Památník písemnictví na Moravě
Museum in the Benedictine monastery in Rajhrad, with a historic monastery library, an exhibition on the history of the monastery and exhibitions on literature.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Památník písemnictví na Moravě (Memorial of Literature in Moravia) is housed in the grounds of the Benedictine monastery in Rajhrad, which was founded in the mid-11th century by Prince Břetislav and is the oldest church institution in Moravia still in existence. From the Benedictines of Břevnov the monastery received its first collection of manuscripts, from which the largest monastery library in Moravia grew. Historians such as František Palacký, Josef Dobrovský and Pavel Josef Šafařík drew on it. The Baroque rebuilding at the end of the 17th century is associated with the name of Giovanni Santini-Aichel; in 1813 the monastery was raised to the rank of an independent abbey.
The memorial opened its doors in 2005 in the restored Baroque complex as a branch of the Muzeum Brněnska (Brno Region Museum). It professionally looks after the monastery library with about 65,000 volumes, the library of the parent museum, and its own collections of more than 10,000 objects, such as manuscripts, illustrations, bookplates (exlibris) and correspondence.
Visitors can see the historic library hall with frescoes by Josef Jan Etgens, a mechanical globe and clock, and the permanent exhibition Ora et Labora: The Story of the Rajhrad Monastery. It is a newly opened exhibition which, in twelve chapters, guides visitors from the beginnings in Great Moravia to the present day. Short-term exhibitions, educational programmes, talks and meetings with authors are also held.
Highlights
- Historic Benedictine library with about 65,000 volumes
- Baroque library hall with frescoes by Josef Jan Etgens
- Mechanical globe and clock with sixteen dials
- Ora et Labora: The Story of the Rajhrad Monastery exhibition
- Archaeological finds from the Great Moravian cemetery and a Gothic abbot's crozier
- Short-term exhibitions on literature and book culture
Permanent exhibitions
- Ora et Labora: Příběh rajhradského kláštera – A permanent exhibition on the almost thousand-year history of the oldest monastery in Moravia, in twelve chapters, with interactive elements and a commented projection of the church frescoes.
- Historická benediktinská knihovna – The largest monastery library in Moravia, with a Baroque hall, frescoes, a mechanical globe and a clock with sixteen dials.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Muzeum Brněnska, příspěvková organizace
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 120 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 60 Kčpupils and students (ISIC, ITIC, IYTC, EYCA) |
| Children & teens | 60 Kč |
| Seniors | 90 Kč |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeHolders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | 60 KčApplies to pupils and students with an ISIC, ITIC, IYTC or EYCA card. |
| Groups (5+ people) | 50 Kč per personApplies to groups of pupils from primary, secondary and higher education schools of 5 or more people. |
The museum is a partner of the IDS JMK discount system: a 50% discount on the basic admission when presenting a valid annual season ticket, and a 10% discount when presenting another valid season ticket. Discounts cannot be combined. Discounts also apply to holders of the Rodinný pas, the Senior Pas and the Erlebnis Karte. Temporary exhibitions are available at the reduced admission; a guided tour of the Benedictine library is part of the basic tour route.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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 whole tour route is accessible. The main entrance has double doors 150 cm wide and a threshold 10 cm high; staff will help, and the guide can be contacted in advance on +420 537 026 288. Two steps (30 cm) lead to the exhibition gallery, and one step to the summer refectory and the children's playroom; entry is possible with a portable access ramp, which staff will set up on request. A lift leads to the first floor; it is not an evacuation lift. On the ground floor there is a step-free toilet. Parking spaces for visitors with specific needs are in the courtyard by the main entrance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
The grounds have a children's playroom. The regular cycle Čtení a bádání s Kašpárkem (Reading and Exploring with Kašpárek) is intended for preschool and younger school children. For some exhibitions a treasure hunt for children is prepared.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Rajhrad, klášter
From Brno Hlavní nádraží (main station) take the S3 line train to the Rajhrad stop, then bus line 514 to the stop Rajhrad, klášter (fare zone 510).
By car
Parking available
There is a parking area near the memorial; larger buses can park in the car park in front of the Klášterní taverna restaurant.
- Accessible parking
By car from Brno along road E 461, exit 9 Rajhrad.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Next to the monastery complex is the restaurant Klášterní taverna (Monastery Tavern).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours are led by guides; groups are booked on +420 537 026 288. Programmes for schools are available, for example Čtení s Kašpárkem (Reading with Kašpárek), Příběh knihy (The Story of a Book) and Nebojte se staroslověnštiny (Don't Be Afraid of Old Church Slavonic). |
