Plant Odyssey

The name of our exposition perfectly captures the nature of plant evolution: a never-ending journey full of challenges. Although it may not be obvious at first glance, plants are still evolving today, adapting to an ever-changing environment.

The work of palaeobotanists, scientists who study fossil plants, is also something of an odyssey. Piece by piece, they uncover fragments of a vast and intricate mosaic revealing the history of plant life on Earth. Thanks to the painstaking work of researchers both in the Czech Republic and abroad, we can present today’s understanding of plant evolution. Yet perhaps tomorrow someone will make a discovery that changes our understanding once again.

The artistic concept of the trail was created by artist and stage designer Ondřej Mašek. Constructing the exposition within the challenging hilly terrain was far from simple, just as the evolution of plants over millions of years was far from straightforward.

We would like to thank the palaeontologist at the National Museum, Associate Professor Jiří Kvaček, DSc., a specialist in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic flora, for his expert guidance on the design of the exposition, the texts and the illustrations. The botanical illustrations were created by Hana Hubálková.

Explore the exhibition

The following texts provide English translations of the information panels located throughout the Plant Odyssey exhibition. Follow the story of plant evolution from the first land plants to the diversity of species that surround us today.

How To Survive on Land

The First Forests

The Oldest Seed

The Reign of Conifers

Strange Relatives

The Great Floral Revolution

Vast Plains

Hard Work Pays Off

Leaves Are Not Everything