Muzeum v přírodě Vysočina

About the museum

The Muzeum v přírodě Vysočina (Vysočina Open-Air Museum) originated on the initiative of Luděk Štěpán, who from the mid-1960s prepared research into folk architecture in the Hlinsko area and the Českomoravská vrchovina (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands). From the 1970s, buildings transferred from various parts of the Český Horácko region have been gathered at Veselý Kopec near Hlinsko. The first interior, a weaver's room in farmstead No. 4, was opened to the public in 1972. Farmstead No. 4 of the Pilný family is the only building that stands on its original site.

From 1982 to 2018 the institution was called the Vysočina Folk Buildings Complex; today it is the Muzeum v přírodě Vysočina and part of the National Open-Air Museum. According to its own statement, it is the largest facility of this type in Bohemia. The complex also includes the Betlém protected site in Hlinsko, which the museum took over in 1989, and a water-powered forge hammer in Svobodné Hamry.

Veselý Kopec shows the housing and farming of small farmers from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. The oldest interior is in the farmstead from Lezník near Polička, the youngest, from the 1950s, in the farmstead from Mokrá Lhota. The site includes water-powered technical monuments beside a 16th-century millrace, such as a mill, an oil mill and a sawmill, as well as a fourteen-sided barn from Sádek dating from 1684. Fairs, craft days and other programmes take place here throughout the year.

Highlights

• Log-built farmsteads of small farmers from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century
• Water mill, oil mill, tannery and sawmill beside a 16th-century millrace
• Fourteen-sided barn from Sádek, dating from 1684
• Pilný farmstead No. 4 on its original site
• Fairs, craft days and music evenings throughout the year

Permanent exhibition

• Expoziční areál Veselý Kopec – Log-built farmsteads of small farmers from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, moved from the Českomoravská vrchovina, and water-powered technical monuments: a mill, tannery, oil mill and sawmill.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Národní muzeum v přírodě

Director

PhDr. Magda Křivanová

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day) – individual visit without a guide only.

Free admission is also granted to holders of a press card and of AMG, ICOM, ČSMP, ZMS, ÚMPS and SMWP cards, to children's homes and SOS children's villages upon written request, and to employees of the Ministry of Culture and its contributory organisations.

Accessibility

• Partially 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
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The outdoor areas of the site are barrier-free; access to the interiors is limited by steps and thresholds, and the terrain is hilly. Tours can be booked with sign-language interpretation (surcharge CZK 300 per group, booked at least 14 days in advance). Dogs on a lead and muzzled enter the site and the buildings free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The museum organises children's programmes, and in 2026 a mobile game called Myšáci z Veselého Kopce (The Mice of Veselý Kopec) was added. The changing table is in the entrance building next to the toilets. Children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The museum's administrative address is Příčná 350, 539 01 Hlinsko (by the Betlém site); the Veselý Kopec visitor site lies about 4 km west of Hlinsko.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The Na Vejměnku inn is located directly in the site, and the U Kováře Matěje inn is next to the car park. The toilets are in the entrance building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum rents out the exteriors and interiors of Veselý Kopec and Betlém (whether the museum is open or closed) and permits filming. Weddings have a separate page on the website.

Plan your visit