Muzeum města Brna

About the museum

The Brno City Museum was founded in 1904 and is now housed in Špilberk Castle, which towers above the city on the highest hill in Brno. The first written mention of the castle dates from 1277, and its founder was probably the Bohemian king and Margrave of Moravia Přemysl Otakar II. The castle was of primary strategic importance for the emerging town, and in the 14th and early 15th centuries it was the seat of the Moravian margraves of the House of Luxembourg, especially Jošt of Luxembourg.

During the Thirty Years' War Ferdinand II confiscated Špilberk, and in 1645 it successfully withstood a Swedish siege under the command of Jacob George Ogilvy. It was then gradually rebuilt into a massive Baroque fortress; in the 18th century the casemates were created there, which served as one of the most feared prisons of the Habsburg monarchy, the “prison of nations”. From 1858 to 1960 several armies used the castle as barracks, and in 1862 the town of Brno took it over.

Today the museum on Špilberk runs the Museum circuit with nine permanent exhibitions, for example From Castle to Fortress, Prison of Nations, Brno at Špilberk, and About New Brno on interwar architecture, as well as a gallery of old, modern and contemporary art. Visitors can walk through the casemates, the water reservoirs with a lapidarium and the bastion, and climb the lookout tower with 103 steps for a view over the whole of Brno. In August 2026 the museum opened a new part of the casemates, which returns to the years 1944–1945 and the bombing of the city.

The museum also manages other Brno sites, for example the Villa Tugendhat, listed as a UNESCO site, the Arnold Villa, the Villa Wittal, the Herdan Apartment and the Měnín Gate.

Highlights

• Špilberk Castle, the symbol of the city and former Baroque fortress
• Casemates – prison of the Habsburg monarchy, including the newly opened Kasematy válečné (Wartime Casemates)
• Museum circuit with nine permanent exhibitions and art galleries
• Lookout tower with 103 steps and a panoramic view of Brno
• Water reservoirs with a lapidarium and the Kaple křížů (Chapel of the Crosses)
• Interactive trails for children from the age of four

Permanent exhibitions

• Od hradu k pevnosti: Jak se stavěl Špilberk – The exhibition outlines the oldest history of the castle and its structural transformation from the Middle Ages to the Baroque fortress.
• Žalář národů: Příběhy proslulého špilberského vězení – The exhibition tells the stories of prisoners and the history of the Špilberk prison.
• Brno na Špilberku: Historie města Brna v kostce – An overview of the history of the city of Brno, including the siege by Swedish troops.

Founded

1904

Admission & discounts

The stated price applies to the Museum circuit, which includes nine permanent exhibitions. Tickets are sold at the ticket office in the small courtyard and online via Brno iD; prices valid from 1 January 2026. Holders of AMG, ICOM and ICOMOS cards and some other cards also enter the Museum circuit free of charge.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

A step-free route to the castle leads through the gate from Gorazdova Street to the ticket office in the small courtyard. The castle interior is not entirely step-free; a larger part is accessible by lift, which can be used only by arrangement at the ticket office and with the security staff accompanying, so it is advisable to call ahead. The access road is under reconstruction until 15 December 2026, and a detour must be used.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Interactive trails and games for children are prepared at the castle, for example Find the Royal Gifts and Following Margrave Jošt from age 4, or The Mystery of the Špilberk Bastion from age 7; for schools the museum offers educational programmes. A family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

Entry to Špilberk Castle by vehicle is prohibited; permission to drive a vehicle up to 6.5 t can be requested by telephone on +420 542 123 670. The walking route from the centre leads from almost all sides. For seniors over 70 and holders of ZTP or ZTP/P with residence in Brno there is the Seniorbus service.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

In the castle grounds there is the Na Špilberk restaurant, the Čokomorna, the castle wine shop and the beer terrace “U Doroty” (At Dorota's); souvenirs are available at the Špilberk shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum rents spaces at Špilberk, in the Villa Tugendhat and in the Arnold Villa; the Royal Chapel and the Hranolová věž are also used for weddings. Contact: +420 777 296 424.

Plan your visit