Use of the archive by the public

The archive materials located in the CNB Archive are of fundamental importance to the study of Czech economic history. The Archive owns unique records tracing the development of the Czech banking system, individual banks, macroeconomic processes and individual industrial branches and enterprises in particular time periods. Many of the documents also relate to political, social and cultural affairs in the 19th and 20th centuries. The archive also contains important documents dating from the German occupation in 1939–1945.

Provided that the relevant legal rules are observed, anyone can view the documents in the Archive - either directly in the Archive's research room or by submitting a search request in writing to the following address:

  • Česká národní banka
    Sekce správní
    Odbor Návštěvnické centrum ČNB
    Na Příkopě 28
    115 03 Praha 1

Archive materials are lent for study to the research room free of charge, except for written documents less than 30 years old or those that would endanger the rights of living persons. In the interests of protection of the archive materials, unprocessed documents may not be viewed.

The research room of the CNB Archive is located in the CNB building in Prague 1, Na Příkopě 28 (entrance from 3 Senovážná Street). The studying of archive materials in the research room is regulated by the Research Rules of the Archive of the CNB (pdf, 87kB) of the CNB Archive. Those wishing to study at the Archive must fill in a researcher’s form and show proof of identity every time they visit.

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.
Friday: 8.00 a.m.–2.00 p.m.

The requested archive materials are made ready for viewing by the archive staff in the research room on the agreed date. These materials may not be lent outside the research room and may only be studied in person.

Archive tools (catalogues and registers) are also available in analogue and electronic form.

At the written request of institutions and private individuals, the CNB Archive conducts searches of its processed collections. This service, including the sending of copies of documents, is provided for remuneration – Payment for Archives Services (pdf, 77kB).