Regionální židovské muzeum Polná
Museum in the restored synagogue and Rabbi's House in Polná, presenting the history of the Jewish town and the story of Leopold Hilsner.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The synagogue stands in the former Jewish town of Polná and, according to the available data, was built in 1684. It was damaged several times by fires and rebuilt, most recently in the 19th century. From the Baroque form, tall windows with pointed arches have survived, along with a fragment of the oldest painted decoration, uncovered during restoration.
The synagogue stopped serving as a prayer house in 1943. It was later used by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, then as a store for paints and fertilisers, and fell into decay; in 1969 its roof collapsed. Rescue work was begun by the club Za historickou Polnou; in 1996–2000 the building was repaired, and in September 2000 it opened as the Regional Jewish Museum.
The main hall contains a reconstructed original Torah ark (aron ha-kodeš), display cases with surviving ritual objects, and synagogue benches. The visit also includes the neighbouring Rabbi's House with the rabbinate office, the black kitchen and the ritual bath (mikveh), which is partly carved into the rock. The exhibitions cover the history of the Jewish town, Jewish monuments in the Vysočina region and the case of Leopold Hilsner and antisemitism. Concerts and short-term exhibitions also take place in the synagogue.
Highlights
- Restored synagogue with a Torah ark (aron ha-kodeš)
- Rabbi's House with the black kitchen and the ritual bath (mikveh)
- Exhibition on Leopold Hilsner and antisemitism
- History of the Jewish town and Jewish monuments in the Vysočina region
- Extended tour to the symbolic grave of Anežka Hrůzová (by reservation)
Permanent exhibitions
- Příběh Leopolda Hilsnera – The exhibition recalls the case of Leopold Hilsner, which in the late 19th century triggered a wave of antisemitism in Polná, and its wider social context.
- Historie Židů v Polné – The exhibition presents the history of the Jewish community, the history of the synagogue and the Rabbi's House, and the Jewish monuments in the Vysočina region.
- Founded
- 2000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 70 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 50 Kčchildren aged 8–15 and students up to 26 (CZK 50), seniors (CZK 56) |
| Children & teens | 50 Kčfree up to age 7 · Children aged 8–15 pay the reduced price; children under 8 enter free. |
| Seniors | 56 KčFrom 60 years or with a Senior pass. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · ZTP or ZTP/P card holders receive a 50% discount; the guide enters free. |
| Students & apprentices | 50 KčAged 15–26, with a valid card. |
| Groups (5+ people) | –The extended route is only for groups of 5 or more people. |
| Families | 180 KčTwo parents and two children under 18; synagogue only CZK 80. |
| Synagogue only – basic admission | 35 Kč |
| Synagogue only – children aged 8–15 and students | 25 Kč |
| Synagogue only – seniors | 28 Kč |
| Synagogue only – family ticket (2+2) | 80 Kč |
| Extended route to the symbolic grave of Anežka Hrůzová – adults | 80 KčBy reservation only, minimum 5 people; includes the Rabbi's House, the synagogue and a guided walk to the grave in Březina. |
| Extended route to the symbolic grave of Anežka Hrůzová – reduced | 60 KčChildren under 10 free. |
| Photography | 30 Kč |
Prices apply according to the price list valid from 1 May 2022. The basic prices apply to a joint tour of the Rabbi's House and the synagogue. The family pass gives a 25% discount on the basic admission. Discounts cannot be combined.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on Karlovo náměstí in Polná; the Rabbi's House is in the neighbouring house No. 541.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography costs CZK 30. |
| Good to know | During the main tourist season a guide is permanently present at the museum. The extended route with a visit to the symbolic grave of Anežka Hrůzová in Březina is available only by reservation for at least 5 people. |
