This year, Škoda Auto is celebrating its 130th anniversary, while the Škoda Museum marks three decades of showcasing the brand’s rich heritage, from past to present and into the future. Originally opened in September 1995 in the carmaker’s hometown of Mladá Boleslav within the historic factory buildings, the museum underwent extensive modernisation in 2012. Last year alone, it attracted 212,461 visitors – an increase of over five per cent compared to the previous year. Recently, the museum welcomed its four-millionth guest since first opening its doors. To honour this milestone year, a series of special exhibitions explore the Czech carmaker’s legacy, including a display dedicated to the legendary Popular and Rapid models, running until April.
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.