Museum of Natural History, Rural Life and Tramping in Doudleby nad Orlicí
An extensive museum along with a social hall can be found in the building of the former granary within the château complex, right next to Grandmother’s Yard with animals. The building itself, which underwent a thorough reconstruction in 2011–2013, is well worth seeing. The stylish setting, with the original masonry left exposed, lends the space a unique atmosphere.
Nature, hunting and traditions
On the first floor there is a natural history museum. The exhibition is dominated by an original diorama of forest game. Attention is also paid here to the topic of poaching. The museum’s collection boasts hundreds of exhibits and is a major attraction for families with children.
The natural history museum is complemented by a collection of items characteristic of rural life and old crafts. There is no shortage of our grandfathers’ farm tools, including restored machines, or our grandmothers’ treasures. You can also view objects connected with the castle’s history. The most valuable of them are a handwritten cookbook or bricks from the Bubnov brickyard.
The museum also includes an original three-metre model, A Year in the Village, made of corn husks by the author Jana Jarkovská, depicting folk traditions and customs throughout the whole year. The piece was created in 2015 especially for Doudleby Castle and contains around 130 figurines and 33 animals.
Culture and Czech tramping
The hall in the attic is a venue for social events, concerts, seminars, lectures and theatre performances, and also serves as an occasional gallery. Next to it is an exhibition devoted to Czech tramping. A significant part of the collection—talisman objects, signs, equipment and everything that belongs to this way of life—comes from the collection of Jiří “Fred” Jedlička, who searched for a place for it for a full 12 years. The wait was worth it, and he could hardly have found a better space.
Admission to the granary is separate. There is no need to have a ticket for the tour of the castle interiors. The museum ticket office is directly on the first floor. Tickets can also be purchased in the castle café. For the public, the granary is open during the summer months in the castle’s opening hours; in May and September only on weekends, and also during special events, for example when farmers’ markets are held.
Information
Doudleby nad Orlicí Château, Château 1, 517 42 Doudleby nad Orlicí