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Numerous film hits have been filmed in Prague. The weapons supplied by studio armourers for the protagonists of these films are now on display in the Powder Tower.

The Powder Tower, which offers an excellent view of the city, is now exhibiting almost 200 weapons of all possible types.

Weapons in history

The exhibition includes a display of weapons used over the centuries in both Europe and Asia. Here you will find baroque cannon, garrison guns and of course axes, spears and swords from the time of the Celts to the contemporary film world, maces and various flails.

Prague in films

Anyone who has seen Van Helsing or The Chronicles of Narnia knows full that they were shot in Prague, and that film companies make use of the quality services of Prague’s film-making community, from locations, through production to special effects. A small part of this art is now on display in the Powder Tower, where you will find historical requisites and weaponry from films such as Blade II, Doom 3, Hellboy, Van Helsing, Joan of Arc, The
Chronicles of Narnia, Luther or A Knight’s Tale.

Hůlka’s sword is the original

The exhibition also features the original executioner’s sword used by Daniel Hůlka in the musical “Kat Mydlář” (Mydlář the Executioner). The sword made only three appearances before Hůlka changed it. “It’s a steel sword made in the traditional way. Considering its size it is unusually heavy, so it’s quite an achievement to sing and act while wielding such a sword,” said Igor Krištof of the company Three Brothers Production, which produces weapons and other items for film and theatre. “The sword featured in the premier and two subsequent performances, we then gave Daniel Hůlka an aluminium sword as used in many films.” So here is the secret to the way film heroes can really flash the sword.

Unusable weapons

In the tower you will find suits of armour which, according to their makers, could easily be worn in real battle. You will also see special versions designed for e.g. jousting tournaments, as well as chain mail used in the 12th and 13th centuries. On the other hand, some swords are quite unusable. “These are film swords which would be more of a threat to their owner in battle than an asset, but the needs of the film designer are more important than the advice of the armourer,” said Krištof. The exhibition will remain in the Powder Tower for about two years.