Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov

The Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov is one of the oldest museum institutions in the Czech Republic outside Prague, founded in 1886. The museum occupies a Neo-Renaissance building it owes to the bequest of patron Josef Boháček (1853–1932) — his donation gave the institution a permanent home, and in 1974 an adjoining gallery was added, housing a large canvas depicting the battle beneath Hrubá Skála.

What can you see inside?

The museum's exhibitions form a picture of the Bohemian Paradise region spanning from prehistory to the 20th century. The archaeological exhibit traces the oldest traces of settlement in the area, while the historical exhibition introduces the personalities and events tied to the Turnov region. The ethnographic section tells the story of ordinary people's everyday lives over the last three centuries, from folk costumes to household items.

Since the 1930s, the museum has specialized in precious stones and the stone-cutting craft that has long been characteristic of this part of Bohemia. The geology and mineralogy exhibit presents minerals and gemstones found in the surrounding area, accompanied by displays showing the techniques of cutting and engraving stones as well as historical jewelry. The most striking part of a visit is the underground Treasury, set in sandstone rooms — its unusual atmosphere and the masterful jewelry on display leave an impression even on visitors who don't normally care about gemstones.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in the center of Turnov, a town in the Semily district at the heart of the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) — a region famous for its sandstone rock cities and castles. Turnov is well connected by train and bus to Liberec and Mladá Boleslav, making the museum a convenient stop when combined with visits to nearby natural attractions such as Hrubá Skála or Trosky castle.

When should you visit?

The museum operates year-round, though like many regional institutions in the Czech Republic it may keep shorter hours in winter, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you go. Spring and summer are the best time to pair a museum visit with exploring the surrounding countryside, since the hiking trails leading to nearby rock cities are in full use then. A visit to the exhibition itself usually takes an hour to ninety minutes, depending on how much time you spend in the mineralogy section and the Treasury.

Who is this attraction for?

The museum appeals both to fans of regional history and to anyone interested in geology and jewelry-making — it's rare to find a museum that combines these two themes so consistently. The ethnographic and archaeological exhibits also make the visit worthwhile for travelers who want to understand the history of the Bohemian Paradise before heading out onto the trails at Hrubá Skála or Trosky.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov founded? The museum was established in 1886, making it one of the first Czech museums founded outside Prague.

What is the museum's biggest highlight? The underground Treasury, set in sandstone rooms and displaying historical jewelry and gemstones, is usually named as the highlight of a visit.

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes, the ethnographic and archaeological exhibits, along with the colorful mineralogy section, are visually engaging and accessible for younger visitors as well.

How much time should you set aside for a visit? An hour to ninety minutes is usually enough, though visitors interested in mineralogy and jewelry may want to spend longer in the Treasury and the geology section.