NZM Kačina – zámek, muzeum a park

About the museum

Kačina Château is one of the most important Empire buildings in the Czech Republic. It was built in 1802–1822 on the Nové Dvory estate by the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia, Count Jan Rudolf Chotek of Chotkov. The plans were drawn up by the Dresden architect Christian Friedrich Schuricht, and local builders led the construction. The horseshoe-shaped building is 227 metres long and has a portico with six columns; the surrounding landscape park was designed by the Viennese botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin.

The château contains representative and residential rooms, a circular entrance hall and a large ballroom. The Chotek family library preserves about 40,000 volumes from the 16th to the 19th century; the château also includes a theatre, a pharmacy and a greenhouse. After the death of Emerich Chotek in 1911 the estate passed to the Thun-Hohenstein family. During the Protectorate the château was sold at a forced auction, and after the war it was nationalised.

From 1950 the château has housed the National Agricultural Museum. Today it presents exhibitions on the life of the count’s family, the servants’ quarters, the Kingdom of Bees, the gardens and parks of the Chotek family, and models of folk buildings. Kačina is also a popular film location.

Highlights

• 13 Chotek Rooms – Empire interiors with a tour about the Chotek family
• Chotek Library with about 40,000 volumes, the château theatre and the unfinished chapel
• Za oponu (Behind the Curtain) tour of the château theatre with its tall 19th-century rigging loft
• Život pod schody (Life Under the Stairs) – servants’ quarters, including a stable in the cellar
• Château greenhouse, herb garden and park with an arboretum; the park is free all year round

Permanent exhibitions

• 13 Chotkovských komnat – Guided tour of the thirteen Empire rooms introduces the history of the Chotek family, the château’s builder Count Jan Rudolf Chotek and life at the château. The tour is step-free.
• Chotkovská knihovna, zámecké divadlo a kaple – The tour shows the family library, the pharmacy, the original theatre and the never-completed château chapel.
• Výstavní patro – Království včel a další expozice – Exhibitions on the Kingdom of Bees, the Gardens and Parks of the Chotek Family, the Story of Wood, Kačina by Touch and Models of Folk Buildings, with interactive elements for families.

Founded

1950

Operated by

Národní zemědělské muzeum, s. p. o.

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission is on 18 May (International Museum Day) and on the first Sunday of each month for agricultural workers (Resortní dny, departmental days).

The basic prices apply to the guided tours of the 13 Chotek Rooms, the Library, theatre and château chapel, Behind the Curtain of the château theatre, and the Château Greenhouse, herb garden and stables. Free admission is also granted to children from children’s homes, holders of ITIC, AMG, ICOM and ICOMOS cards, holders of free NZM tickets and war veterans’ cards. A gift ticket is valid for 365 days.

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

According to the website, the 13 Chotek Rooms tour is step-free; the website does not give details for the other tours or for toilets.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The Exhibition Floor is suitable for families with children: the exhibitions have interactive elements, a small puppet theatre, construction sets and a play area. Children under 6 enter free; children and young people under 18 get reduced prices on guided tours and enter exhibitions without a guide free. Kačina also hosts games, school programmes and holiday camps.

Getting there & parking

The château lies in the cadastral area of Svatý Mikuláš, about 6.5 km north-east of Kutná Hora.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The château café, Empir Cafe, is open at the same time as the château. A château rickshaw, wooden carts and costumes can be borrowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The ballroom, the château theatre, the château chapel and the open spaces in front of and behind the château can be hired; accommodation in the apartments and weddings at Kačina are also offered.

Plan your visit