President Petr Pavel has decided to present the Czech crown jewels to the public every year on St. Wenceslas Day. This day, celebrating Czech statehood, falls on 28 September each year. This year, the jewels will be on display from 17 to 30 September.
According to the head of state’s decision, the exhibition will be held annually in September around St. Wenceslas Day. This year, the crown jewels will be on display from 17 September in the Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál) of the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle. “The day before, they will be ceremonially collected from the Crown Chamber in St. Vitus’ Cathedral, St. Wenceslas’ Chapel, and St. Vojtech’s Chapel,” the Communications Department of the President’s Office announced today.
Details of this year’s exhibition will be announced by the President’s Office as the date approaches.
Since the founding of the independent Czech Republic, the crown jewels have been exhibited at Prague Castle eight times: twice under Václav Havel and Václav Klaus, four times under Miloš Zeman, and most recently in January last year on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Republic. The longest exhibition to date took place in May 2016 and lasted fifteen days. Last year, the exhibition was initially limited to five days but was extended to eight days following an agreement with conservationists.
The crown jewels include the crown of St. Wenceslas from the 14th century. Other exhibits include the imperial orb, the sceptre, and the coronation robes of the former Czech kings.
