Muzeum krajky Vamberk

About the museum

Vamberk has been associated with bobbin lace since the second half of the 19th century; according to tradition, the noblewoman Magdalena Grambová brought it to the region at the beginning of the 17th century. Almost every household then made lace, but later machine production curtailed handwork. The cooperative Vamberecká krajka (Vamberk Lace) maintained handmade production until the early 1990s. The first Czech lace school in Vamberk was opened in 1889 and still teaches today.

The Lace Museum grew out of the collections of this school and, according to the museum, was founded in 1929. In 1976 it became part of the Museum and Gallery of the Orlické hory in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. After a complete reconstruction of the building, the museum reopened on 17 May 2014. As of 1 April 2026 it became independent and since then has operated as a separate contributory organisation, the Muzeum krajky ve Vamberku (Lace Museum in Vamberk).

The permanent exhibition presents folk lace, the development of lace-making after the introduction of specialist schooling at the end of the 19th century, and the work of the founders of modern Czech lace and their pupils, especially pieces shown at the world exhibitions EXPO Brussels 1958 and EXPO Montreal 1967. A separate section presents the work of contemporary Czech artists. In 2002 the museum, together with the town, launched the first Biennial of Czech Lace.

Highlights

• Czech lace from the 18th century to the present, mainly bobbin lace
• Works of the founders of modern Czech lace and their pupils from EXPO 1958 and 1967
• Section devoted to the work of contemporary Czech artists
• Biennial of Czech Lace, which the museum has organised since 2002
• Shop with lace and supplies for lacemakers in the building

Permanent exhibitions

• Česká krajka od 18. století do současnosti – Permanent exhibition of folk lace and the development of lace-making after the introduction of specialist education; most of the collection is bobbin lace.
• Zakladatelé moderní české krajky a jejich žáci – The work of the founders of modern Czech lace and their pupils, mainly pieces presented at the world exhibitions EXPO Brussels 1958 and EXPO Montreal 1967.
• Současná česká krajka – A separate section of the exhibition presents the work of contemporary Czech artists.

Founded

1929

Operated by

Muzeum krajky ve Vamberku (příspěvková organizace)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day), the Day of the Hradec Králové Region, European Heritage Days, 28 October and 17 November; valid for individuals and groups of up to 5 people

Members of AMG and ICOM and university students of history and natural sciences also enter free. Payment by card is also possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 museum has step-free access.

Kids & families

The family ticket applies to 2 adults and up to 5 children; children and young people up to 19 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The building houses the shop Martina, with bobbin lace and supplies for lacemakers; publications are also available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit