Muzeum zimních sportů, turistiky a řemesel v Deštném v Orlických horách

About the museum

The museum in Deštné v Orlických horách grew out of the work of the local history group, which from 1975 was led by Associate Professor (docent) Václav Šplíchal and which studied the history, ethnography, nature and geology of the Orlické hory. The association presented the results of its work in short-term exhibitions. The first permanent exhibition opened at the turn of 1990 and 1991 in the part of the village of Jedlová and showed the crafts of the long-established local residents, preserved animals and winter sports.

In 1993 the building of the first museum was returned to its original owners in restitution, so the museum moved to a former nursery school in the centre of Deštné, opposite the church of St Mary Magdalene, where it is still located today. The exhibitions focus on the life of mountain residents from the mid-19th century onwards and were created mainly through self-help, using donations from local residents. The founder is the municipality of Deštné v Orlických horách, and the operation is handled by the Villa Nova Uhřínov centre.

Visitors learn about the history of the village, which goes back to the time of Charles IV, about crafts, winter sports and hiking in the Orlické hory, about hand-weaving of linen and the production of glass, including the results of archaeological research at an abandoned glassworks at an altitude of 940 metres. In the basement are mills on the Zlatý potok stream; in the garden is a small glass furnace, in which experimental glass melts using wood take place on the first August weekend.

Highlights

• history of the village from the time of Charles IV and exhibition on significant natives
• collection of historical skis, skibobs and sledges and the history of the Horská služba (Mountain Rescue Service)
• exhibition on glassmaking and hand-weaving in the Orlické hory
• mills on the Zlatý potok in the basement
• small glass furnace in the garden and annual glass melting with wood

Permanent exhibitions

• Historie obce a řemesla – The entrance exhibition recalls the history of Deštné from the time of Charles IV and important personalities; further sections present traditional crafts, such as woodcarvers, sieve makers, potters, coopers, stonemasons and shingle makers.
• Zimní sporty, turistika a příroda Orlických hor – On the first floor you will find old skis, sledges and sleds, the history of the Horská služba, a collection of skibobs and an overview of the history of tourism and nature in the Orlické hory.
• Textil, sklářství a mlýny na Zlatém potoce – Hand-weaving, mountain costume and glass production in the Orlické hory; in the basement an exhibition on the mills on the Zlatý potok, and in the garden a small glass furnace.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Obec Deštné v Orlických horách (zřizovatel); provoz zajišťuje Villa Nova Uhřínov

Admission & discounts

The price applies to the museum's permanent exhibitions. Older tourist portals list lower admission fees; the prices of the operator apply.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• 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

There are four steps without a ramp in front of the entrance, and the exhibitions are on two floors connected by a staircase of 23 steps. The building has only a standard toilet, not an accessible one. Access for people with reduced mobility is therefore very limited.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of the village, close to the church of St Mary Magdalene.

Amenities & dining

The operator offers publications on the Orlické hory in its online shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit