Vysoké Mýto Regional Museum

The Vysoké Mýto Regional Museum is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the Czech Republic, housed in the historic Šemberův dům right in the center of Vysoké Mýto, a town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia.

How did the museum get started?

The museum's story goes back to 1871, making it one of the oldest regional museums in the country. It began modestly, when a town councilor put together a small collection of coins and paintings, later expanded with gifts from local residents, and displayed the pieces in a room at the town hall. Public interest faded after a while, but a few years later a young architect named Josef Škorpil revived the project and pushed it forward. In 1912 the growing collection was moved into a house purchased specifically for the museum, and that building has served as its home ever since.

What will you see inside?

The museum's holdings now run to roughly 80,000 items covering a wide range of subjects. The permanent displays trace the history of the town itself alongside exhibits on automobile manufacturing, military history, ethnography and art, together painting a broad picture of how Vysoké Mýto developed and the part it played in Czech history.

Two main permanent exhibitions occupy the museum building. "Vysoké Mýto světové" ("Vysoké Mýto to the World") walks through the town's history and its connections beyond the region, showing how a small Bohemian town intersected with wider historical events. The second, "Stratílek", is dedicated to a local company that became one of the most important Czech manufacturers of firefighting equipment — a highlight for anyone interested in industrial history and vintage machinery.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in the historic center of Vysoké Mýto, a town in the Pardubice Region reachable by car or by train from Pardubice or Litomyšl. Because Šemberův dům is part of the town's historic square, a visit pairs naturally with a walk through the old town.

When is the best time to visit?

As an indoor institution, the museum can be visited comfortably year-round regardless of the weather. As with many smaller regional museums, opening hours can vary between the summer and winter seasons, so it's worth checking current hours before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Vysoké Mýto Regional Museum? It was founded in 1871, making it one of the oldest regional museums in the Czech Republic.

How large is the museum's collection? The collection totals around 80,000 items, spanning local history, automobile manufacturing, military history, ethnography and art.

What is the "Stratílek" exhibition about? It's dedicated to a Vysoké Mýto company that became one of the most important Czech manufacturers of firefighting equipment.

Where exactly is the museum located? Inside Šemberův dům, a historic building in the center of Vysoké Mýto in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia.