Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague

The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague occupies the House at the Donkey by the Cradle (Dům U Osla v Kolébce) in Malá Strana — the documented residence and laboratory of Edward Kelley, one of the most famous alchemists at the court of Emperor Rudolf II in the late 16th century. Prague under Rudolf II was the alchemy capital of Europe: the emperor's obsession with the occult sciences drew dozens of alchemists, astrologers, and scholars to the city, including the English occultist Kelley and his partner John Dee. The museum takes visitors through three atmospheric spaces: an introductory exhibition on alchemy and its historical figures, a recreation of the Faust's House chamber, and — up one of the oldest wooden spiral staircases in Prague, reportedly built by Kelley himself — an authentic attic laboratory with period instruments set between the original 16th-century roof beams. The Kellyxír alchemical pub on the same premises serves drinks inspired by historical alchemical recipes.