Muzeum Vysočiny Třebíč

Muzeum Vysočiny Třebíč (the Vysočina Museum in Třebíč) is one of the leading cultural institutions in the Vysočina region, housed in a castle that originally began life as a Benedictine monastery. Established by the Vysočina Region, the museum primarily serves the Třebíč district, though it also runs branches in Moravské Budějovice and Jemnice. Its main building stands right next to the town's UNESCO-listed sites — the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius — making it a natural stop on any walk through historic Třebíč.

What can you see inside?

Since 2013 the museum has presented four permanent exhibitions that combine classic museum pieces with modern staging, including authentic soundscapes and large-format video projections.

The first, World of Non-Living Nature (Svět neživé přírody), showcases a mineral and rock collection of European significance, most notably moldavites — the tektites formed from a prehistoric meteorite impact in Moravia. Alongside them are minerals shaped by tropical weathering and specimens from quartz veins.

The second exhibition, World of Portals and Gates (Svět portálů a bran), traces the history of the Benedictine and Capuchin orders in Třebíč and the monastery's architecture, part of which carries UNESCO heritage status. It's the best place to learn how the building itself evolved over the centuries into the museum you visit today.

The third section, The Waldsteins in Třebíč (Valdštejnové na Třebíči), is the castle exhibition proper: visitors walk through aristocratic interiors, including a children's room and an extensive library, tracing the history of the noble family long connected with the town.

The fourth exhibition, People. Places. Fates. (Lidé. Místa. Osudy.), focuses on notable figures from the region, local nature, and traditional crafts. The museum is also known for its collections of nativity scenes and tobacco pipes, regularly featured in temporary displays.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in the heart of Třebíč, inside the castle building that dominates the old town skyline. The easiest way to reach the town is by car or by train — Třebíč lies on the rail line connecting Brno with western Bohemia. From the train station it's a fairly long walk across the bridge over the Jihlava River, but the route passes through the most interesting historic parts of town, including the Jewish Quarter. Parking is available near the castle hill.

When is the best time to visit?

The tourist season in Třebíč runs from spring through autumn, when the museum offers its full range of exhibitions plus additional educational events. It's worth combining a visit with a walk through the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius, since all these attractions sit close together and can easily fill a full day. December is a particularly good time for fans of tradition, as the nativity scene displays tend to be expanded for the holiday season.

Frequently asked questions

Is the museum really housed in a castle? Yes — the building started as a Benedictine monastery and was later rebuilt into a castle residence, and today it's one of the architectural landmarks of Třebíč.

How many exhibitions can you see? Four permanent exhibitions: a natural history collection (minerals and moldavites), the monastery's history, a castle exhibition dedicated to the Waldstein family, and a display on the region's people and their fates.

Does the museum have branches outside Třebíč? Yes, Muzeum Vysočiny Třebíč also operates locations in Moravské Budějovice and Jemnice, forming a network that covers the whole district.

What should nature lovers not miss? The moldavite and mineral collection in the World of Non-Living Nature exhibition — it's of European significance and one of the museum's signature attractions.