Brewery museum in Kostelec nad Černými lesy

The National Museum of Brewing in Kostelec nad Černými lesy occupies the historic grounds of the former Černokostelecký brewery, just a short walk from the town centre, and ranks among the largest brewing exhibitions in Central Europe. Open since 2001, it lets visitors walk through real working spaces — the malthouse, the kiln and the brewhouse — rather than a set of reconstructed models.

What will you see inside?

The tour runs through the buildings of the former brewery, whose core dates back to 1838–1841 (after an earlier building burned down in 1836, a new brewery was built on the current site and later expanded at the end of the 19th century and again in the 1930s). Spread across roughly 4,000 m² of exhibition space are several hundred exhibits, including a copper double brew kettle with its original transmission drive, cooling vessels, a working steam engine and ammonia cooling compressors. Many of the machines aren't just on display — several can be started up during the tour, showing visitors how the malthouse and brewhouse actually operated before breweries switched to modern technology.

The museum also holds a unique database of around 4,000 historical breweries from Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, letting visitors look up breweries that once existed near their own hometowns. Since May 2024 the exhibition has included a new section on Jewish entrepreneurship in the Kolín, Kostelec, Český Brod and Kouřim region, which was closely tied to the area's brewing history.

What else is there to do on site?

Alongside the museum itself, the complex includes a microbrewery where you can taste beer brewed right on the premises, a restaurant and accommodation — making it a good base for a longer stop rather than just a quick visit. That combination of history, food and a place to stay has made it a popular day-trip destination from Prague, which is less than an hour's drive away.

How do you get there?

Kostelec nad Černými lesy lies in the Central Bohemian Region, about 30 km southeast of Prague. By car, the fastest route follows road I/2 towards Kutná Hora, from which the town centre is only a few minutes away. The brewery and museum sit right in the town itself and are also reachable by bus from Prague and nearby towns. Parking is available on site or in the immediate vicinity.

When is the best time to visit?

A tour takes roughly 60–90 minutes and suits families with children as well as anyone interested in technology and history. It's worth pairing the visit with a tasting at the microbrewery or lunch at the on-site restaurant. Since opening hours can vary seasonally, it's best to check current dates and book a tour in advance on the museum's website.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a museum tour take? A standard tour lasts about 60–90 minutes, depending on group size and interest in the individual exhibits.

Is there food available on site? Yes, the complex includes both a restaurant and a microbrewery where you can try beer brewed on the premises.

Can you stay overnight in Kostelec? Yes, the site also offers accommodation, so a visit can easily be combined with a longer stay in the area.

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes, the working machinery and the chance to see a real historic brewery in operation tend to appeal to children and adults alike.