Muzeum české loutky a cirkusu

About the museum

The Museum of Czech Puppetry and Circus opened to the public in 2006 in the historic centre of Prachatice, although the town council initially disagreed with its establishment. It is a detached branch of the National Museum, and the joint presentation of the history of puppetry and circus art is unique in the museum world.

The museum is housed in house no. 43 on Velké náměstí, a Renaissance burgher house rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century. During a reconstruction in 2004 the classicist facade of the 19th century was returned to its Renaissance form; since 1958 the house has been a listed cultural monument.

The permanent exhibition follows Czech puppetry, circus and variety traditions. It presents, for example, copies of Spejbl and Hurvínek, family puppet theatres, objects from circus families such as the Kludský family, and magic and juggling props. Also displayed are wax figures from the early 1890s. The museum is complemented by short-term exhibitions; for the 20th anniversary of its founding, an exhibition on circus art has been prepared this year.

Highlights

• Joint exhibition of Czech puppets, circus and magic
• Copies of Spejbl and Hurvínek and family puppet theatres
• Objects from circus families, for example the Kludský family
• Magic and juggling props
• Renaissance house with its restored facade on Velké náměstí

Permanent exhibition

• Expozice české loutky a cirkusu – The exhibition in the Renaissance house links the worlds of puppet theatre, circus and magic, and shows puppets, circus props and magicians' equipment.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Národní muzeum

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office; an e-ticket is valid for a single entry for 30 days from purchase, and purchased tickets are neither refunded nor exchanged. Free admission also for holders of ICOM cards and members of Společnost NM (NM Society). Non-commercial photography and filming without flash and tripod is included in the ticket price.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 building is marked as step-free: the permanent exhibition on the 1st and 2nd floors is reached by lift, and on the ground floor there are toilets and a theatre hall. More detailed information is available from the museum on +420 388 385 716.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Children under 15 enter free when accompanied by an adult. The museum prepares guided educational programmes for schools.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands directly on Velké náměstí in the historic centre of Prachatice.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

The cloakroom on the ground floor is free for visitors. The shop sells puppets, circus props for juggling and clown acts, magic and specialist literature, a tourist stamp and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit