Alternator - ecotechic center Třebíč

Alternátor – Ecotechnic Centre Třebíč is the only science centre in the Vysočina region, blending hands-on technical education with the industrial history of the building it occupies. It opened on 26 June 2015 and is run by the civic association Ekobioenergo, inside the former halls of a Baťa shoe factory — so a visit here also means walking through a genuine piece of Třebíč's industrial past.

What is there to see inside?

The exhibition spreads across several floors and focuses mainly on energy and how we use it. Permanent displays include "Cesta elektřiny" (The Journey of Electricity), "Plnou parou vpřed" (Full Steam Ahead) and "Energie a náš svět" (Energy and Our World), all built around interactive exhibits that explain physical phenomena in a hands-on, accessible way. The centre is aimed primarily at families with children and school groups, though the exhibits also appeal to adults with an interest in technology.

A separate section, "Boty a ponožky" (Shoes and Socks), is dedicated to the history of footwear and hosiery production in Třebíč — a direct nod to the factory building's own past. It's complemented by a nature-themed exhibition, "Les – naše bohatství" (Forest – Our Wealth), which highlights the importance of the region's forests.

The projection sphere — a rare sight in the Czech Republic

On the third floor stands a projection sphere used for the "Věda na kouli" (Science on a Sphere) exhibit — one of only a handful of devices of this kind in the whole of the Czech Republic. It displays content about outer space and planet Earth in a way that works for children and adults alike, and it's arguably the single most memorable stop on a visit, so it's worth setting aside a bit of extra time for it.

An award-winning transformation

In June 2016, the Ekotechnické centrum Alternátor was named "Stavba Vysočiny" (Building of Vysočina), an award that recognised, among other things, the successful conversion of a former industrial brownfield into a lively cultural and educational venue. It's a good example of how a disused factory complex can be given a genuinely new role in a city's life.

How to get to Alternátor?

The centre is located in Třebíč, a town in the Vysočina region well connected by both road and rail to the rest of the Czech Republic. The easiest way to arrive is by car or by train to Třebíč station, followed by a short walk or a short local transfer to the former Baťa factory site where the centre is housed. It's worth combining the visit with a walk through Třebíč's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius.

When is the best time to visit?

Alternátor is a year-round destination, since all the exhibitions are indoors and weather has little effect on the visit. It's still worth checking the current schedule and ticket availability in advance, especially for group or school visits, as the centre is popular with educational trips.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alternátor suitable for children? Yes — the centre is designed mainly with younger visitors and school groups in mind, with interactive exhibits that explain physical phenomena in an accessible way.

What is housed in the former Baťa factory building today? The former factory halls now hold a science centre with exhibitions on energy, outer space, and the local history of shoe and hosiery production.

What is the projection sphere at Alternátor? It's one of only a few devices of its kind in the Czech Republic, used to present content about outer space and planet Earth as part of the "Věda na kouli" exhibit.

Is it worth combining the visit with the rest of Třebíč? Definitely — the town's historic centre, including the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just a short distance away.