Muzeum východních Čech v Hradci Králové
The largest museum in the Hradec Králové Region, housed in a national cultural monument designed by Jan Kotěra, with a permanent exhibition on the history of Hradec Králové.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in Hradec Králové in 1880 as a municipal museum. The impetus was a successful exhibition of antiquities in 1879, and its statutes were adopted on 6 August 1880. The collections were first opened to the public in February 1885 in the St Wenceslas Chapel on Velké náměstí. In 1939 a natural history museum was also established, and after the Second World War all the museums were merged into a single institution. It has carried its current name since 1991, and since 2001 it has been a contributory organization of the Hradec Králové Region.
The historic building on the bank of the Elbe was designed by architect Jan Kotěra and built in 1909–1912. It has been a national cultural monument since 1995. Mosaics in the dome, based on drawings by Jan Preisler, were added in the 1930s and 1940s. An extensive interior reconstruction took place in 1999–2002, and in 2018–2019 the building's exterior was repaired and the terrace by the dome was made accessible.
The museum manages around three million collection items from archaeology, natural sciences and history. For the public it currently has just one exhibition building, in which it runs a long-term exhibition on the history of the town and holds ten to fifteen thematic exhibitions each year. It also manages the Muzeum války 1866 complex on Chlum.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition Cesty města on the history of Hradec Králové from prehistory to the First Republic
- Building by Jan Kotěra from 1909–1912, a national cultural monument
- Viewing terrace by the dome (guided tour)
- Free audio guide to the permanent exhibition
- Children's studio and programmes for schools
Permanent exhibition
- Cesty města – The permanent exhibition takes visitors through the history of Hradec Králové from prehistory to the First Republic; multimedia interactive elements add to the atmosphere.
- Founded
- 1880
- Operated by
- Královéhradecký kraj (příspěvková organizace)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 170 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 90 Kčstudents up to age 26 (with ISIC card), seniors aged 65 and over, and war veterans |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Children and young people up to age 19 enter free |
| Seniors | 90 KčFrom age 65, upon proof of age |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Holders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards, including their companion, enter free |
| Students & apprentices | 90 KčUp to age 26 upon presentation of a valid ISIC card |
| Groups (11+ people) | 150 Kč per personPrice per person for the whole building, the permanent exhibition or the short-term exhibitions: CZK 80; groups of more than 10 people |
| Permanent exhibition (audio guide included free of charge) | 100 KčReduced admission CZK 60 |
| Short-term exhibitions (combined price) | 100 KčReduced admission CZK 60 |
| Guided tour of the building and the seasonal viewing terrace | 250 KčMin. 4, max. 7 people, booking required, approx. 45–60 minutes |
| Museum Friends Club – annual admission | 400 KčCard is non-transferable; senior version CZK 300 |
Free admission: Free admission on 24 January, 18 May (in 2026 Sunday 17 May), 23 August, 28 October, 11 November and 17 November; in 2026 also the Museum Night on 22 May from 18:00 to 24:00 and European Heritage Days 14–19 September.
CZ family pass: CZK 430 (permanent exhibition and exhibitions) or CZK 185 (only one of the two); CZ senior pass: CZK 85, or CZK 50 respectively. Admission is also free for members of the Museum Friends Club, holders of AMG and ICOM cards, journalists and holders of VIP tickets; members of the UHK alumni club receive a 10% discount. A specialist guided tour for pre-booked groups of 10 or more people costs an extra CZK 50 per person (in Czech) or CZK 70 (in English).
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A platform lift is available for step-free access, suitable only for manual wheelchairs; if needed, it is advisable to call reception (+420 495 512 391). Guide dogs and assistance dogs may enter the building.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
The building houses a children's studio – a space for play, crafts and research, where the museum's Sunday events and educational programmes take place. It is furnished as a school classroom where children can try out lessons from a hundred years ago. Children and young people up to age 19 enter free.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Coat check
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available to all visitors; access details are provided by reception. The connection is provided by hkfree.org z. s.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 200 guests.
Available are a lecture hall with 200 seats, social spaces for conferences, seminars and receptions, a space under the dome for wedding ceremonies, and the children's studio.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The audio guide to the permanent exhibition is free. A guided tour of the building with the viewing terrace takes place by prior booking (4 to 7 people). Groups of 10 or more can book a specialist tour. Children under 12 may enter the exhibitions only when accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed, except guide dogs and assistance dogs. |
