Muzeum Zdeňka Buriana

The Zdeněk Burian Museum in Štramberk is a small but distinctive institution dedicated to one of the world's most recognized painters of prehistoric life. Burian was born in nearby Kopřivnice, yet he spent a large part of his life in Štramberk, and the town has honored him with a permanent exhibition right on its main square.

Who was Zdeněk Burian?

Burian first made his name as an illustrator of adventure novels, but he became truly famous for his paintings of prehistoric animals and early humans. He developed these reconstructions together with paleontologist Josef Augusta, and after Augusta's death in 1968, with Zdeněk Vlastimil Špinar and Vratislav Mazák. The result of decades of this collaboration is more than 10,000 realistic illustrations for books and magazines, still admired today by children and adults alike for their scientific accuracy and imaginative power.

What can you see inside?

The exhibition follows two threads. The first is Burian's own work — his best-known canvases of dinosaurs, mammoths and early humans, displayed in a thematic arrangement that changes over the course of the year, so a return visit can reveal a different selection of paintings. The second thread covers the prehistory, geology, paleontology, botany, history and ethnography of Štramberk and its surroundings. That pairing is not accidental: one of Burian's key sources of inspiration was the nearby Šipka Cave, where the remains of numerous Ice Age animals were discovered, including a rare Neanderthal child's jawbone. Found in the 19th century, that fragment of bone became one of the most important pieces of evidence for Neanderthal presence on Czech territory — and the museum treats it as a natural bridge between science and art.

Where is the museum and how do you get there?

The museum occupies a baroque house dating from the early 18th century, located directly on Štramberk's main square (Náměstí 31). The building also houses the exhibition of the Museum of the Nový Jičín Region and the town's tourist information center, so visitors can handle several things in one stop — buy a ticket, ask about other attractions in the area, and view Burian's paintings. Štramberk sits in the Moravian-Silesian Region, close to Kopřivnice and Nový Jičín, and is best reached by car or bus. The main square and the Trúba tower, the town's landmark, make an easy point of orientation once you arrive.

When should you visit?

The exhibition is open year-round, which sets it apart from many seasonal attractions in the region. It's still worth checking current opening hours before your visit, since they can vary by season. A stop at the museum pairs naturally with a walk through Štramberk itself — a picturesque town with distinctive architecture and views toward the Beskydy Mountains — and with a climb up the Trúba tower for a panorama over the surrounding countryside.

Who is this museum for?

The museum appeals equally to art and illustration enthusiasts and to anyone fascinated by prehistory, and it works well for families with children — paintings of dinosaurs and prehistoric scenes tend to captivate visitors of any age. Its real strength lies in local context: rather than simply displaying Burian's work, the museum explains where his inspiration came from, linking art history to the region's own geology and archaeology.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Zdeněk Burian? A Czech painter and illustrator best known for his reconstructions of prehistoric animals and humans, created in collaboration with paleontologists.

Why is the museum located in Štramberk specifically? Burian spent much of his life here, and the nearby Šipka Cave, with its paleontological discoveries, was one of the sources of inspiration for his work.

What can you see besides the paintings? An exhibition on the prehistory, geology, paleontology, botany, history and ethnography of the Štramberk region.

Is the museum open all year? Yes, the exhibition runs year-round, though it's recommended to check current opening hours before visiting.