Muzeum starých strojů a technologií
A technical museum in a former textile factory: steam engines, historic cars, a factory railway and textile production; entry only with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is located on the grounds of the former textile factory of the Vonwiller family in Žamberk. The woollen goods factory was built in the 1830s by Swiss entrepreneurs, and it was subsequently run by the founder's descendants and relatives. After 1945 it was nationalised, and textiles were produced there until 2006, when operations ended.
Collectors and enthusiasts, who rescue and repair historical technology from the 19th and 20th centuries, then found a place in the old halls. The site opened to the public in 2012, and an exhibition of historic cars and motorcycles was added in spring 2014. The museum is run by a non-profit organisation, and its individual exhibitions are gradually being expanded.
The collection shows the development of industry from the steam engine to motorisation. Most exhibits are working and are demonstrated in operation during events. The biggest attractions include the collection of steam engines and rollers, a replica of Josef Božek's steam carriage from 1815, and a narrow-gauge railway with locomotives, whose replica the museum built in its own workshops. Visitors move around the site only with a guide.
Highlights
- The largest Czech collection of working steam engines, including the Škoda Sentinel steam lorry from 1927
- Replica of Josef Božek's steam carriage from 1815
- About 40 historic cars and over 20 motorcycles
- Factory narrow-gauge railway with a turntable and depot
- Transmission engineering workshop and textile production in the original factory
Permanent exhibitions
- Parní stroje – Collection of working steam engines, locomobiles and steam rollers from 1870–1927, including the rare Škoda Sentinel steam lorry.
- Historické automobily a motocykly – An overview of the development of motoring, from steam vehicles to the sports cars of the 1950s to 1970s, with a replica of Josef Božek's steam carriage.
- Tovární železnice – Narrow-gauge steam, petrol and electric locomotives and wagons from factories and construction sites, housed in the engine shed with a turntable and in the depot.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 200 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 150 Kčseniors from age 65 and holders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards |
| Children & teens | 120 Kčfree up to age 5 · Children aged 6–17 |
| Seniors | 150 KčFrom age 65 |
| Visitors with disabilities | 150 KčHolders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards |
| Students & apprentices | 180 KčYoung people aged 18–24 |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Groups of more than 15 people must register at least one day in advance |
| Families | 500 KčAt most 2 adults and 3 children |
| Tour in English (by prior booking only) | 250 Kč |
The prices apply to standard tours; adults are people aged 25–64. Upon presentation of a ticket from the partner museum of the Fundacja Ochrony Dziedzictwa Przemysłowego Śląska (Foundation for the Protection of Industrial Heritage of Silesia), a 20% discount is given at the ticket office.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Entry to the museum is only with a guide; independent movement around the site is not possible. The museum offers schools specialist excursions throughout the season; information is available from the guide by phone or email. |
