Muzeum Vysočiny

Muzeum Vysočiny (the Vysočina Museum) is the largest museum institution in the Vysočina region, located in Jihlava — a town that grew into a major mining and trading center on the historic Bohemian-Moravian border. The museum collects and displays both natural history and historical materials, and its permanent exhibition walks visitors through the town's story from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

What will you see inside?

The core of the exhibition is called "From Gothic to the Present," split into several thematic sections covering Gothic-era Jihlava, the Renaissance, the Baroque period, and the 19th and 20th centuries. Each section brings together regional artifacts and objects tied to the town and its surroundings, ranging from sacred art to everyday items used by past townspeople.

Down in the museum's vaulted cellar rooms sits a separate exhibition dedicated to mining and minting. Jihlava was, in the Middle Ages, one of Central Europe's more significant silver-mining centers, and that wealth is what earned the town its mining-based municipal rights in the first place. This section traces how ore pulled from the ground made its way to the mint and came out the other side as coin.

Following an extensive reconstruction, the museum reopened to visitors on September 22, 2023. Some exhibits were refreshed, others rebuilt entirely with a strong focus on interactivity. Visitors can now see a reconstructed medieval pottery kiln, use a digital town chronicle, and encounter "speaking" figures dressed in period costume who narrate Jihlava's past. These additions make the museum noticeably more engaging for families with children, who can otherwise find traditional history exhibits a hard sell.

It's worth knowing that Muzeum Vysočiny extends beyond Jihlava itself — the institution also runs branches in the nearby towns of Telč and Třešť, and offers guided tours of Roštejn Castle. That makes it a useful anchor point for anyone planning to spend more than a single day exploring the region.

How do you get to Muzeum Vysočiny?

The museum sits in Jihlava's historic center, close to the main town square, making it a natural stop on any walk through the old town. Jihlava is well connected by both train and bus from Prague and Brno, with journeys from either city typically taking a little over an hour. Drivers will find several public car parks near the center, from which the museum is only a short walk away.

When should you visit?

The museum operates year-round, though it's worth checking current opening hours before your visit, since these can vary between the summer and winter seasons and on public holidays. A visit pairs naturally with exploring Jihlava's old town — the town square is among the largest in the Czech Republic and is itself worth a few hours of unhurried walking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Muzeum Vysočiny suitable for children? Yes. Since the 2023 reconstruction, the exhibition is noticeably more interactive, featuring a reconstructed pottery kiln, a digital chronicle, and speaking figures in historical costume — elements that make the visit engaging for younger visitors too.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the full "From Gothic to the Present" exhibition together with the mining and minting section typically takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on your pace.

Are the other branches worth visiting too? Yes — Muzeum Vysočiny also runs exhibitions in Telč and Třešť, plus tours of Roštejn Castle, making them a good addition if you're planning a longer stay in the region.

Why does Jihlava have a dedicated mining exhibition? The town was founded and grew wealthy thanks to medieval silver mining, and the mining rights established at the time shaped the development of the wider region — which is why mining and minting occupy such a prominent place in the museum.