Muzeum stavebnice MERKUR

Merkur Construction Set Museum in Police nad Metují is one of the more unusual small museums in the Czech Broumov region, dedicated entirely to Merkur — a metal construction toy that has been a household name in Czechia for over a century. Open since 2006, the museum occupies two above-ground floors plus part of the basement of a historic building in the town center, displaying more than 500 finished models built from the toy's signature metal strips, screws, and nuts.

Where did the Merkur toy come from?

The story begins in 1919, when Jaroslav Vancl started small-scale production of a construction kit called Inventor, founding a company under the same name a year later. After 1925 he abandoned that original concept in favor of a new connecting system that — with only minor tweaks — has survived almost unchanged to this day. That system became the foundation of the Merkur brand, still cherished by collectors and hobby builders around the world.

What will you see inside?

The star attraction is "Steel City" (Ocelové město), a sprawling structure listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest model ever built from Merkur pieces, drawing inspiration from the novels of Jules Verne. Nearby stands a faithful replica of the lens-casting machine on which Professor Otto Wichterle, inventor of soft contact lenses, cast his very first prototypes. Further rooms hold scale miniatures of famous landmarks, including London's Tower Bridge, Karlštejn Castle, and the Ještěd television tower. A separate highlight is an elaborate model railway built to Merkur scale, alongside a collection of train models assembled entirely from the construction set.

How to get there?

Police nad Metují sits in the scenic valley of the Metuje River, in the heart of the Broumov region, close to the Polish border and the historic Broumov monastery. The easiest way to arrive is by car or bus, since the town has good connections to nearby Náchod and is a popular base for exploring the region's famous rock cities, such as the Broumov and Adršpach rock formations. The museum itself sits right in the town center, an easy walk from the main square.

When to visit?

The museum is open daily except Mondays, from 9 AM to 12 PM and again from 1 PM to 5 PM. An afternoon visit tends to be less crowded, giving staff more time to share the stories behind individual exhibits. For families, it makes for a full day out — pair the museum with a walk through the nearby rock labyrinths for a complete day trip.

Who is this museum for?

The museum appeals not only to fans of vintage toys and hands-on builders, but also to families looking for a memorable rainy-day activity. Many exhibits can be examined up close, and some rooms let visitors assemble simple structures themselves using original Merkur pieces — a great chance for both kids and adults to feel like engineers from a century ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors build with Merkur pieces themselves? Yes, the museum has hands-on stations where visitors can assemble their own constructions using original Merkur components.

How many models are on display? The exhibition includes more than 500 finished models, ranging from small figures to large-scale builds like "Steel City."

Is the museum suitable for young children? Yes, it's a popular family attraction — spacious exhibit rooms and the hands-on building stations make it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes, Police nad Metují is close to the Broumov and Adršpach rock cities and the Broumov monastery, making it easy to combine the museum with a full day of sightseeing in the region.