Múzeum Tatranského národného parku

About the museum

The museum was founded on 1 April 1957 by the then administration of the Tatra National Park (TANAP) as one of its organisational units. Until the end of 1958 it was housed in the Podtatranské Museum in Poprad, and at the beginning of 1959 it moved to the Széchenyi Villa in Tatranská Lomnica. In 1968 it merged with the TANAP Research Station and found a home in a newly built building, where it is still located.

The natural science exhibition is built around dioramas that depict the habitats of the chamois, marmot, lynx, wolf, brown bear and capercaillie; the exhibits also include the northern fairy shrimp. Visitors learn about the geology, forests, dwarf mountain pine, mountain lakes and alpine meadows of the Tatras. The ethnographic section presents the culture of the people of the villages at the foot of the Tatras, and the historical exhibition maps the exploration of the Tatras, shepherding, mining, tourism, spa life and mountain rescue.

After modernisation the museum is also accessible to visitors with visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities, for example with raised-relief maps, tactile models and a video guide in sign language. The screening room offers short environmental films.

Highlights

• Dioramas of Tatra fauna, from the chamois to the brown bear
• Natural science exhibition on the geology, forests and alpine meadows of the Tatras
• Ethnographic and historical exhibition of the Podtatra region
• Bear's den for children in front of the exhibition
• Free SmartGuide audio guide in Slovak and English
• Tactile models, raised-relief maps and a guide in sign language

Permanent exhibitions

• Prírodovedná expozícia – Dioramas of Tatra animals and thematic sections on geology, forests, dwarf mountain pine, streams, mountain lakes and alpine meadows.
• Etnografická expozícia – The exhibition in the museum gallery presents the material and spiritual culture of the people of the Podtatra and Tatra villages.
• Človek v Tatrách – historická expozícia – The historical section follows the exploration of the Tatras, shepherding, mining, the development of tourism, settlements and spa life, and mountain rescue.

Founded

1957

Operated by

Správa Tatranského národného parku

Admission & discounts

The price list applies from 2 January 2025. A 20% discount applies to admission (except for some tariffs) with the Tatry Card, and a regional discount applies to residents of the town of Vysoké Tatry. Free admission also for accredited tourist guides with a group, and for one teacher as the escort of a group. Payment by card or in cash is possible at the ticket office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The larger part of the 1,064 m² exhibition is step-free; the ethnographic exhibition in the gallery can be reached only by stairs. After modernisation the museum offers raised-relief maps and signboards with Braille, tactile models of animals, plants and habitats, interactive elements with a guide in sign language and with subtitles, pictogram maps, and a film with audio commentary, sign interpretation and subtitles. The models, maps and film are available free of charge on request at the ticket office.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Before entering the exhibition, children can explore the bear's den; the museum has joined the children's competition Legendárium. Creative workshops are available for €6 per person (minimum 5 people), and there are environmental education programmes for schools.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the building of the TANAP Research Station and Museum, at the Administration of the Tatra National Park in Tatranská Lomnica.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Postcards, maps, books, DVDs, brochures and Tatra souvenirs are sold in the vestibule. Card payment is possible.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit