Národopisné muzeum Plzeňska

About the museum

The foundations of the museum were laid in 1909, when the Kroužek přátel starožitností (Circle of Friends of Antiquities), led by Ladislav Lábek, met in Plzeň; two years later it was followed by the Společnost pro národopis a ochranu památek Plzně a okolí (Society for Ethnography and the Protection of Monuments of Plzeň and Surroundings). For the society's needs the town bought the Gerlachovský dům (Gerlach House), which is connected to the Chotěšovský dům on Republic Square. The ethnographic collections were first made accessible in 1915, and on 22 February 1918 the Ethnographic Museum was established as a municipal institution.

After the German occupation and a brief period of independence after the war, in March 1948 the museum merged with other Plzeň museums into the West Bohemian Museum. In 2021–2023 the historic houses underwent an extensive reconstruction costing almost CZK 130 million, supported mainly by the European Union and the Plzeň Region. This was followed by the preparation of new permanent exhibitions, opened in January 2024.

Today the museum offers two visitor routes. The exhibition “Z vesnice do města” on the first floor of the Chotěšovský dům shows the transformation of the relationship between countryside and town in the 19th century, from the village living room through the school, the inn and workers' housing to the development of Plzeň. “Obživa, oděv, zvyky” occupies the former provost's residence and three floors of the Gerlachovský dům; it presents urban and folk fashion, crafts, black kitchens and the interiors of folk living rooms. Throughout the year the museum holds reconstructions of folk festivals, markets and workshops.

Highlights

• Exhibition “Z vesnice do města” with a panoramic view of Plzeň from 1893
• Urban and folk fashion from the late Renaissance to the end of the 19th century
• Burial equipment of Bohunka Lobkowiczová of Šternberk, found in 1923
• Interiors of folk living rooms and black kitchens from the second half of the 19th century
• Attic of the Gerlachovský dům with a late Baroque roof truss
• Folk festivals, markets and Advent workshops during the year

Permanent exhibitions

• Z vesnice do města – The exhibition on the first floor of the Chotěšovský dům shows how the relationship between countryside and town changed in the 19th century: from the village living room, school and parish, through journeys to work, to the inn, workers' housing and the development of Plzeň.
• Obživa, oděv, zvyky – The exhibition in the provost's residence of the Chotěšovský dům and in the Gerlachovský dům presents urban and folk fashion, town crafts, ways of making a living, black kitchens and folk living rooms from the Chotěšov and Plzeň regions.

Founded

1918

Operated by

Západočeské muzeum v Plzni (pobočka)

Admission & discounts

A uniform admission fee applies to the whole building and includes an individual visit to the permanent exhibitions and the short-term exhibitions. The ZČM museum pass (8 admissions, valid for one year) is accepted at the museum. Holders of AMG, ICOM, ICOMOS and ZMS cards also enter free.

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

Because of the layout and heritage value of both houses, not all spaces are barrier-free. Without barriers you can visit the ticket office with the museum shop, the small exhibition hall, the first visitor route “Z vesnice do města”, the atrium of the Chotěšovský dům and the short-term exhibitions in the neighbouring Konírna (stables). The second route “Obživa, oděv, zvyky” is not barrier-free.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Men's and women's toilets have changing tables. A pushchair can be left at the museum by arrangement. The museum offers educational programmes for schools and courses, and during the year festivals, markets and Advent workshops.

Getting there & parking

The museum is housed in the Chotěšovský and Gerlachovský houses directly on Republic Square.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The museum shop offers souvenirs from the workshops of holders of the titles “Mistr tradiční řemeslné výroby Plzeňského kraje” and “Nositel tradice”. Cloakroom lockers and luggage boxes are available; in the atrium there are stands for two bicycles.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 40 guests.

The lecture hall on the first floor of the Chotěšovský dům seats 35–40, is accessible without barriers via the exhibition “Z vesnice do města”, and has a historic piano. It is available for hire throughout the year once a date has been agreed.

Plan your visit