Biskupský dvůr

Bishop's Courtyard (Biskupský dvůr) is a cluster of historic buildings in the heart of Brno, tucked right below the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul on Petrov hill. Today it houses part of the Moravian Museum's collections and ranks among the oldest surviving pieces of the city's built heritage.

How to get there?

The courtyard sits at Muzejní 1, right in the Brno-střed district, just a few minutes' walk from Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) and the Cabbage Market (Zelný trh). Entrances lead in from Zelný trh and from Kapucínské náměstí, so most visitors stumble upon it almost by accident while walking down from Petrov toward the market square. From Brno's main railway station it's roughly a 15–20 minute walk, or you can hop on a tram or bus to one of the stops near Náměstí Svobody.

What will you see?

The site's history goes back to at least 1352, when a Gothic provost's residence belonging to the Brno Chapter already stood here. In 1588 the property was bought by the Bishop of Olomouc, Stanislav II Pavlovský — the man the complex is named after. The Renaissance-style rebuilding was carried out by Brno builder Antonio Gabri, and work continued after 1600 under Pavlovský's successor, Cardinal František of Dietrichstein.

From the oldest Gothic phase, a pyramid-roofed tower survives along with a section of exposed brick masonry pierced by narrow pointed and rectangular windows. On the tower's second floor sits a small chapel decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of saints — one of the more overlooked architectural details in Brno's historic centre.

Since 1818, Bishop's Courtyard has belonged to the Moravian Museum and serves as one of its main exhibition venues. Permanent displays cover the fauna of Moravia and a numismatic exhibition tracing the history of money in the region from its earliest days. The complex is also home to the Mendelianum, an interactive museum dedicated to Gregor Johann Mendel, the founder of modern genetics, who conducted his famous pea experiments nearby at the Augustinian monastery in Brno.

When to visit?

Every summer, the courtyard of Bishop's Courtyard turns into an open-air theatre, hosting performances and cultural events that make the most of its historic stone backdrop — a great excuse to pair a daytime museum visit with an evening show. The Mendelianum is open Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so it's worth checking those hours before planning your route.

Thanks to its central location, Bishop's Courtyard fits naturally into any walk around Brno's old town — alongside Petrov Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, or the Cabbage Market — so there's no need for a separate trip; just weave it into your stroll through the historic centre.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bishop's Courtyard? It's a complex of historic buildings in central Brno dating back to the 14th century, now part of the Moravian Museum, with exhibits on natural history, numismatics, and the Mendelianum museum.

Where does the name Bishop's Courtyard come from? It's named after Stanislav II Pavlovský, Bishop of Olomouc, who bought the property in 1588 and commissioned its rebuilding.

What's worth seeing there? The Gothic tower with its fresco-decorated chapel, the Moravian Museum's permanent exhibitions (Moravian fauna, numismatics), and the interactive Mendelianum devoted to Gregor Mendel.

Are there cultural events at Bishop's Courtyard? Yes — every summer the courtyard becomes an open-air theatre stage, hosting performances and other cultural events.