Muzeum Českých drah v Lužné u Rakovníka

About the museum

The predecessor of today’s depot was the engine shed Lužná-Lišany, built in 1871 for the Buštěhrad Railway line from Kladno to Chomutov. It had a two-stall engine house and an administrative building, which also served as a water tower and survives to this day. As traffic grew, the capacity was no longer sufficient, so a new engine shed with a repair hall and a turntable was built, and in 1924 another extensive complex with a roundhouse, coaling facilities and assembly halls.

With the advent of diesel traction, the importance of the depot declined and more vehicles were repaired there. In the 1980s a large hall for repairing diesel locomotives was built there, for which some of the original buildings had to be demolished. Operation of the depot ended in 1996. Afterwards, associations of enthusiasts took over the site, holding exhibitions there and collecting and repairing steam locomotives.

From 1 July 1999 České dráhy (Czech Railways) took over their activities and established its railway museum there, which falls under the Centre of Historical Vehicles. The collection comprises more than 30 locomotives, from narrow-gauge to express locomotives with two-metre driving wheels, as well as historical railcars, diesel and electric locomotives, passenger and freight carriages, signalling technology, signals and a large model layout. At weekends during the season, a steam train runs on the narrow-gauge circuit.

Highlights

• The largest collection of steam locomotives in the Czech Republic, more than 30 locomotives
• Weekend steam train rides on the narrow-gauge circuit during the season
• Historical railcars, diesel and electric locomotives, and period carriages
• Signalling technology, signals and a large model layout
• Guided tours with guides, among whom are former engine drivers
• Virtual tour of part of the museum on the website

Permanent exhibitions

• Parní lokomotivy – Ocelové legendy – More than 30 locomotives, from narrow-gauge to express locomotives with two-metre driving wheels, show the role steam played in the development of transport.
• Nejen pára – motoráky a lokomotivy – Historical railcars, diesel and electric locomotives, and period passenger and freight carriages.
• Železniční technika a modelové kolejiště – Signalling equipment, signals, dispatch documents, lanterns, period documents and a large model layout.

Founded

1999

Operated by

České dráhy, a.s. (Centrum historických vozidel)

Admission & discounts

At announced events the admission is higher: full CZK 300, reduced CZK 250, family CZK 850. Visitors with a ticket from a National Technical Museum site (main building in Prague at Letná, Plasy, Chomutov) receive a 20% discount on full and reduced admission within 3 months of purchase. Visits outside opening hours, booked from April to October, are charged at full admission for at least 4 people (minimum CZK 960). Discounts cannot be combined. Payment can be made in cash (CZK only) or by card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

The museum states that it offers step-free access, including toilets. Special tours into locomotives and carriages are not suitable for persons with mobility difficulties.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

At weekends during the season, a steam train runs on the extended narrow-gauge circuit, which the museum offers especially to families with children. The railway children’s playground is temporarily out of service because of reconstruction. Children aged 6 to 15 pay the reduced admission; the family admission is CZK 720.

Getting there & parking

By car along road E48 from Prague towards Karlovy Vary, turn off at Nové Strašecí onto road II/237; direction signs are placed within a radius of about 5–10 km. Cycle route no. 8168 runs past the museum, and cycle route no. 0102 is nearby.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

At weekends and during holidays there is refreshment on the site, toilets for visitors and bicycle racks at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 20 guests.

A room for 20 people with a kitchenette and audio-visual equipment for corporate meetings, seminars and social events. Enquiries at nostalgie@cd.cz or by phone at +420 313 537 700.

Plan your visit