A fascinating car museum and a thriving cultural hub
Established in 1995 to commemorate the carmaker’s centenary, the Škoda Museum is housed in the original Laurin & Klement buildings, where the company operated from 1899 to 1911. Following a comprehensive refurbishment in 2012, the museum now spans 1,800 square metres, showcasing dozens of exhibits and key milestones from Škoda Auto’s 130-year history. In addition to celebrating the past, the museum regularly displays design studies, offering visitors a glimpse into the brand’s future. Beyond its role as a car museum, it also serves as a prominent cultural centre for Mladá Boleslav, hosting a variety of events.
An integral part of the museum is its depository, home to a remarkable collection of concepts, prototypes, and sports cars – from early design studies to previews of subsequent production models, as well as small formula cars and rally specials. This collection reflects Škoda’s visionary approach to automotive design and innovation.
Another visionary in automotive history was Ferdinand Porsche, whose birth house in Liberec-Vratislavice nad Nisou has been owned by Škoda Auto since 2011. Its modern exhibition space engages visitors with interactive displays exploring technology, engineering, and the rich history of mobility – past, present, and future.
Visitors to the museum can also book a guided tour of Škoda’s production plants in Mladá Boleslav, and also with former employees offering free guided tours of the Vrchlabí and Kvasiny sites.
The Škoda Popular and Rapid exhibition, Škoda 130 RS 50th anniversary, and the company’s 130th anniversary
In 2025, as Škoda celebrates 130 years since its founding, the museum is hosting a series of themed exhibitions. One of these, running until 27 April, spotlights the legendary Popular and Rapid models. Ninety years ago, these lower- and mid-range cars accounted for up to 95% of both domestic and international orders. Technically advanced yet affordable, they helped the Škoda brand weather the global economic crisis of their era. Alongside rare automobiles, the exhibition also features period photographs, artefacts, and video presentations.
In prototypes and sports cars depository museum commemorates 50th anniversary of the legendary sport car Škoda 130 RS featuring three pieces from museum’s collection until 27 April.
In the first half of May, an exclusive exhibition dedicated to Škoda Auto’s 130-year history will open to visitors and remain on display until the end of 2025. It will tell the remarkable story of how a small bicycle workshop grew into a thriving car manufacturer, shaping the town it calls home. The exhibition will showcase Škoda Auto’s most significant achievements while offering a glimpse into its future. Visitors can look forward to seeing, among other highlights, the most valuable exhibits from the Škoda Museum’s collection and some of the rarest cars ever produced by the brand.
Four million visitors over 30 years
Since opening its doors, the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav has consistently attracted local and international fans of the brand. This is reflected in its steadily rising attendance figures, interrupted only by the pandemic-related downturn. Last year alone, the museum welcomed more than 212,400 visitors – an increase of over five per cent compared to 2023.The milestone of one million visitors was reached in 2006 with the two-million mark following in 2015 and three million celebrated in 2019. Just recently, the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav welcomed its four-millionth visitor, marking yet another significant moment in its 30-year history.
