Elektrárna královského města Písku

About the museum

The power station was created in 1888 by rebuilding the former Podskalský mill to a design by the inventor František Křižík. In Písek, several arc lamps powered by a steam dynamo had already lit up in June 1887, so the town became one of the first in Bohemia with permanent public electric lighting. The new hydroelectric power station began supplying current for public lighting in 1888 and is today the oldest facility of its kind in the country.

From 1997 the building served as a technical museum showing the history of electricity in Písek. Today the power station is awaiting a planned reconstruction with a new concept and is normally not open to the public.

The Prácheň Museum in Písek (Prácheňské muzeum) therefore organises guided tours, in which historians lead visitors through the building and the adjacent islet. Visitors should be prepared for stairs and for the technical character of the site. In return, the islet offers an exceptional view of the river.

Highlights

• oldest public hydroelectric power station in Bohemia (1888)
• work of the inventor František Křižík on the site of a former mill
• guided tours of the building and the islet with the museum's historians
• location in Podskalí below the castle, reachable only on foot or by bicycle

Permanent exhibition

• Komentovaná prohlídka Křižíkovy elektrárny – Tour of the building of the oldest public hydroelectric power station in Bohemia and the adjacent islet, with commentary on the history of electricity in Písek.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Prácheňské muzeum v Písku

Admission & discounts

The prices apply to the guided tour. The main museum's page and the Kudy z nudy portal list a basic admission of CZK 60; the value from the power station's own page applies.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The tour leads up stairs, and some areas are less clean because of the industrial character of the building.

Kids & families

A family ticket is available. The Kudy z nudy portal describes the site as suitable for children.

Getting there & parking

Access is only on foot or by bicycle. From the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) below Písek Castle, past the Malt House (Sladovna), it is about 3 minutes; alternatively, from the Putim Gate (Putimská brána).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit