The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is a fascinating institution in an impressive building overlooking the Cedar River. The structure’s sloping roofs draw from Central European styles, while the museum within sheds light on Slovak and Czech culture and history. Gaze up at the national flags hoisted from the building, representing the U.S., the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Try the Immigrant Home exhibition to follow in the footsteps of migrants from the region of Bohemia who set up a life in the United States. Wander around this 19th-century quaint building that housed five generations of the Sleger family. It is complete with period décor, artifacts and fixtures that recall the customs of the era and culture.
Learn aspects of Czech and Slovak tradition and history in the Faces of Freedom exhibit. The eclectic displays have such ranging themes as puppet shows, music and art. See the replica of part of a steamer ship that brought immigrants to the U.S.
Find out about the rich tapestry of history that flows through these Central European nations in the Skala Bartizal Library. It has a genealogy section that can tell you about your family history. Do some research into individual stories relating to the museum’s theme. Browse the intriguing items for sale in the gift shop.
The museum opens Monday through Saturday from morning until late afternoon. On Sundays, it opens at noon. Leave your car in the site’s parking lot for free. Pay a fee for entrance and allow a little extra time for a guided tour.
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is on the southern flank of the Cedar River, a little south of the Cedar Rapids town center. Walk south from Greene Square for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) and cross a bridge to get here. Go to other sights in the neighborhood, such as Osborn Park, Sokol Park and Riverside Park.