After the 1917 revolution, many outstanding minds of Russia found themselves in exile. To provide compatriots with access to quality higher education, a group of professors established the Russian People's University in Prague, which opened in the autumn of 1923. One of the important tasks was also to introduce the residents of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to Russian cultural traditions and art.

The founders of the university included Professor P.I. Novgorodtsev, with M.M. Novikov (former rector of Moscow University) elected as rector, and A.A. Kizevetter leading the historical and philosophical direction. From a small initiative, the university quickly transformed into a significant scientific and educational institution. In 1925, it became an independent Russian-Czech educational center, managed by the Society of the People's University, which united more than 300 representatives of science and the public. It was later renamed the Russian Free University.

The scientific activities of the university contributed to the creation of various scientific societies and seminars, such as the philosophical society led by I.I. Lapshin, the pedagogical society of A.V. Zhekulina, and seminars on the Russian language and literature by A.L. Bem. Publishing activities were also established.

The educational work of the university included organizing schools in the provinces, conducting public lectures, language courses, and discussion evenings. The university also hosted concerts of Russian music and literary meetings.

In 1933, at the initiative of V.F. Bulgakov, another significant initiative, the 'Russian Foreign Museum,' was created. Its official opening took place in 1935, and the museum began collecting materials and artifacts dedicated to the lives of Russian emigrants. K.P. Kramarz, a friend of Russia, provided the Zbraslav castle building for exhibitions, where in 1936 an exhibition of paintings by I.E. Repin was held.

By its fifteenth anniversary, the Free University published a commemorative booklet with a complete description of its history and departments. The institute ceased its activities in March 1949.