From June 6 to 15, 2025, the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague (Na Slupi), will host the next edition of the Great Invertebrate Exhibition – a unique promotional and educational event organized for the fifth time by experts and students of the Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Natural History Department of the National Museum, under the auspices of the Czech Entomological Society.
The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. On Saturday, June 14, the opening hours will be extended as part of Prague Museum Night. Weekday mornings (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) will be reserved for school groups.
Visitors can look forward to more than 300 species of live invertebrates from the Czech Republic, Europe, and exotic regions. In addition to live specimens, the exhibition will also feature photographic panels, signs of animal presence, permanent specimens, and—new this year—a supplementary program including expert lectures, excursions, a photography workshop, and discussions with representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations focused on insect conservation.
"The display of live organisms is the main attraction of the entire event. For most visitors, it's a unique opportunity to see up close species they would rarely spot in the wild—from stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles to our native crayfish," says Dr. Petr Šípek, the lead organizer and a zoologist at the Faculty of Science, Charles University. Guided tours will be provided by trained students, who will be available to answer questions throughout the event.
Over 6,000 people attended the previous edition of the exhibition. This year, the focus will again be on insect conservation and landscape changes, reflecting current scientific findings on the decline of invertebrate populations.
During the exhibition, a booth will be available where visitors can purchase the brand-new Insect Atlas, authored by the exhibition team, along with a selection of unique souvenirs related to the Great Invertebrate Exhibition.
After the exhibition ends, selected displays will be shown in Cheb Museum from June 17 to 24, 2025.
Admission:
- Adults: 100 CZK
- Children, students, seniors, disabled visitors (ZTP): 50 CZK
- Family (2 adults + 2–3 children): 250 CZK
- Unregistered school groups: 30 CZK/person (free admission for accompanying adults)
- Students and staff of the Faculty of Science, Charles University: 50 CZK
- Children under 3: Free
Venue:
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, Charles University, Na Slupi, Prague 2 – outdoor tents near the Geopark
Dates:
June 6–15, 2025