The museum is housed in the Mydlář House, which was built in 1573 and features a unique tower with a loggia and decorative elements.
The collection contains over 8,500 items, ranging from historical marionettes to modern theatre props.
Chrudim is considered the 'capital of Czech puppetry' due to its long-standing connection to local puppeteering families and the annual national festival.
The displays include original marionettes carved by famous Czech woodcarvers like the Kopecký family.
The building was once a private residence of the Mydlář family, a prominent local merchant family in the 16th century.
The Museum of Puppetry in Chrudim is the only institution of its kind in the Czech Republic dedicated to documenting the history and tradition of Czech puppetry. Located in the Mydlář House, a distinctive Renaissance building with a unique loggia, the museum hosts an extensive collection of historical and contemporary puppets. The exhibits trace the evolution of marionette theatre from folk puppeteers to professional stage design. Visitors can explore displays featuring different types of mechanisms, such as rod, string, and glove puppets. Interactive elements allow guests to experiment with basic puppet manipulation techniques. The museum is a focal point for the international 'Loutkářská Chrudim' festival, the oldest amateur puppet theatre festival in the country.
The Renaissance-style loggia and the intricate, decorated wooden tower of the Mydlář House exterior.
Ask staff about the interactive puppet corner where you can try operating a marionette yourself.
Allocate time to admire the building's exterior, specifically the decorative Renaissance-era architectural details.
Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions, as they frequently rotate pieces from their vast archive.
Do not attempt to touch the historical exhibits inside the glass cases, as they are fragile and protected.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
