Museum of Kroměříž

Muzeum Kroměřížska (the Kroměříž Region Museum) is the town's main museum institution, occupying a historic building right on Velké náměstí — Kroměříž's main square. It's a natural stop on any walk through the historic centre, bringing together architecture, regional history and art under one roof.

What's the story behind the building?

The museum's home was built in 1609 on the initiative of Cardinal František z Dietrichsteina, then Bishop of Olomouc and lord of Kroměříž. The structure blends Renaissance features with early Baroque touches — it originally consisted of two separate burgher houses that were joined together, with the Renaissance vaults and stone portal preserved in the process. Between 1636 and 1643 the building housed a Jesuit seminary, and later served as an episcopal administrative office. That layered history is part of the experience today: walking through the rooms, you can still trace the different functions the building took on over the centuries.

What's on display inside?

The museum runs several permanent exhibitions open year-round. "Old Attic Treasures" showcases everyday objects and artefacts uncovered during restoration work. "History Hidden Under the Town Pavement" presents findings from archaeological research carried out in and around Kroměříž. A dedicated room is set aside as a memorial to Max Švabinský, one of the most significant Czech painters and graphic artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with strong ties to the region. The exhibition "Kroměříž Between 1848 and 1948" walks visitors through a century of the town's social and political change, while "The Guardians of Time" rounds things off with a cross-era selection of objects. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops for children, talks, lectures and conferences — it's worth checking the current programme before you visit.

What does the museum's collection cover?

The institution cares for extensive collections across several fields: archaeology, regional history, ethnography, art history and natural sciences. Muzeum Kroměřížska also manages two additional sites outside the town centre — a museum branch in the village of Rymice, and a historic windmill in Velké Těšany. For anyone spending more time in the region, these make for a natural extension of the visit beyond central Kroměříž.

How do you get there?

The museum sits directly on Velké náměstí, Kroměříž's main square, right in the heart of the historic centre inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It's an easy walk from anywhere in the old town — the square is next to the Archbishop's Palace and its gardens, so a visit here fits naturally into the same stroll as the town's other major sights.

When's the best time to visit?

The permanent exhibitions are open all year, so the museum can be visited in any season. If you're after the extra programme — workshops, lectures or temporary shows — check the current events calendar before you go, since the offering changes throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Muzeum Kroměřížska located? On Velké náměstí, Kroměříž's main square, in a historic building dating back to the 17th century.

What can you see inside the museum? Permanent exhibitions on regional archaeology, the town's history, painter Max Švabinský, plus ethnographic and natural history collections, alongside rotating temporary exhibitions.

Does the museum run any other sites? Yes — besides its main building, it also manages a museum branch in Rymice and a historic windmill in Velké Těšany.

Are there activities for children? Yes, the museum organises workshops and educational activities for kids, in addition to lectures and events for adults.