Podještědské muzeum

About the museum

The Podještědské muzeum (Podještědské Museum) grew out of an ethnographic exhibition that a group of enthusiasts led by the young teacher Václav Havel staged in August 1914. It was officially founded in autumn 1919, and Václav Havel ran it until 1961. It first opened to the public in 1921.

After the occupation of Český Dub in autumn 1938, the collections were taken into the interior of the country, and during the war they were dispersed among several buildings in the Turnov and Mnichovo Hradiště areas. In 1945 they returned to Český Dub and were housed in the Blaschkova villa, where the museum is still based. It reopened to the public on 14 July 1946. The villa was built in 1880–1881 by the textile entrepreneur Franz Schmitt for his son-in-law Konrád Blaschka, and its interior was remodelled in 1906.

From 1985 to 2010 the museum was headed by Tomáš Edel, who in 1991 discovered the Johanitská komenda (Johanite commandery). This Romanesque-Gothic complex, founded in 1237, is now an important part of the museum’s tours.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the writer Karolina Světlá
• The episode of Bedřich Smetana in Český Dub
• The flat of the original owners of the Blaschkova villa
• A reconstructed rural one-room school
• Late Gothic cupboard with stencilled decoration from the late 15th century
• The Johanitská komenda from 1237

Permanent exhibitions

• Stálá expozice Podještědského muzea – The exhibition presents the writer Karolina Světlá, Bedřich Smetana in Český Dub, a rural household from the early 19th century, the flat of the owners of the Blaschkova villa, the Jewish community of Český Dub, the Česká beseda (Czech Society) and a one-room school.
• Johanitská komenda – A Romanesque-Gothic complex founded in 1237, with a large entrance hall and the Romanesque chapel of St John the Baptist; the visit is conducted with a guide.
• Gotická šablonová technika – An original late Gothic cupboard with stencilled decoration from the late 15th century, from the Church of the Holy Spirit (kostel sv. Ducha), complemented by a reconstruction of a late Gothic interior.

Founded

1919

Operated by

Podještědské muzeum a knihovna, příspěvková organizace

Director

Mgr. Helena Gollová

Admission & discounts

The basic admission covers a small tour, i.e. a separate visit to the museum or to the commandery (about 45 minutes). Members of the AMG and of the Pekařova společnost Českého ráje (Pekař Society of Český ráj) enter free on presentation of their card. Payment is by cash only; card payments and euros are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

Neither the permanent exhibition nor the Johanitská komenda is step-free, as they are historic buildings. The ground-floor spaces used for concerts, lectures and openings are accessible by wheelchair. The ceremonial hall and the exhibition hall are reached by a few steps; the museum will help on request. The commandery has historic sunken staircases, is damp and slippery, and the temperature there is around 8 °C all year round.

Kids & families

The family ticket applies to 2 adults and up to 3 children under 15. Children under 6 enter free; the large tour is not recommended for pre-school children.

Getting there & parking

The Johanitská komenda is about 400 metres from the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a shop and an information point, which closes at 16:00.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The website offers hire of rooms and wedding ceremonies in the Blaschkova villa.

Plan your visit