Památník Bedřicha Smetany

About the museum

The Jabkenice forester's lodge by the large game reserve was originally the seat of the forestry office of the Thurn and Taxis princes. Smetana's son-in-law Josef Schwarz, husband of his daughter Žofie, lived here. The composer moved in with them in 1875, after losing his hearing, and remained there until his death in 1884. Most of his most important works were created in Jabkenice, for example the operas The Kiss (Hubička), The Secret (Tajemství) and The Devil's Wall (Čertova stěna), the piano cycles Sny and České tance, and the completed cycle Má vlast.

Four years after Smetana's death a memorial plaque was unveiled on the wall of the house. In 1928 a small museum was set up in his former study, and the rest of the house kept its original function. In 1936 the house was bought by the Association for the Preservation of the Legacy of Bedřich Smetana, and a year later a permanent exhibition was set up here in cooperation with the Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague. In 1950 the Prague museum took over the management of the museum, and today the memorial is a branch of the National Museum. The last renovation took place in 1987–1995, and the memorial reopened to the public in 2002.

Since 2002 the collection has focused mainly on the period Smetana spent in Jabkenice. Its core consists of the interiors of Smetana's study and family parlour, reconstructed according to contemporary testimonies and partly furnished with original furniture from the Smetana family. The piano on which the composer wrote his music is also on display, as well as statuettes, paintings, photographs, scores and letters.

Highlights

• Smetana's study, reconstructed from contemporary testimonies
• Family parlour with furniture preserved from the Smetana family
• The piano on which the composer wrote his music
• Scores, manuscripts and letters from the last decade of Smetana's life
• Guided tours starting every full hour

Permanent exhibition

• Památník Bedřicha Smetany – The house where the composer lived and worked: reconstructed interiors of the study and family parlour with original furniture, a piano, scores, photographs and letters.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Národní muzeum (České muzeum hudby)

Admission & discounts

Free admission is also granted to holders of ICOM cards and of the Společnost NM card, and to employees of contributory organizations of the Ministry of Culture (with card only). Tickets are sold only at the ticket office; cashless payment is also possible.

Accessibility

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

The building is not barrier-free: it stands on terrain that is difficult to cross and has stairs. Toilets for visitors with reduced mobility are available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

At the ticket office you can buy publications on Smetana, guides to the exhibition, souvenirs, tourist cards, stamps and fridge magnets. A coffee machine is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 40 guests.

Hire of the small concert hall with a piano; capacity about 40 people.

Plan your visit