Contemplate for a moment the weight of history held within these walls. Welcome to the Regional Museum in Slaný. It is more than just a building. It is a time capsule holding stories of archaeology history and ethnography.
The Slaný Museum’s story began in 1885. Writer Václav Štech’s vision shaped its early years. He wasn’t just a writer. He was the museum’s first curator. Štech also built a theater in 1883 and a library in 1897.
Initially the museum moved around. But it found its permanent home in this building in 1940. Before becoming a museum this building was a Piarist college from 1658 to 1939. Count Bernard Ignác Martinic founded the college. Architect Rudolf Štech renovated the building between 1877 and 1878.
Imagine stepping back in time through the museum’s collections. Archaeological finds from Slánská Hora Hill form a key part. These were expanded through museum research and local discoveries. Historical collections feature relics from local fraternities. Church items that were displaced during church modernizations are also included. Ethnographic collections are especially important. They were created after the Ethnographical Czecho-Slavonic Exhibition in Prague in 1895.
The museum boasts a valuable peasant room exhibit. It offers a glimpse into life in the Slaný region. Gifts from citizens purchases and field research enriched the collection. The museum also gained collections from extinct museums in Koleč and Zvoleněves during the 1920s and 1930s.
The Regional Museum in Slaný also houses paintings. A collection of paintings was intended to become a town gallery. However the Navrátil Society didn’t follow through with the idea. So the paintings became part of the museum.
Natural history collections are smaller. However the museum focuses on local flora fauna and endangered birds. It also cares for protected natural areas like Slánská Hora Hill.
Step inside the former college chapel. It is dedicated to the Engagement of the Virgin Mary. Admire Carlo Carloni’s altar painting “A Dream of St. Joseph” from 1727. Notice the portraits of saints and Count Bernard Ignác Martinic. He was the founder of the Piarist college.
Look for the sandstone sculptures near the entrance. They are remnants from Prague Gate’s Gothic decorations.
Consider the Hussite history of Slaný. Slaný was one of five cities chosen at the start of the Hussite Revolution. The star on the town hall tower symbolizes this time. See the Hussite helmet which was found in a well.
Don’t miss the Velvarská Gate. It is the only remaining gate from the town’s old fortifications. The gate dates back to the pre-Hussite period.
The Regional Museum in Slaný is open year-round. Come and explore the rich history and culture of this region. The museum continues to evolve preserving the past for future generations.