Muzeum řeky Otavy a voroplavby

About the museum

The Muzeum řeky Otavy a voroplavby (Otava River and Timber Rafting Museum) is housed on the ground floor of the south wing of the castle in Střelské Hoštice near Horažďovice. The castle was built in the second half of the 16th century as a Renaissance building on the site of an older fortified manor house, and later received Baroque alterations. In 1624 it was acquired by the Jesuits, who worked there until the dissolution of the order in 1773. In 1923 it was taken over by a support association of the employees of the Škoda Works, which set up a children's health centre there and added a floor to the building. From 1949 the castle was used by the army, most recently by the Carpathian Engineer Regiment until 1991. In 2001 the municipality bought the entire complex.

The main theme of the museum is the Otava, a gold-bearing and pearl-bearing river, and navigation on it. The most striking exhibit is a nine-metre model of timber rafts, built by the descendants of raftsmen from Purkarec. The exhibition also presents the natural conditions of the river, its fauna and flora, gold panning, the freshwater pearl mussel and the tourist project Otavská plavba. Archaeological finds from the surroundings of the village are also on display.

The museum also includes a gallery recalling forgotten traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing and shoemaking, and an exhibition on the history of the castle and on notable natives of the area.

Highlights

• nine-metre model of timber rafts, built by the descendants of raftsmen from Purkarec
• exhibition on the Otava river, its nature, gold panning and the freshwater pearl mussel
• gallery of traditional crafts (blacksmithing, shoemaking)
• Renaissance castle with Baroque alterations
• tourist stamp no. 1288 Střelské Hoštice

Permanent exhibitions

• Řeka Otava a voroplavba – Nine-metre model of timber rafts, the natural conditions of the Otava, its fauna and flora, gold panning, the freshwater pearl mussel and the Otavská plavba project.
• Galerie tradičních řemesel – Exhibition recalling the forgotten crafts of our ancestors, such as blacksmithing and shoemaking.

Operated by

Obec Střelské Hoštice

Admission & discounts

The basic admission is CZK 20, reduced CZK 10; the website does not state who is entitled to the reduced admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 is on the ground floor of the castle; the website does not provide information on barrier-free access.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The village lies about 3.5 km south-east of Horažďovice; the museum is in the castle complex in Střelské Hoštice.

Amenities & dining

From June to September the stamp no. 1288 Střelské Hoštice is sold in the museum (all year round at the municipal office).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit