Městské muzeum Nové Město nad Metují

Nové Město nad Metují Municipal Museum occupies a historic building on Na Zadomí street, right in the heart of this small town's old center in northeastern Bohemia. It's one of the more rewarding stops in the Kladské pomezí region for anyone curious about local history — a compact museum that packs six thematic exhibitions into a single 16th-century building.

What will you see inside?

The museum building dates back to the 16th century; its thick walls once sheltered the town's defenders during enemy raids. Today those same rooms house a series of permanent exhibitions covering everything from prehistory to 20th-century craftsmanship.

The history hall

The core exhibition traces the town and its surroundings from the Bronze Age to the present day. The star artifact is a roughly 3,000-year-old bronze disc brooch, one of the oldest pieces in the collection. Alongside it, visitors can see a hoard of gold coins, fragments of pottery vessels, and a reconstructed cremation grave — together giving a sense of life in the area long before the town itself existed.

The Baroque pharmacy

One of the most distinctive rooms recreates a Baroque-era pharmacy run by the Brothers of Mercy, complete with period furniture and pharmaceutical vessels. It offers a vivid glimpse into how medicines were once prepared by hand according to old recipes.

The carved Nativity scene

The museum also holds a "měšťanský betlém," a carved wooden Nativity scene that reflects the local tradition of folk craftsmanship passed down through generations.

PRIM watches

A dedicated room is devoted to the history of PRIM watch manufacturing, a well-regarded Czech brand associated with precision watchmaking.

The nature hall

The final exhibition introduces the flora and fauna of the region, presented partly through live animals — a feature that makes this room a particular favorite with families.

How do you get there?

The museum sits right in the center of Nové Město nad Metují, on Na Zadomí street, within easy walking distance of the historic main square (Husovo náměstí) and the town's chateau. The town is best reached by car, or by train or bus from Hradec Králové or Náchod; the compact center means the walk from the station takes only a few minutes.

When should you visit?

The museum is open most days of the week, aside from Mondays, so it's easy to fit a visit into a wider day trip around the Kladské pomezí region. Pairing it with a walk around the Renaissance square and the chateau next door makes for a full, satisfying outing. Summer and the Christmas season — thanks to the Nativity scene — tend to be busier, so an early or late visit helps you avoid the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? Expect roughly an hour to ninety minutes to see all six exhibitions at a relaxed pace.

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes — the nature hall with live animals and the carved Nativity scene are particular highlights for younger visitors.

What's the most valuable exhibit? The most notable piece is a roughly 3,000-year-old bronze disc brooch from the Bronze Age, found in the surrounding region.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the museum is next to the historic town center, a Renaissance chateau, and the main square, making it easy to combine into a half-day or full-day visit.