Prague National Museum, a golden space
At first, I had no idea it was the National Museum. I thought it was probably a government building. It was a building that loomed large in the center of the city.
The moment I opened the door, a red carpet stretched out. I felt like I was at the Met Gala.
Before climbing the stairs I looked up and saw interiors covered in gold leaf. It was breathtakingly majestic. I stopped and couldn't help but cry out, "Wow."
Tickets are 200 koruna (about ¥1,200). I tried to buy a discounted ticket for 18–26-year-olds, but they said an ID was required. I bought a regular ticket.
I climbed the stairs. The interior felt like a royal palace. There were hardly any people. I walked boldly down the middle.
Mineral floor, Czech history floor, fossil museum, natural history museum. Every conceivable thing was on display.
What I found especially interesting was the history of the place. What stood here a hundred years ago where I am now?
I saw footage from the Nazi era of crowds packed into the avenue in front of the museum and officials giving speeches.
Thinking that those vast crowds in the footage once filled the square visible outside the window decades ago felt strange. It made me realize once again how poignant history is, and how peaceful things are now.
My favorite in the minerals section was hematite.
On the way out I asked the doorman to take a photo. He was around sixty and had no sense for photography.
Sorry, but I asked him to try again and had him take the picture with me standing in the middle of the red-carpeted stairs. Don't have regrets. That's my belief.
The floor had geometric patterns.
I don't know why, but I was captivated. I thought maybe I'd take inspiration from this and work it into my logo.
A museum is a place that absorbs not only exhibits but also atmosphere. Its walls, its floors, its air—everything felt like art.
When I left the National Museum, night-time Prague spread out before me.
The architecture was distinctive and felt romantic. It was quieter than I expected, with few people around.
Nighttime in the Czech Republic. The air was cold and still, and the dampness made it an unpleasant chill.
