Bedřich Hrozný Museum

The Bedřich Hrozný Museum in Lysá nad Labem is a small but distinctive institution dedicated to one of the town's most celebrated native sons — an orientalist and scholar who was the first person to decipher the Hittite language. Run as part of the Polabské Museum, a contributory organization of the Central Bohemian Region, it's a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the history of science or the ancient Near East.

Who was Bedřich Hrozný?

Bedřich Hrozný was born in Lysá nad Labem in 1879 and died in Prague in 1952. He earned lasting fame as the scholar who deciphered the Hittite language, a breakthrough considered one of the defining achievements of 20th-century Near Eastern studies. His work reshaped how researchers understood ancient Anatolian civilization and opened new paths for interpreting the wider history of the ancient Near East. The museum in his hometown exists to preserve his legacy and introduce his achievements to a broader audience.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition weaves together two threads: the regional history of Lysá nad Labem and its surroundings, and the world of the ancient Near East alongside Hrozný's own scientific career. Visitors can view unique collection items and documentary material connected to his research, as well as personal belongings that once belonged to the scholar. It's a rare chance to get a close look at the working life of a man whose discoveries changed how we understand ancient civilizations.

Where is the museum located?

The institution has carried the honorary name "Museum of Bedřich Hrozný" since 1951, and a year later, in 1952, it moved into the building it still occupies today — a Baroque house dating from 1752 that is itself a protected cultural monument. The combination of historic architecture and scholarly exhibition gives a visit extra depth: you come away learning not just about Hrozný, but about a piece of the town's architectural heritage as well.

How do you get there?

Lysá nad Labem sits in the Central Bohemian Region, a short distance from Prague, which makes the museum an easy target for a day trip. The town has solid rail and road connections to the Prague metropolitan area, so getting there doesn't require complicated planning. The museum itself sits in the historic center of town, inside a period building that's easy to spot.

Who should visit?

The museum will appeal to anyone drawn to the history of science, archaeology, or Near Eastern studies, as well as travelers looking for lesser-known stops off the beaten path. Its modest scale means a visit doesn't take long, yet it delivers real substance about a figure who left a permanent mark on world scholarship.

When is the best time to visit?

As with most regional museums operating under the Polabské Museum umbrella, opening hours can vary by season, so it's worth checking current times before setting out. Spring and summer are a good match for combining the museum visit with a walk through the historic center of Lysá nad Labem.

Frequently asked questions

What was Bedřich Hrozný known for? He was an orientalist who was the first to decipher the Hittite language, a discovery regarded as one of the landmark achievements of 20th-century linguistics and Near Eastern archaeology.

Where exactly is the museum located? In the historic center of Lysá nad Labem, inside a Baroque building from 1752 that is a protected cultural monument.

Is the museum part of a larger institution? Yes, it operates as part of the Polabské Museum, a contributory organization of the Central Bohemian Region.

What can you see in the exhibition? Items relating to Hrozný's life and work, his personal belongings, and material on the regional history of the area as well as the ancient Near East.