Železniční muzeum sdělovací a zabezpečovací techniky

The Railway Museum of Signalling and Communication Technology in Hradec Králové is one of the most unusual attractions in the region — a museum entirely devoted to railway signalling and communication equipment, holding a collection of more than 370 exhibits spanning from the earliest days of railways through the 20th century. The exhibition sits on Kydlinovská street, on premises connected to the Signal Mont company, and is run by Správa železnic, the state administrator of Czech rail infrastructure.

The museum's story began in 1988, when it was founded in Vidnava, in the Silesian region of the country. After twelve seasons at that original site, the collection was relocated and expanded with new items, and on 22 June 2001 the museum was ceremonially reopened at its current premises in Hradec Králové. The collection has kept growing ever since, drawing railway enthusiasts as well as visitors curious about the history of technology and telecommunications.

What will you see inside?

The collection includes historic telegraph and telephone equipment once used across the Czech railway network, signalling devices, points-control mechanisms, track-safety equipment, rail brakes, and documentation covering traffic regulations of the era. What sets this exhibition apart from a typical technology museum is that visitors can operate most of the exhibits themselves — the majority of the devices are still functional and can be tried out hands-on. The one exception is a room furnished as an early 20th-century dispatcher's office, which is viewed without touching the equipment, in order to preserve its authentic period atmosphere.

How do you get there?

The museum is located at Kydlinovská 1300 in Hradec Králové, in the Pražské Předměstí district, making it easily reachable from the city centre. The venue offers barrier-free access, so it is accommodating for visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

When should you visit and how do you plan a trip?

The last tour of the day starts one hour before closing, so it's worth allowing enough time to comfortably work through all the rooms. Groups wishing to visit outside the regular opening hours can arrange a visit by phone on weekdays (Monday to Friday), with bookings required at least three days in advance. Because this is a niche, specialised exhibition, it's a good idea to check current opening hours directly with the operator before travelling, as they can vary seasonally.

The museum makes an excellent stop for families with children fascinated by trains, technology enthusiasts, and travellers looking for a less obvious attraction in the Hradec Králové region. The hands-on nature of the visit — being able to touch and actually operate historic equipment — makes it far more memorable than a typical museum experience behind glass.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors touch and operate the exhibits? Yes, that's the museum's defining feature — with the exception of one room set up as a historic dispatcher's office, where exhibits are viewed without interference, most of the devices are functional and visitors can try them out themselves.

Where exactly is the museum located? At Kydlinovská 1300 in Hradec Králové, in the Pražské Předměstí district.

Can group visits be arranged outside regular opening hours? Yes, groups can book a weekday visit by phone, with reservations required at least three days ahead.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? Yes, the venue has barrier-free access.