The Ethnographic Museum of Pilsen, which is housed in two historic houses, has undergone a significant transformation. In addition to the newly accessible parts, visitors can look forward to two circuits. One tells the story of a man who was born in the countryside in the 19th century and died as a burgher. What could he encounter and experience? This is precisely what the new exhibition tells. The second circuit focuses on clothing and crafts. The more than two-year reconstruction cost 129 million crowns, most of which was covered by a European subsidy. Those interested will be able to look inside already on April 30, when the maypole will be built there.
“The main change is that two visitor circuits have been created here and the exposition is conceived in a completely different way. People get into many more areas of both town houses. Previously, the exposition was mainly in the Gerlach House, and today the Chotěš House is also accessible, which is wheelchair accessible thanks to the lift. The exhibits are modern and complemented by multimedia presentations.” praised the director of the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen George Arable.
The reconstruction itself was preceded by a demanding move, when everything had to be carefully marked, packed and transported to the depository. As part of the reconstruction, the workers paved the yard, cleaned the cellars, straightened the roofs, and the roofs are also new. The buildings also needed to be insulated, utility networks restored and an elevator sensitively added to the building.
One circuit introduces people to what the life of an individual looked like in the period between 1830 and 1900. It all starts at the cradle in the village hall. When passing through the exhibition, visitors will learn about the details of the school system at the time, the everyday life of growing up and how important the choice of a profession was. Free time is also one of the topics. Gradually, interested people will see the shop, medicines and everything ends, like the life of each of us – in the cemetery. The second circuit is dedicated to clothing and selected livelihoods in Pilsen and suburban areas.
“The key thing for us is that we were able to comprehensively present a collection of middle-class clothing after about 50 years, because we didn’t have that until then. We have, for example, the funeral equipment of the late Renaissance Bohunka Lobkowicz from Šternberk. We also have a find from Šternberská kaple, which was made by Ladislav Lábek and thus saved objects from Bohunka Lobkowiczová’s pewter coffin.” described by the head of the Pilsen Ethnographic Museum Michael Chmelensky.
A complete novelty is the Center for Experimental Ethnology, to which they dedicated a separate space. Those interested will be able to try some of the production processes of our ancestors there. “For example, here we have a rosary made of kangaroos, so they will be able to try making it and the like. We would like to organize workshops with the bearers of traditions there. We ourselves will also learn, because we do not know the techniques of making some of our objects ourselves.” Chmelenský revealed.
Visitors will see a part of the house that still served its purpose in the mid-19th century. “During the occupation, such shelters were often used to hide many of our museum’s collection items. Ladislav Lábek, so that he did not have to hand over associational monuments, Judaica, monuments of Freemasons and the like, hid everything here in these prevets, and thanks to this, the West Bohemian Museum managed to preserve many rare objects.” pointed out Chmelenský.
Changes can be observed not only inside the houses, but also in the yard. There, the workers opened up the previously walled-off space of the former sump and connected it to the Pilsen underground, which restored air circulation. The kitchen is also new, where people will be able to try baking cakes, for example. “The courtyard is adapted for holding events. The closest will be the construction of May on April 30. There will be a Museum Night at the end of May, when those interested can come and try something here. There will be many events, the whole year offers many opportunities,” added Orn.
The EU gave 97.75 million crowns for the reconstruction of the museum, which is part of the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen established by the region. The Ministry of Regional Development gave 5.75 million crowns for repairs, and the Pilsen Region a total of 25.8 million crowns. “Ethnography is an essential part of our culture. To get to know more closely the behavior, study and education or, for example, the development of the clothing of our ancestors or their way of spending their free time, this is the basis of ourselves, the basis of a living and functional society.” the regional councilor for culture thinks Libor Pick (TENT).
“When you think of an ethnographic museum, you think of a rake and some dusty rags, but the Pilsen museum describes what the transformation of Pilsen in the 19th century brought. How life in the city has fundamentally changed, and it speaks volumes for today. The time is not so far away, yet our life has changed a lot. Children should see how difficult life was even 150 years ago and how easy it is today.” emphasized the Minister of Culture Martin Baxa (ODS).
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