Betlém Hlinsko

About the museum

Betlém is a protected heritage area of folk architecture on the right bank of the River Chrudimka in Hlinsko. The group of timber-framed houses with their typical gable and wing elements arose in the second half of the 19th century, and was home to small craftsmen and factory workers. Rescue of the buildings began in 1987, and in 1989 Betlém became part of the Souboru lidových staveb Vysočina (Vysočina Folk Buildings Collection), today the Muzeum v přírodě Vysočina (Vysočina Open-Air Museum).

The first houses opened to visitors in 1993, and the reserve was declared in 1995. Extensive restoration, carried out with support from European funds, was completed in 2012. The houses remained on their original site, so the place is an authentic setting of a small town with a tradition of home weaving and toy-making.

The Řemeslnická obydlí (Craftsmen’s Dwellings) route opens to visitors the log cottages and workshops of a weaver, a toymaker, a shoemaker and a file-maker, with a workshop for hand-cut files and rasps, and since 2024 also a metal embosser. In house no. 362 there is an exhibition on the village Shrove Tuesday processions and masks of the Hlinecko region, which were inscribed in 2010 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For visually impaired visitors there is a programme called Betlém na dotek (Betlém by Touch), with a tactile map, which was developed with the Faculty of Education of the University of Hradec Králové. Children’s workshops and events, such as an Open Day, are also held on the grounds and in the surroundings.

Highlights

• timber-framed houses and workshops of a weaver, toymaker, shoemaker, file-maker and metal embosser
• exhibition on the Shrove Tuesday processions and masks of the Hlinecko region, on the UNESCO list
• Betlém na dotek (Betlém by Touch) programme with a tactile map for visually impaired visitors
• authentic setting of a small town on its original site
• children’s workshops and events on the grounds

Permanent exhibitions

• Řemeslnická obydlí – Route of timber-framed houses showing the life and work of small craftsmen from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century: the workshops and dwellings of a weaver, toymaker, shoemaker, file-maker and metal embosser.
• Vesnické masopustní obchůzky a masky na Hlinecku – The exhibition in house no. 362 presents traditional masks and the atmosphere of the procession through photographs and a short film, and also displays documents from the 2010 UNESCO inscription. Texts are in Czech and English.
• Betlém na dotek – Programme for visually impaired visitors with a tactile map and a model of the house, introducing the history of the reserve and the life of its residents. Reservation required.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Národní muzeum v přírodě – Muzeum v přírodě Vysočina

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day).

Prices are given for the Řemeslnická obydlí route. Free admission is also granted to holders of a press card and of AMG, ICOM, ČSMP, ZMS, ÚMPS and SMWP cards, to children’s homes and SOS children’s villages on written request, and to employees of the Ministry of Culture and its contributory organisations.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exteriors of the heritage reserve are fully accessible; access to the interiors is limited by thresholds and steps, and a paved path runs between the buildings. The Betlém na dotek route with a tactile map is intended for visually impaired visitors. A tour can be booked with sign language interpretation (surcharge CZK 300 per group, at least 14 days in advance). Dogs on a lead and muzzled enter free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Part of the Shrove Tuesday exhibition is an art workshop for children, and a special programme is prepared for schools. The changing table is in the public toilet building opposite the cash desk. Children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

There are restaurants and cafés both within the heritage reserve and in its surroundings. A public toilet is opposite the cash desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum rents out the exteriors and interiors of Betlém (only while the museum is open) and allows filming; weddings have a separate page on the website.

Plan your visit