Muzeum středního Pootaví Strakonice

About the museum

The Muzeum středního Pootaví Strakonice was founded in 1894 and today manages permanent exhibitions in Strakonice Castle. The castle was founded by the Bavors of Strakonice in the first quarter of the 13th century at the confluence of the Otava and Volyňka rivers. In 1243 Bavor I donated part of the castle to the Hospitallers, later the Knights of Malta, who owned the complex until 1925. It is one of the oldest and largest preserved castle complexes in Bohemia.

The castle was gradually extended into its present form. In the 16th century the southern wing was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and in 1714–1721 a Baroque palace was built in the eastern part. After the Thirty Years' War the complex fell into disrepair, and some buildings were used as flats, a brewery and warehouses. In 1995 the castle was declared a national cultural monument.

Since 2008 the museum has also managed the water mill in Hoslovice. Between 2018 and 2022 the castle and the museum underwent extensive renovation costing roughly CZK 140 million, and new exhibitions were created. The museum is founded by the South Bohemian Region.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the Sovereign Military Order of Malta with a replica of a hospital train carriage
• Collection of bagpipes, which according to the museum is the largest in Central Europe
• Exhibition on Česká zbrojovka (the Czech arms factory)
• Puppets and puppet theatre
• Textile production in Strakonice, including the making of fezzes
• Rumpál observation tower with a view of the surroundings

Permanent exhibitions

• Suverénní řád maltézských rytířů – The exhibition traces the history of the Order from a hospital brotherhood in the Holy Land to a powerful knightly order with its seat also in Strakonice; it shows Hussite weapons, the interior of a warship and a replica of a carriage of a First World War hospital train.
• Dudy a dudácké tradice – The exhibition presents the history of bagpipes and the present-day bagpipe traditions at home and abroad; the collection numbers more than 100 instruments, and visitors can listen to recordings, play videos and browse pictures on touch screens.
• Loutky a loutkové divadlo – The exhibition follows the development of Czech puppet theatre from the late 18th century through travelling puppeteers and woodcarvers to professionalisation after 1945 and its inscription on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Founded

1894

Operated by

Jihočeský kraj

Director

PhDr. Ivana Říhová

Admission & discounts

The stated standard and reduced prices (CZK 170 and CZK 70) apply to both tour routes together; each route can also be visited separately. A special admission is charged for the exhibitions. Accompanying teachers of schools enter free. Tickets can be bought online. The Hoslovice water mill has its own price list.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

A platform lift leads to the 1st tour route (Order of Malta, chapter hall, arcade), and staff accompany visitors. Part of the route is step-free; elsewhere there are thresholds or two to three steps, with which staff will help or for which ramps will be set up if the visit is announced in advance. Eight stone steps inside the route are passed by a stair platform; the chapter hall and the arcade are reached by three steps. Two steps lead to the ticket office. The accessible toilet is at the main ticket office, and another is on the first floor by the platform lift. The 2nd tour route (castle, Česká zbrojovka, bagpipes, puppets) is not suitable for people with limited mobility because of the varied exhibitions and uneven old stone steps. The three castle courtyards are accessible, but the paved surface may make movement difficult. The museum provides information in Czech Sign Language, and video presentations are being prepared for deaf visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The family admission applies to 2 adults and 2 children. In the bagpipe exhibition there are interactive elements for children, and in the textile exhibition visitors can try on fezzes. Workshops and creative programmes are offered for schools.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Wedding ceremonies take place in the chapter hall of the castle (CZK 600 per ceremony) and in the water mill in Hoslovice.

Plan your visit