Expozice času Šternberk

Expozice času (Exhibition of Time) is an unusual museum in the Czech town of Šternberk that tells the story of time itself — from the Big Bang all the way to atomic clocks. Housed in a former cultural center on ČSA Street, it has drawn in families and science enthusiasts since opening in 2011.

What will you see inside?

The visit takes you through ten rooms holding roughly 250 exhibits, loaned from more than twenty Czech and international institutions — among them the Regional Museum in Olomouc, the National Technical Museum in Prague, the Jewish Museum in Prague, and the Shoe Museum in Zlín. Together they trace an ambitious 14-billion-year narrative: the cosmic origins of time, the development of calendars and mechanical clocks, and finally the precision of modern atomic timekeeping.

A dedicated section covers Šternberk's own clockmaking heritage. In the second half of the 20th century the town was known for producing wall clocks and alarm clocks under the Chronotechna brand, and the exhibition recreates a watchmaker's workshop complete with period tools and machinery, alongside a collection of rare historical clocks.

What else can you do here?

The museum isn't limited to display cases — it also offers hands-on activities for the whole family. Visitors can try a space-themed game, pose for a photo with a model of the Hubble telescope, or listen to a carillon that once belonged to Prague's Loreto shrine. That mix makes it a solid rainy-day stop with kids, while still offering plenty for adults curious about the history of science and craftsmanship.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in the center of Šternberk, at ČSA 19. The town is located in the Olomouc Region, about 15 kilometers north of Olomouc, which is well connected by regional trains and buses. From Šternberk's town center it's just a short walk to the exhibition, making it easy to combine with a stroll through the old town and a visit to Šternberk Castle.

When should you visit?

Opening hours change throughout the year and can differ on public holidays, so it's worth checking the museum's website before you go. The exhibition runs year-round, which makes it a good option both in summer and on colder, rainy days when an indoor attraction is exactly what you need.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? With ten rooms and around 250 exhibits, plan on at least an hour — longer if you're visiting with children who want to try the interactive stations.

Is it suitable for kids? Yes, the museum has a clearly family-friendly design, combining traditional display cases with interactive elements like the space game and the Hubble telescope photo spot.

How much does admission cost? There's a standard ticket, a reduced ticket, and a family ticket, with children under 6 admitted free. Since prices can change, it's best to double-check current rates on the museum's website before your visit.

Where do the exhibits come from? They're on loan from more than twenty institutions, including the Regional Museum in Olomouc and the National Technical Museum in Prague — part of the collection also documents Chronotechna, the clock factory that once operated in Šternberk.