The Metoděj Vlach Aviation Museum in Mladá Boleslav is a striking blend of architecture and aviation history, where the building itself looks like it belongs on a runway. Instead of a static display behind glass, visitors get a living museum where mechanics work on operational replica aircraft right before their eyes.

The structure was inspired by the angular, sharp-edged silhouette of the American Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft, giving it a bold, technical character quite unlike typical museum buildings. Sitting on the northern edge of Mladá Boleslav Airport, the site offers views over the airfield and the town beyond from its lookout tower. Inside, exposed concrete, steel and structural elements create an industrial atmosphere that fits the aviation theme perfectly. Since everything is indoors, it makes a great destination whatever the season or weather.

How to get there

• Mladá Boleslav, northern edge of the airport - accessible by car or local public transport, flat terrain, easy access

Practical information

• Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except during Christmas week
• 22.45 m high observation tower with a skydiving simulator inside
• Two flight simulators and a gyroscope on site
• Café with a glazed terrace and a lecture hall
• Exhibition of ten historical replicas plus around 30 exhibits from the National Technical Museum in Prague and the Aviation Museum in Kbely

The building won the Building of the Year 2014 award - architects originally planned smooth, aerodynamic curves but switched to the stealth-fighter-inspired angular design, making it one of the more unusual museum buildings you'll find anywhere.