Hasičské muzeum Kočí

Hasičské muzeum Kočí (the Firefighting Museum in Kočí) is a compact but richly stocked museum of firefighting technology in the village of Kočí, in the Chrudim district of the Pardubice Region in eastern Czechia. It was founded in 2002 by local volunteer firefighters who wanted to save uniforms, tools and equipment from the scrapyard as their brigades modernized and retired older gear. What started as a small rescue effort has grown into one of the more interesting collections of its kind in the region.

What will you see there?

The heart of the collection is a fleet of historic and modern firefighting vehicles — tanker pumpers, engines and ladder trucks from both Czechia and abroad. Alongside the vehicles, visitors will find a large body of smaller equipment: helmets, axes, hoses and other tools that trace the evolution of fire protection from the 19th century to the present day.

A standout section is the collection of firefighter uniforms gathered from around the world, including work uniforms from South Korea, Lithuania, France, Ukraine, the Netherlands and South Africa. It's a rare chance to compare, side by side, how a firefighter's gear has evolved differently across countries and eras.

Since 2015 the museum has occupied expanded premises right along the main road running through the village, with a total exhibition area of more than 524 square metres. That extra space means the exhibits — from early hand-pumped fire engines to more recent motorized units — can be displayed in roomy, well-arranged halls rather than cramped storage rooms.

How do you get there?

The museum entrance sits in the centre of Kočí, directly on road I/17, the main route linking Chrudim with Vysoké Mýto and Litomyšl. That makes it easy to reach both by car and by bus services running along the same road. Kočí is only a few kilometres from Chrudim, so a visit here pairs naturally with a day exploring that historic town.

When should you visit?

The museum is open year-round, but visits are arranged in advance by phone — it's worth calling or emailing a few days ahead, especially for group visits or trips with children. Admission is by voluntary donation, which makes the place accessible to families and technology enthusiasts regardless of budget. Contact details, including phone, email and the museum's own website, are available for arranging a visit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a visit to Hasičské muzeum Kočí in advance? Yes. Because the museum is largely run by local volunteer firefighters, visits are only possible after arranging a time by phone beforehand.

How much does admission cost? Admission is voluntary — visitors decide themselves how much to contribute toward maintaining and growing the collection.

What is the museum's main highlight? Its standout features are the international collection of firefighter uniforms and the fleet of historic pumper trucks, tankers and ladder vehicles documenting the development of firefighting technology since the 19th century.

How big is the museum? Since 2015 the exhibition has occupied more than 524 square metres of space in buildings along the main road through Kočí, large enough to house both vehicles and smaller artifacts.

Is it a good place to visit with children? Yes, the display of historic fire engines and rescue equipment is usually a hit with younger visitors.