Aviation Museum Kbely

In Prague 9, within the grounds of the historic military airfield Kbely, you’ll find a place where the history of aviation comes alive: the Kbely Aviation Museum.

The museum, managed by the Military History Institute in Prague, was founded back in 1968 and today ranks among the largest aviation museums in Europe. Its unique collection includes more than 270 aircraft, dozens of which can be admired in four covered hangars as well as outdoor exhibitions.

The museum focuses primarily on the history of Czechoslovak and Czech military aviation. However, it also showcases globally significant aircraft, engines, weaponry, uniforms, and decorations. Each hangar offers a different journey through history – for example, the Wagner hangar takes you back to the Second World War, while the Pícha hangar presents the first generation of jet aircraft.

A major highlight is the renovated Hangar No. 43, opened in 2018. It is dedicated to training aircraft, featuring Czechoslovak legends such as the Aero L-29 Delfín and the Aero L-39 Albatros, as well as the Polish PZL TS-11 Iskra and the French Fouga CM.170 Magister, one of the most widely used training jets within NATO countries.

Another part of the exhibition can be found in the historic hangars in Letňany, where since 2016 a display has been dedicated to the factories Aero, Letov, and Avia. It sheds light on lesser-known chapters of Czechoslovak aviation production during World War II, including the stories of resistance fighters and sabotage efforts aimed at disrupting Nazi aircraft manufacturing.

One of the museum’s most recent additions is the fully restored Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft, which was once operated by both the Czech and Czechoslovak air forces. This Soviet twin-engine aircraft is now on display in the Staré Aerovka hangars.

The Kbely Aviation Museum is not just an exhibition of airplanes – it’s a fascinating journey through time, showing how aviation has shaped history. Whether you’re passionate about technology, military history, or simply looking for an unusual family outing, a visit to Kbely is well worth it.

Where: Kbely Aviation Museum, Prague 9
Admission: free

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