Vojta Náprstek at 200: Exhibition Opening & Curator Lecture

Discover the Extraordinary Legacy of Vojta Náprstek at the Embassy of the Czech Republic

Join us at the Embassy of the Czech Republic for the opening of a special exhibition and lecture by curator Pavla Hubáčková dedicated to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Vojta Náprstek (1826–1894) as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth.

A visionary thinker, politician, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s rights and education, Náprstek was far ahead of his time. Born in Prague into a prosperous family, he believed wealth and success should serve society. Amid political unrest and restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, he departed for the United States in 1848, where nearly a decade of travel, work, and discovery profoundly shaped his worldview.

During his time in America, Náprstek encountered new ideas, technologies, and cultures, including Native American communities such as the Dakota people, whose traditions he admired and sought to better understand. Upon returning to Prague, he became a driving force in Czech intellectual and public life—championing women’s education, founding a public library, promoting scientific and cultural exchange, and establishing what would later become the Náprstek Museum, today renowned for its collections of non-European cultures.

About the Lecture

Marking the bicentennial of Náprstek’s birth, curator Pavla Hubáčková will explore the life, ideas, and lasting relevance of one of the Czech lands’ most fascinating historical figures. While many know him primarily as the founder of the museum that bears his name, Náprstek was also a reformer, political figure, and passionate advocate for social progress whose experiences in the United States deeply influenced his vision for society.

About the Curator

Pavla Hubáčková studied history at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University and currently serves as a curator at the Náprstek Museum in Prague. Her work focuses on the 18th and 19th centuries, with a particular emphasis on topics connected to Vojta Náprstek and his extraordinary legacy.

About the Exhibition

Presented in honor of the 200th anniversary of Náprstek’s birth, the exhibition offers insight into the many dimensions of his life—from exile in America and political engagement to his advocacy for women’s rights and his role in shaping Czech cultural life. More than a museum founder, Náprstek believed that curiosity, education, and civic engagement could help build a better society—a message that remains strikingly relevant today.

Event Details:
Date/Time: May 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm
Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Admission is free.
RSVP required
Step into the extraordinary world of a man whose ideas crossed borders—and whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

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Host or Publisher Embassy of the Czech Republic