Muzeum a Galerie Orlických Hor

The Museum and Gallery of the Orlické Mountains stands in the historic Kolowrat castle right in the center of Rychnov nad Kněžnou, serving as the main museum institution for the entire Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko region.

What will you see?

The collection holds more than 70,000 items. Its core consists of ethnographic material — tools, traditional costumes, and everyday objects that once belonged to residents of the mountain villages — alongside archaeological finds, natural history specimens, and works of fine art. The exhibitions trace the region's story from its earliest settlement to the present day, showing how the harsh mountain environment shaped local culture and livelihoods over the centuries. The castle itself, with its representative halls and historic architecture, is worth exploring quite apart from the exhibits it houses.

The museum's work isn't confined to a single building. It cares for sites and collections across the wider region, stretching from Opočno and Olešnice v Orlických horách in the west to Rokytnice v Orlických horách in the east. That makes it the central institution documenting the cultural and natural heritage of the whole Orlické Mountains area, not just the town itself.

How to get there?

The museum sits on Jiráskova street in Rychnov nad Kněžnou, in an easily reachable part of town close to the main square and other local landmarks. Rychnov nad Kněžnou lies in the Hradec Králové Region, well connected to Hradec Králové and the surrounding towns at the foot of the Orlické Mountains. The castle is best reached on foot from the town center — a walk of just a few minutes from the main square.

When to visit?

The museum operates year-round, though like many regional institutions of its kind, its opening hours may be reduced during the winter months. Spring through summer and early autumn make the best time to visit, since a museum tour pairs naturally with hiking trips into the surrounding Orlické Mountains. It's worth checking the current schedule of temporary exhibitions before you go, as the museum regularly supplements its permanent collection with themed shows.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? In the center of Rychnov nad Kněžnou, inside the Kolowrat castle building on Jiráskova street.

What can you see in the collection? More than 70,000 items — mostly ethnographic, but also archaeological, natural history, and fine art pieces connected to the Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko region.

Does the museum's work extend beyond Rychnov itself? Yes, its reach spans from Opočno and Olešnice v Orlických horách in the west to Rokytnice v Orlických horách in the east.

Is it worth combining the visit with touring the castle itself? Definitely — the historic castle interiors are an attraction in their own right, separate from the collections on display.