Škoda Auto is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year – a milestone that is also being honoured at the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav. Since its opening 30 years ago, the museum has been captivating visitors with unique insights into the brand’s eventful history. With special exhibitions and a steadily growing number of visitors, it underscores its importance as a cultural centre and guardian of the heritage of one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers.
This year marks not only Škoda Auto’s 130th anniversary but also three decades of the Škoda Museum successfully showcasing the brand’s proud heritage – from its past through to the present and future. Opened in 1995, the museum is located in the car manufacturer’s home town of Mladá Boleslav, on the site of historic factory buildings.
Škoda carried out a comprehensive modernisation of the museum in 2012. Last year alone, it attracted 212,461 visitors – five per cent more than in 2023 – and recently welcomed its four-millionth guest since opening. To celebrate this milestone, a series of special exhibitions will take visitors on a journey through the Czech car manufacturer’s heritage. Among them is an exhibition dedicated to the legendary Popular and Rapid models, running until the end of April.
A Fascinating Car Museum and a Thriving Cultural Centre
To mark the company’s centenary, the museum opened in 1995 in the original Laurin & Klement factory halls, where the firm operated from 1899 to 1911. Since its extensive modernisation in 2012, the museum now spans 1,800 square metres and showcases dozens of exhibitions featuring key moments from Škoda Auto’s 130-year history.
Alongside highlights from the past, the museum regularly presents design studies, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of the car manufacturer. Beyond its role as an automotive museum, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub in Mladá Boleslav, hosting a diverse range of events.
An integral part of the museum is its depot, which houses a remarkable collection of concept cars, prototypes, and sports cars – from early design studies and previews of new production models to Formula and rally cars. This collection reflects Škoda’s forward-thinking approach to automotive design and innovation.
Four Million Visitors Over the Past 30 Years
Since the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav first opened its doors, an ever-growing number of brand enthusiasts from both home and abroad have immersed themselves in its living history. With the exception of the pandemic years, visitor numbers have steadily increased. In 2023 alone, more than 212,400 visitors explored the museum – over five per cent more than in the previous year. Recently, the museum welcomed its four-millionth visitor, marking another significant milestone in its 30-year history.
Škoda Museum | Mladá Boleslav
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