Památník Karla Čapka

The Karel Čapek Memorial is a museum dedicated to one of the most important Czech writers of the 20th century, housed in a modest Biedermeier cottage in Stará Huť near Dobříš that once served as Karel Čapek's summer residence. Known locally by its informal nickname "Čapkárna," the memorial offers a window into the private life of the author of "R.U.R." and "War with the Newts" and the setting in which his final works took shape.

Where did this house come from?

The cottage was given to Karel Čapek (1890–1938) in the 1930s as a wedding gift from Václav Palivec, the manager of the Colloredo-Mansfeld estate. The gift was granted for lifetime use to the writer and his wife, actress and writer Olga Scheinpflugová (1902–1968). Čapek spent much of his free time there until his death in December 1938, shortly after Nazi Germany's occupation of the Sudetenland — an event that deeply affected him and is widely believed to have hastened his passing.

How did the house become a museum?

After years of neglect, the building underwent extensive reconstruction starting in 1996. The restored memorial reopened to visitors on April 25, 1997, under the name Karel Čapek Memorial Na Strži. Since then it has functioned as a biographical museum documenting the life and work of the writer in the very place he chose as his retreat from the bustle of Prague.

What is on display inside?

The permanent exhibition covers not only Karel Čapek himself but also two other figures closely tied to the house: his wife Olga Scheinpflugová and journalist and essayist Ferdinand Peroutka, a close friend of the writer. Visitors can follow Čapek's literary career, view personal memorabilia, and learn about the historical backdrop against which his best-known novels and essays were written. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions and public programs every year, keeping the offering fresh for repeat visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

From April to October, the museum is open daily except Mondays, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the winter months, from November to March, access is more limited — the site can be visited Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while weekend visits are available only for pre-arranged groups. It's worth planning ahead, especially if your trip falls in the autumn or winter season.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Karel Čapek Memorial located? The museum is located in the village of Stará Huť, in the Příbram district of the Central Bohemian Region, a short distance from Dobříš.

Why is the place nicknamed "Čapkárna"? It's an informal name coined by local residents, referring directly to the writer who spent many years of his life there.

Can visitors see original items that belonged to the writer? The exhibition includes memorabilia related to the lives and work of Karel Čapek, Olga Scheinpflugová, and Ferdinand Peroutka, displayed inside the authentic interior of the former summer house.

Is the museum open all year round? Yes, though opening hours are reduced during winter, and weekend visits require prior arrangement for groups.