The National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library tells the story of Czech and Slovak immigration to the United States, with Cedar Rapids as its anchor — the city's Cedar Village neighbourhood was one of the most concentrated Czech communities in the country by the early 20th century. Workers came to run the meatpacking plants and grain mills and built a neighbourhood that maintained its character well into the postwar period.
The museum's permanent collection covers immigration history, traditional folk arts, and the political and cultural life of Czechoslovakia through the 20th century. The library holds one of the largest collections of Czech and Slovak materials in North America. The attached gift shop sells Czech pastries, pottery, and books.