Zámek Libochovice

About the museum

Libochovice Chateau was built on the site of a Gothic fortress and a Renaissance seat of the Lobkovic lords. After a major fire in 1661 the estate was bought by Prince Gundakar of Dietrichstein, who had the chateau rebuilt in 1683–1690 to plans by the Italian builder Antonio della Porta. The result was an early Baroque four-winged building around a courtyard, one of the most important chateaux of this style in Bohemia. Nearby, a Baroque garden was laid out on the model of the park at Versailles.

In 1858 the Herberstein family took over the estate, and they remained here until 1945. The last owner, Count Jan Josef Herberstein-Proskau, was a passionate traveller and collector who brought back natural specimens, photographs and rare objects from expeditions to Africa and Asia. The interiors have largely survived in their Baroque form and were supplemented as the residents' needs changed.

The chateau has been a national cultural monument since 2002 and is managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). The tour focuses on the life and travels of the Herbersteins. The visit also includes an exhibition on Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who was born in the chateau. The park, with its French and English sections, is freely accessible.

Highlights

• “Expedice Herberstein” (Herberstein Expedition) tour about the life and travels of the last owners
• collections from Count Herberstein's travels, including a five-metre Nile crocodile
• exhibition on J. E. Purkyně at his birthplace, included in the ticket price
• early Baroque chateau by Antonio della Porta, dating from the late 17th century
• free-access chateau garden and park, with peacocks roaming freely

Permanent exhibitions

• Expedice Herberstein – The basic tour presents the life and travels of the last owners of the chateau, the Counts Herberstein, including collections from their expeditions to Africa and Asia.
• Expozice Jana Evangelisty Purkyně – An exhibition on the physician and scientist J. E. Purkyně in the exhibition hall where he was born. It can be visited after the tour and is included in the ticket price.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav (ÚPS v Ústí nad Labem)

Admission & discounts

The price applies to the basic Expedice Herberstein tour, which includes the J. E. Purkyně exhibition. The chateau park and garden are free of charge. Free admission is also granted to holders of free NPÚ tickets and other listed groups. Payment is possible by card or in cash.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

Only the courtyard, the J. E. Purkyně memorial room and the park are accessible without assistance. Wheelchair users can reach the other interiors and the exhibitions on the first floor only with assistance, which ensures they are carried from the ground floor to the upper floor. The chateau has no lift or stairlift. The floors are smooth and the staircase has a handrail. Animals are not permitted in the chateau grounds; small animals may be carried in bags in the park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

A shortened fairy-tale tour with the Peacock Princess and a costumed guide is available for children. The ladies' toilets have a baby-changing table. During the summer holidays, an exhibition of historical prams and dolls is open in the courtyard.

Getting there & parking

From Prague, take the D8 towards Ústí nad Labem and exit 35 (Budyně nad Ohří), or from Ústí nad Labem exit 45 (Siřejovice).

Amenities & dining

There are several restaurants in the vicinity of the chateau. Bicycle racks are in the arcades in front of the park entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit