Múzeum v Kežmarku – Kežmarský hrad

About the museum

The exact date of the construction of Kežmarský hrad is not known; settlement existed on this site already in prehistoric and early medieval times. The best-known owners of the castle include the Thököly family. In 1703 it became the property of the town of Kežmarok, which reduced its importance, and the building fell into disrepair. Fires in 1865 and again in March 1901 required extensive repairs.

The castle chapel was consecrated on 27 September 1866. From 1 May 1940 part of the castle was used for the needs of the Hlinka Guard. The appearance of the castle changed several times during its existence of more than five centuries.

Today the Múzeum v Kežmarku is housed here; besides the castle, it also manages the Múzeum bytovej kultúry and an exhibition hall. The castle tour is only with a guide, and entries begin every full hour.

Highlights

• Exhibition of historic vehicles and fire-fighting equipment, including the Škoda 154 fire engine from 1929
• Guilds and crafts – tools and signboards of the 36 Kežmarok guilds
• Exhibition of weapons and the shooting society from 1510
• The Thököly family and the Baroque castle chapel from 1657–1658
• Famine dungeon (hladomorňa) and lookout tower with a view of the town and the High Tatras
• Lapidarium and the exhibition Kežmarok and the High Tatras

Permanent exhibitions

• Stále expozície Kežmarského hradu – Exhibitions on the guilds and crafts, weapons, the shooting society, the Thököly family, the pharmacy, the history of Kežmarok and its relationship to the Tatras, supplemented by historic vehicles, the castle chapel, the famine dungeon and the lookout tower.
• Expozícia historických vozidiel a hasičskej techniky – Veteran vehicles lent by a club from Poprad and fire-fighting equipment from the museum's collections, including the rare Škoda 154 fire engine from 1929.

Admission & discounts

Blood donors (gold and diamond Jánsky plaque, Kňazovický medal) and war veterans pay €0.10. Card payment is possible at the castle. Hire of the chapel for a civil wedding ceremony costs €150.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

The museum publishes a statement on the accessibility of its website; it does not give information on step-free access to the exhibitions.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers family admission and educational activities (lessons, creative workshops) for children and schools.

Getting there & parking

The castle is located on Hradné námestie in Kežmarok; the museum's website has a page with a map and a description of how to reach the castle.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle chapel is available for civil wedding ceremonies; for wedding photography and filming in the exhibitions a separate fee applies.

Plan your visit