Modelové Království

Modelové Království (Model Kingdom) is a permanent model railway exhibition housed in the basement of the House of Culture in Žďár nad Sázavou, entirely dedicated to the landscape and railway history of the Vysočina region. It opened to visitors in 2010–2011 and today covers nearly 55 square metres, making it one of the larger permanent model layouts in the region and a popular destination for family outings.

What will you see on the layout?

Built to 1:87 (H0) scale, the model recreates eight stations linked by 600 metres of track and 180 switches. The centrepiece is a seven-metre model of the Žďár railway station, reproduced with authentic buildings and train operations styled after the 1980s. Alongside the main station, visitors can spot miniature versions of Nové Město na Moravě and Nedvědice, as well as the Hamry nad Sázavou stop.

The builders didn't stop at railway infrastructure alone — the surrounding landscape also features recognisable regional landmarks, including the pilgrimage church on Zelená Hora, Pernštejn Castle, and the small church in Vítochov. A variety of rolling stock runs along the tracks, from steam locomotives through diesel to electric units, tracing the evolution of Czech railways across the decades.

How do you get there?

The exhibition is located in the basement of the House of Culture at Dolní 30 in Žďár nad Sázavou. The entrance is on the side of the building, so it's worth looking for the side door rather than the main cultural centre entrance. Žďár nad Sázavou sits along the main route connecting Jihlava and Brno and is well served by car, bus, and train.

When should you visit?

Modelové Království is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00. During the summer school holidays it also opens on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Organised groups of at least ten people can arrange a visit outside regular opening hours, in the morning slot between 9:00 and 13:00 — it's best to contact the venue in advance to set this up.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is 60 CZK for children, 100 CZK for adults, and 70 CZK for visitors with a disability card (ZTP). Family tickets are also available: 240 CZK for a 2+1 combination, 280 CZK for 2+2, and 320 CZK for 2+3. Before entering the exhibition hall, visitors put on shoe covers, which are provided on site and returned after the visit.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? A typical visit lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much time you spend examining each station and landscape scene.

Is the exhibition suitable for young children? Yes. The moving trains and detailed landscape appeal to both young children and dedicated railway enthusiasts, and the venue is regularly recommended as a family-friendly destination.

Do you need to book in advance? Not during regular opening hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and additionally Wednesdays and Thursdays in summer) — you can simply show up. Advance booking is only required for organised groups visiting outside those hours.

What is the main highlight of the layout? The standout feature is the seven-metre model of the Žďár railway station, recreated in detail and styled after 1980s railway operations, complemented by miniature versions of regional landmarks such as Zelená Hora and Pernštejn Castle.