national czech & slovak museum & library

We've lived within an hour of this museum for years but out-of-town family finally spurred us to visit. What an incredible museum! I thought it would be a small, 30-minute-to-see-it-all local museum, but this place is truly world-class. The best comparison is the Ellis Island museum. The museum does an excellent job covering both the Czech and Slovak cultures and histories, but it also had displays about global migrations of peoples and cultures. The displays are top-notch, the interior is gorgeous (it would make for a great wedding rental) and the staff are extremely friendly. I would expect this museum to be in Chicago but Cedar Rapids is blessed with this jewel. A must see. (Watch the "moving" video - very interesting and amusing!)

The National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library is simply amazing. While caught up by the intricate needlework of the garments or the detailed glassware, you might miss the pictorial history of these people on display. This is not to be missed either. Set in Czech Village, the museum and library are a visual treat and a reminder of how much these people brought to Iowa.

The docents were wonderful. The museum is very well laid out. Learned a lot. If you go, don't skip the short films about the flood and the museum's re-build. I also loved the room with the costumes and the music by the various Czech composers.

My girlfriend and I brought our moms here for a tour. There was heated, protected parking under the museum, with an elevator up to the main level. That made it so much easier for our moms!The tour volunteers (?) and the gift shop were very helpful, friendly and just so kind.We loved going through the old homestead!Definitely worth the visit!

We stopped by the museum while in Cedar Rapids to attend another event. While my husband and I are not of Czech or Slovak decent, we do love history and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It took us approximately 3 hours to tour the museum and we learned so much about the plight of the Czechoslovakian people. I had no idea of the plight their people faced even during my own lifetime. It was truly an eye opener. The interactive displays are wonderful and really give you a feel for the immigrants that came from that region, past and current. It is definitely worth the price of admission!

Being of Czech descent, I love most things Czech. This museum has a terrific and varied collection of articles. The gift shop is superb.

Despite the building looking huge, the collection is rather small, but interesting. Further, the attendants are excellent. We arrived five minutes after the last tour was suppose to start, but they made an exception and took us to the pioneer house that they have, giving us the full tour. They are really what made the visit worthwhile. It is a bit pricey for the collection size, but worth it to see at least once.

The National Czech & Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids is located in a gorgeous building, which was actually moved from a different spot due to a massive flood a few years ago. Inside, you'll get a great look into the cultural history of the Czech and Slovak people both in their native homeland, as well as in America. We spent about an hour here, but if this is a culture you are a part of or interested in, you could probably spend about 2-3 hours.It should also be noted that this museum has a National Park Passport Cancellation Stamp for the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

This is an outstanding asset for our community. The displays are well designed and some are interactive. The gift shop has a wide variety of items that were purchased in the Czech Republic. The admission fee is a little high, but you can take as long as you want at the exhibits. There are facilities that can be rented for large groups and parties. The library is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to do research. Well worth checking out if you are a history buff or of Czech origin.

We were there on a Sunday...very quiet and empty. Visit was just OK! Not worth $10.00 fee although I know it helps Museum!

a magnificent cultural gem of European Origins located in the heartland of the United States, concise and definitive displays

The building and grounds are beautiful. The permanent exhibit "faces of freedom" was very powerful. When I thought of my grandfather coming to America on a steamship, then went in the mockup of one, I started to cry.It not just for Czechs and Slovaks it is the story of losing and gaining freedom and how it impacts the individual. Go see it.

We visited while the Mucha exhibit was there. Wonderful. Given that there is a large flexible exhibit area, check to see what's featured.

We went on the free open house day and enjoyed and the special demonstrations they had.Would I pay to go again, probably not.If you are a Czech it is then a"Gotta Go" kinda place.IHG,Rube

Tucked away a little south of the downtown of Cedar Rapids is this very fine musuem. You do not have to be Czech or Slovak to enjoy this place. The current exhibit does a great job in telling the story of these two countries fight for freedom. Wait till you see all the ethnic apparel, they are wonderful.