Visitor Information
Practical information that will come in handy.
Opening Hours
Tue – Sun 9 – 12, 13 – 17 hrs.
October – April
Thu – Sun 9 – 12, 13 – 17 hrs.
The last tour starts 30 minutes before closing time.
Opening hours at Christmas:
Thu 12/26 – Sun 12/29 2024
9am – 12pm, 1pm – 5pm
Thu Jan 2 – Sun Jan 5 2025
9am – 12pm, 1pm – 5pm
Admission
STANDARD 80 CZK
REDUCED 60 CZK
(children 6-15 years old, students of secondary and higher education upon presentation of student ID, seniors over 65 years old, holders of ZTP cards, holders of Senior Passports, holders of the Czech-Moravian Borderlands Bonus Passport)
FAMILY 220 CZK
(two adults and children)
FAMILY PASSES 160 CZK
(two adults and children)
SCHOOL GROUPS 50 CZK/student
(groups of max. 16 people every 15 minutes)
FREE
- children under 6, children’s homes, SOS dětské vesničky, ZTP/P cardholders (incl. assistant), AMG, ICOM, NPÚ, journalists, supervising teachers.
- The first Thursday of the month – all visitors (this does not apply to tour groups and groups organized by schools or other collectives)
- Every Thursday – children between 6 and 15; secondary school and university students who can present a student card (this does not apply to tour groups or groups organized by schools or other collectives)
Certain events or programs may have their own individual admission fees.
Guided tours (more info below) – additional 400 CZK to the normal admission fee for a group of up to 16 people in Czech, additional 600 CZK to the normal admission fee for a group of up to 16 people in English or German.
Of Interest
Payments
- We accept payment by cash or card.
Museum Tour
- The museum has a maximum capacity of 16 people per group every 15 minutes (larger groups, e.g. school groups, must be divided).
- The museum tour is taken individually. The multimedia exhibit presents the life and works of Bedřich Smetana in music, images, and words (in both Czech and English).
- There is no public WC inside the museum.
- Visiting rules of the museum can be found at here.
Guided tour
- For those seriously interested, a guided tour of the museum in Czech, German or English is possible during opening hours and for groups of max. 16 people. Entrance fee for guided tours: additional 400 CZK to the regular entrance fee for a group in Czech language, additional 600 CZK to the regular entrance fee for a group in English or German language. To book a guided tour, please contact us at least 14 days in advance by e-mail pokladna@rbbs.cz. We will contact you to confirm your requested day and time.
Souvenirs and Books
- At the museum’s reception desk, we offer a wide variety of post cards, wooden tourist tokens, stickers, business cards, and souvenirs. We accept payment by cash and card.
- Some items can also be purchased through e-shop.
Photography, Videos, and Other Recordings
- Photography, videos, and all other types of recordings are not allowed inside the museum. The Regional Museum in Litomyšl provides exceptions for scientific, documentary, promotional, and other purposes if preceded by a written request.
For the Physically Handicapped
- The museum is not wheelchair accessible. It is partially accessible to wheelchair users only with their own assistant and through the neighbouring premises of the former castle brewery. Visits must be arranged one week in advance and only on dates that do not conflict with programs in adjacent community spaces.
Where to Find Us
Bedřich Smetana’s Birthplace is on the ground floor of the former castle brewery inside the Litomyšl Castle complex. It is accessible from the first castle courtyard.
Address
Bedřich Smetana’s birthplace Jirásekova 133 (castle brewery) 570 01 Litomyšl
GPS
49.8729828N, 16.3138328E
Parking
It is possible to park at the castle’s former brewery on Jiráskova Ulice Street or elsewhere in the city (walking distance from the main square is ca. 7 minutes). We recommend that buses leave visitors off at the bus stop “Litomyšl – zámek” (150 m).
Smetana in Litomyšl
The Castle
Antonín of Valdštejn began his ownership of the Renaissance castle in 1825. Young Bedřich was very much a favorite in his family and played the piano for enthusiastic high-born ladies at the countess's salon. This piano by the Viennese company Leschen is part of the castle exhibition and has been returned to its original location.
The Castle Brewery
Like the castle, the brewery was built by the Pernštejn family during the Renaissance in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the autumn of 1823, the Valdštejns leased the castle's brewery to František Smetana. He lived in the staff apartment with his family, and Bedřich Smetana was born here on March 2, 1824. Bedřich Smetana was born.
Museum
The regional museum is located in the building of the former Piarist schools, where young Bedřich entered first grade in 1829. The museum now boats a beautiful 1912 memorial plaque to the composer as well as a standing clock that was among his possessions.
Smetana Square
At nearly 500 meters long, the main square in Litomyšl is the third longest square in the Czech Republic – after Wenceslas and Charles Squares in Prague. Since the Middle Ages, it has been encircled by its famous arcades. As early as 1457, we have an account stating that it was built "so that in times of rainy inclemency, everyone could walk wherever they wanted, around the town and dry."
The Manor House
In 1825, the Smetanas purchased the grandest house on what is now Smetana Square (No. 61) from the lord of the castle, Antonín of Valdštejn. Their relatives moved in to this residence. Bedřich and his siblings lived here for a short while in 1831 before they moved to Jindřichův Hradec.
Bedřich Smetana Monument
This bronze statue of the composer by Jan Štursa was unveiled on Smetana Square in 1924. At that time, during the grand celebrations of the centenary of the composer's birth in Litomyšl, Emmy Destinn sang, the Czech Philharmonic performed My country, and the National Theater put on Libuše.
Smetana House
A cultural center with a large concert hall, it was built in 1905 in a neo-historical style with Secession elements. The Karlov Pub was forced to give way for the building. The public room of this pub was where Bedřich made his first appearance as a pianist in 1830. At the time, the young genius was barely six years old.
Smetana Footbridge
A footbridge over the city's throughway was built in 2022 according to a design by the architectural office of EHL & KOUMAR ARCHITEKTI. It offers tourists a vantage point of Litomyšl's historical center. In 2023, the footbridge entered the Grand Prix of Architects competition, winning in the category of Urbanism.
Bedřich Smetana School of Music and Arts
The school was founded in 1946 "after years of oppression and spiritual darkness, during which, however, Smetana's genius – with the strength of his moral legacy – did not abandon us," as was written in the contemporary press. The school instructs its students in the fields of music, the visual arts, dance, and drama.
The Castle
Antonín of Valdštejn began his ownership of the Renaissance castle in 1825. Young Bedřich was very much a favorite in his family and played the piano for enthusiastic high-born ladies at the countess’s salon.
This piano by the Viennese company Leschen is part of the castle exhibition and has been returned to its original location.
The Castle Brewery – The site of Bedřich Smetana’s Birthplace
Like the castle, the brewery was built by the Pernštejn family during the Renaissance in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the autumn of 1823, the Valdštejns leased the castle brewery to František Smetana. He lived in the staff apartment with his family, and Bedřich Smetana was born here on March 2, 1824.
Museum
The regional museum is located in the building of the former Piarist schools, where young Bedřich entered first grade in 1829. The museum now boats a beautiful 1912 memorial plaque to the composer as well as a standing clock that was among his possessions.
Smetana Square
At nearly 500 meters long, the main square in Litomyšl is the third longest square in the Czech Republic – after Wenceslas and Charles Squares in Prague. Since the Middle Ages, it has been encircled by its famous arcades. As early as 1457, we have an account stating that it was built “so that in times of rainy inclemency, everyone could walk wherever they wanted, around the town and dry.”
The Manor House
In 1825, the Smetanas purchased the grandest house on what is now Smetana Square (No. 61) from the lord of the castle, Antonín of Valdštejn. Their relatives moved in to this residence. Bedřich and his siblings lived here for a short while in 1831 before they moved to Jindřichův Hradec.
Bedřich Smetana Memorial
This bronze statue of the composer by Jan Štursa was unveiled on Smetana Square in 1924. At that time, during the grand celebrations of the centenary of the composer’s birth in Litomyšl, Emmy Destinn sang, the Czech Philharmonic performed My country, and the National Theater put on Libuše.
Smetana House
A cultural center with a large concert hall, it was built in 1905 in a neo-historical style with Secession elements. The Karlov Pub was forced to give way for the building. The public room of this pub was where Bedřich made his first appearance as a pianist in 1830. At the time, the young genius was barely six years old.
Smetana Footbridge
A footbridge over the city’s throughway was built in 2022 according to a design by the architectural office of EHL & KOUMAR ARCHITEKTI. It offers tourists a vantage point of Litomyšl’s historical center. In 2023, the footbridge entered the Grand Prix of Architects competition, winning in the category of Urbanism.
Bedřich Smetana School of Music and Arts
The school was founded in 1946 “after years of oppression and spiritual darkness, during which, however, Smetana’s genius – with the strength of his moral legacy – did not abandon us,” as was written in the contemporary press. The school instructs its students in the fields of music, the visual arts, dance, and drama.
The Smetana's Litomyšl National Festival
The festival originated in 1946 – it is the second oldest and also the second largest classical music festival in the Czech Republic. Its main program consists of opera performances and concerts of various genres. Litomyšl’s castle is the center of the festival activities.
Smetana's Creative Litomyšl
Each year, dozens of summertime exhibitions and installations in public spaces complement the program of the Smetana’s Litomyšl music festival. Exhibitions are organized by public and private institutions using both interior and exterior spaces in many sites around Litomyšl and the surrounding area.
Young Smetana Litomyšl
This festival, organized by the association Hudební mládež (Musical Youth), offers concerts, dance and theater performances, parties, and literary readings. Young people interested in culture come to Litomyšl from all corners of the country. Most events take place at Smetana House.
Recommended
Litomyšl
Litomyšl is a beautiful East Bohemian town with a rich history and contemporary culture, with many monuments, a UNESCO-listed castle complex and modern architecture. Visitors appreciate the quality gastronomy and the wide range of accommodation from camping to top hotels.
Spa of the spirit
There is a spa in Litomyšl for mental distress – we treat with culture and relaxation – all year round! The opening of the spa season always takes place on the last weekend in April. Litomyšl is “an extraordinarily cultural and spa town”, as Josef Váchal says, but “nobody drinks the water there”.
Smetana Litomyšl
The Smetana Litomyšl Festival is one of the largest regular classical music festivals in the Czech Republic. It takes place every year for several weeks at the beginning of summer (not only) in the beautiful grounds of the Litomyšl castle. At the same time, you can visit a number of exhibitions as part of Smetana’s Art Litomyšl.
Bedřich Smetana Museum in Prague
Get to know the work of the author of the world-famous opera The Bartered Bride in the scenery of Charles Bridge, the Vltava River and Prague Castle. The exhibition presents Smetana’s childhood and artistic beginnings, focuses on his role on the Prague music scene and gives you a glimpse into his work and correspondence.
More from Litomyšl’s Museum
Portmoneum – Museum of Josef Váchal
A unique memorial of European importance with painted murals by Josef Váchal. www.portmoneum.cz
The Museum – The main building
An exhibition on Litomyšl’s rich history, including a children’s program and seasonal exhibits.
www.rml.cz
