibits were excellent and the overall experience was incredibly positive. This special museum is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

Many years ago, I attended the grand opening of the original Czech and Slovak Museum, when the presidents of the US, Czech Republic, and Slovak Republic were all in attendance. It was an exciting event for the city, but I have to say that I wasn't particularly impressed by the museum back then. I visited once and then never returned. On a return visit to Iowa recently, my parents convinced to take a visit to the new museum. I was aware that it had been badly damaged by the flood several years ago, but I did not know that the whole building had been physically picked up and moved up the hill. The video presentation was really quite fascinating. After watching, we continued onto the rest of the museum. I was stunned. This place is so much better than what I remember. It is larger, with more insightful and informative displays about the Czech and Slovak people - not just the local history, but also about the experiences in the "Old World" of Europe. When we were there, there was an outstanding exhibit about the post-WWII struggles of the people under a socialist government. There was also a nice display of the works of Peter Sis. We enjoyed the tour of the small immigrant house, but I think it would be better to have less talk about the various items in the house and more discussion about the life in the community. However, the docent was remarkably well-informed and friendly. So, this place is worthy of a visit. The effects of the flood in the surrounding areas can still be seen in places, but this museum is a testament to the resilience of the people of Cedar Rapids.

We were traveling down the interstate outside of Cedar Rapids and saw a sign for this museum. My husband has Slovak grandparents on both sides of his family; so we made an impromptu stop. This turned out to be one of the nicest things we did while on vacation. We are from Pennsylvania where there is a large Slovak/ Czech population and were unaware of the number of immigrants who made the mid-west their home. The various museum exhibits are very informative and presented well. The tour guide for the authentic immigrant house was very friendly and well versed in the history of the family who made the house their home. Also, there is a story behind the museum building itself and the 2008 flood which is very interesting and presented in a short film that is shown in a small theater. The admission price was quite reasonable. The Cedar Rapids community is fortunate to have such an asset.

Cedar Rapids has a terrific museum! My husband has Czech heritage so we decided we wanted to see this awesome museum! So glad we stopped by. We really enjoyed it! Very well presented! This place is a "must see ". We found it very interesting, informative about how life was in war time history, how they came to America. Saw their different costumes they wore, and heard the languages they spoke. Lots of neat stuff to explore and learn about. It's a brand new museum. The old part of it was moved after the flood a few years ago. They have a short movie about that too. What an asset to the community!

This museum never disappoints with it's wonderful exhibits of art and history in recognition and celebration of the Czech and Slovak culture. Today my husband were able to participate in the exhibits which included Chihuly glass sculpture which were absolutely amazing! I recommend everyone visit this museum, they provide an experience that is educational as well as entertaining.

Beautiful museum and a great staff. Always something great going on inside. Ever since I was a kid I was a fan of spending time at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and I'm pretty sure my high school had them on the list of places to hold our prom. They never disappoint when you go inside and take in all of the history they have to offer.

This us an extraordinary place. There is an enormous Czech, Slovak and Bohemian community in Cedar Rapids which is well demonstrated in this beautiful facility. It was freshly built and a gem of this city when the flooded Cedar River devastated it in the Floods of 2008. The building was picked up and moved 480 feet further up the bank. It was not only rebuilt on top of a parking garage, the museum was tripled in size. It is now three feet above the 2008 flood level, which should raise the collection well above any future potential flood plain - and it makes parking very convenient! My initial visit was to attend a lecture in a beautiful theater. I was not able to visit the museum during that visit, but I was able to peruse the marvellous gift shop that is loaded with imported glassware, crystal, art glass, Christmas ornaments, artwork of all kinds, dolls and books with most everything imported from the Czech and Slovak region of Europe. The lecture I attended was about the World War II tragedy of Lidice, a village in Bohemia that was the victim of the Nazi atrocity in 1942. It was an excellent presentation by the author of a book about the desecration of Lidice. The lecture was one of a series of informative presentations that are offered by the museum. The museum is located on 12th Avenue at the Cedar River, convenient to downtown Cedar Rapids and just a few blocks off I-380. If you are visiting Cedar Rapids, and have any interest in history and culture, I highly recommend that you stop here for a visit. I will be returning often and soon. You can learn more more about the museum at its impressive website.

Amazing!!! The library was so informative. Found my great great grandparents info coming over in 1888. Fantastic records and loved all the memories it brought back. The staff are very personable. The facility is clean and welcoming. We had a picnic on the lawn outside. A must see!

Excellent - High quality museum with lots of touch points for little kids! My young daughters and I spent 4 hours having a blast learning and playing.

What a gem. The new museum is creative, informative and thorough. You really get an appreciation for the early immigrant, especially the Czech and Slovak, to this area. We've been to museums all over the world and we found this museum to be exceptional. Sorry we missed the Kolach festival. Great gift shop, too.

This place is AMAZING! My eight year old daughter and decided to tour here on a whim. The outside is beautiful. It is one of the most architecturally unique buildings in Cedar Rapids. Very hard to miss the red peaked roofs. Be sure to look up when entering! I'm not sure how but I missed an extremely gorgeous chandelier. The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. They three very young girls and they were able to answer all of my questions. My daughter was very entertained. They have an interactive exhibit on shoes. She was given a scavenger hunt which actually made it easier for her to absorb the information. Most museums shy away from children. Very nice to not see that here. The other exhibits, History of Beer and their permanent exhibit(forget the name) are also amazing. We really liked the costumes and all of the jewelry. So much to see. We were there for almost two hours! Unheard of for my ADD kid. Presented history in a very easy way for young and old to relate to. The gift shop is glorious!!!!! Maybe not the best place for an active child that likes to touch. Very pricy but worth it.