National Museum (Národní muzeum), Prague

One of the city's most familiar sights, this massive Neo-Renaissance construction overlooks the town from the top end of Wenceslas Square. Soviet troops fired on the museum as they occupied Prague in August 1968. The interior is fairly dramatic: a grand staircase sweeps up to the Pantheon, a hall filled with busts of Czech cultural heroes. The exhibits are old-fashioned, focusing on fossils, stuffed animals, minerals and archaeological finds. The visiting hours vary seasonally; for specific timings check the website or call ahead.