Muzeum řemesel Moravské Budějovice

The Museum of Crafts in Moravské Budějovice is one of the more distinctive, if still under-the-radar, attractions of the Vysočina region. Run as a branch of the Museum of Vysočina Třebíč, it occupies two historic buildings right in the town centre — the former Meat Markets (Masné krámy) and the local castle at náměstí Míru 1. Following a thorough modernisation, the museum reopened to visitors in 2022 with two permanent exhibitions designed to appeal equally to families and anyone curious about the history of traditional trades.

What can you see at the museum?

The centrepiece exhibition, "Crafts of Southwest Moravia," presents nearly thirty trades that have either vanished entirely or are on the verge of disappearing. On display are preserved workshops once belonging to a file maker, a mother-of-pearl worker and a cooper — a rare combination even by Czech museum standards. The museum leans heavily into interactivity: almost every room includes a game or a hands-on element, and the final hall screens short films dedicated to individual crafts, letting visitors watch techniques that are otherwise impossible to see in action today.

The second permanent exhibition, "The Story of the City and Castle," walks visitors through the history of Moravské Budějovice and its castle. Its centrepiece is a holographic model that vividly shows how the town and castle evolved over the centuries. The route also introduces notable local figures, among them the Moravian archaeologist Jaroslav Palliardi, who lived and worked in the town.

How do you get there?

The museum sits right in the centre of Moravské Budějovice at náměstí Míru 1, so it's an easy walk from the main square. The town is located in the Vysočina Region close to the Austrian border, with good road connections to both Třebíč and Znojmo. Drivers will find parking nearby, and the visit itself covers both buildings — the Meat Markets and the castle — which are only a few minutes' walk apart.

When should you visit?

The museum works best as part of a longer stroll through the historic centre of Moravské Budějovice, combined with a look at the castle exterior and surrounding architecture. Thanks to its interactive design, it's a particularly good pick for families travelling with children — the games and tactile elements in each room hold younger visitors' attention far better than a conventional museum display would. Since it's a regional institution, it's worth checking current opening hours before visiting, especially outside the main tourist season.

Why is it worth a visit?

It's a rare chance to see, up close, the workshops of crafts that disappeared from most European towns generations ago. The combination of authentic exhibits with a modern, interactive presentation — games, tactile elements and a holographic model — sets this museum apart from many similarly sized regional institutions that rely on static displays.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? The exhibitions are housed in two buildings in the centre of Moravské Budějovice — the former Meat Markets and the castle at náměstí Míru 1.

What crafts does the museum showcase? The exhibition covers nearly thirty historic trades, including preserved workshops of a file maker, a mother-of-pearl worker and a cooper.

Is the museum suitable for children? Yes — the exhibitions are designed to be interactive, with games or hands-on elements in almost every room, making it a good fit for visits with younger children.

What else is there to see besides the crafts exhibition? The second exhibition, "The Story of the City and Castle," traces the history of Moravské Budějovice through a holographic model and profiles of notable residents, including the archaeologist Jaroslav Palliardi.