Museum MHD a železnice (Rosice nad Labem)

Museum MHD a železnice is a small but densely packed museum of railways and public transport in Rosice nad Labem, a district of Pardubice. It occupies a former water tower right next to the Pardubice-Rosice nad Labem train station — a building from 1871 that is protected as a Czech cultural monument. The museum has been run since autumn 2001 by the Spolek pro historii železniční dopravy, an association dedicated to preserving the region's railway heritage.

What will you see inside?

The collection holds more than 800 items connected to the history of railways and urban public transport: locomotive and carriage models, uniforms, signalling equipment, and memorabilia from old Czech trams and trolleybuses. The exhibits fill five separate rooms inside the historic water tower, while an outdoor area displays full-size rolling stock. Because the museum is compact, a visit typically takes an hour or two — though railway enthusiasts often linger much longer, chatting with the volunteer guides about technical details.

How do you get there?

The museum sits at Nádražní 53 in the Pardubice VII-Rosice district, literally next to the platforms of Pardubice-Rosice nad Labem station — a real advantage if you want to pair the visit with a train ride. From central Pardubice it's a short trip by local bus or car, and the Rosice nad Labem stop also lies on regional rail lines, making the museum an easy addition even for travelers only passing through Pardubice for a few hours.

What else can you do while you're there?

The association behind the museum regularly organizes themed events aimed at families with children — open days, demonstrations, and activities built around transport history. Several times a year it also runs historical rides on a motor draisine nicknamed "Hurvínek" and on a vintage trolleybus through the streets of Pardubice — a rare chance in the region to actually ride a museum vehicle rather than just look at it behind glass. It's worth checking the event calendar in advance, since these rides don't happen every day.

When is the best time to visit?

The best moments to come are days with scheduled outdoor events or historical rides, when the museum feels most alive and you can see the rolling stock in motion rather than just on static display. If you prefer a quieter visit, an ordinary opening day works just as well — the smaller crowds make it easier to study the exhibits closely and talk with the association's volunteers, who are usually happy to share what they know about the region's railway history.

Frequently asked questions

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes — dedicated family events are held regularly, and the rolling stock models plus the chance to ride a historical vehicle are usually big hits with younger visitors.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the five indoor rooms and the outdoor exhibition typically takes about an hour, though railway enthusiasts may want more time.

Can you combine the visit with a train trip? Yes — one of the museum's main advantages is that it sits right next to Pardubice-Rosice nad Labem station.

Can you always ride the historical trolleybus or draisine? No — the "Hurvínek" and vintage trolleybus rides run only occasionally, a few times a year, so it's best to check the event schedule beforehand.