Museum of dr. Aleš Hrdlička

Museum of dr. Aleš Hrdlička in Humpolec is a small-town museum with a surprisingly international story, tucked into the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic. Founded back in 1895, it was created to preserve the material and spiritual heritage of the Horácko area surrounding Humpolec — and over the decades it grew into something more unusual: a tribute to one of the most influential anthropologists of the early 20th century.

Who was Aleš Hrdlička?

Aleš Hrdlička was born in Humpolec and went on to build his scientific career largely in the United States, where he became known for his research into human origins and the migration of peoples into North America. His hometown museum carries his name and dedicates a permanent section to his biography and scientific legacy, making it one of the few places where visitors can connect a small Czech town to major questions in physical anthropology.

What can you see inside?

The centerpiece is the anthropological exhibition, opened in 2019 and built around modern, interactive displays. It walks visitors through genetics, human body variability, anatomy, and evolution in a way that's approachable even without a science background, alongside a dedicated section on Hrdlička's own life and research.

One of the most memorable parts of the exhibition is a reconstructed Native American village, complete with life-sized figures, a teepee, and objects illustrating daily life on the prairie. It's a direct link to Hrdlička's fieldwork in the United States and his studies of the peoples of the Americas.

Beyond anthropology, the museum also runs a folklore exhibition covering everyday life in the Humpolec region during the 19th century — traditional costumes, vernacular architecture, musical instruments, and the history of local textile craftsmanship, which was for a long time a backbone of the town's economy.

A third permanent exhibition is dedicated to puppetry, tracing the history of puppet theatre in Humpolec through photographs and documents. Several puppet scenes are on display, and interactive elements make this section particularly appealing for younger visitors.

How do you get there?

The museum sits right on Horní náměstí, Humpolec's main square, just a short walk from the town's train and bus stations. Humpolec itself is located on the main route connecting Prague and Brno, which makes it an easy stop for anyone travelling through the Vysočina region.

When should you visit?

The anthropological exhibition is considered one of the more remarkable museum projects in the country — it received a Special Award in the Museum Exhibition of the Year category at the national Gloria musaealis competition in 2019. Given the level of detail in the displays, it's worth visiting outside peak tourist hours, ideally in the morning, when the rooms are quieter and easier to explore at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Museum of dr. Aleš Hrdlička focus on? The museum runs three permanent exhibitions: anthropology (including Hrdlička's own biography and research), regional folklore (19th-century life in the Humpolec area), and puppetry (the history of local puppet theatre).

Why is there a Native American village inside the museum? It reflects Aleš Hrdlička's scientific career in the United States, where he studied the migration of peoples into North America and the origins of its indigenous inhabitants.

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes — the puppetry exhibition includes interactive elements aimed at younger visitors, and the modern format of the anthropological exhibition makes complex topics easy to follow for a younger audience as well.

Where exactly is the museum located? The museum is located on Horní náměstí, in the center of Humpolec, close to the town's main square and easy to reach on foot.