aventuro Back to map A
Museums

Monument of Karel Čapek in the Stará Huť near Dobříš

4.7 · 800 reviews
A serene and intellectually reflective retreat.
Monument of Karel Čapek in the Stará Huť near Dobříš, Stará Huť 125, 262 02 Stará Huť, Czechia
Interesting facts
1

Karel Čapek wrote some of his most significant works here, including the play 'The White Disease' and his final novel, 'The Life and Work of the Composer Foltýn'.

2

The villa was originally a forester's lodge belonging to the Schwarzenberg noble family.

3

The garden contains a small pond that served as a central feature for the author's horticultural experiments.

4

The museum holds a permanent exhibition specifically dedicated to the memory of Olga Scheinpflugová, including her stage costumes and personal letters.

5

The property suffered significant neglect during the mid-20th century before extensive restoration efforts restored the villa to its 1930s appearance.

Overview

The Monument of Karel Čapek is housed in the Strž manor, a villa where the celebrated Czech author spent the final years of his life. Karel Čapek moved to this residence in 1935, and it served as his primary workspace until his death in 1938. The site operates as a literary museum dedicated to both Karel Čapek and his wife, the actress Olga Scheinpflugová. Exhibits include original furniture, personal correspondence, and documentation regarding Čapek's prolific journalistic and literary career. The surrounding estate features a garden that influenced Čapek’s well-known book, The Gardener's Year. Visitors can explore the preserved study room, which remains arranged much as it was during his residency. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions related to Čapek's contemporaries and his influence on science fiction. The site is situated in a rural setting, maintaining the tranquil atmosphere that appealed to the author.

Photo spot

The bench overlooking the pond in the garden, which offers the classic view of the villa facade.

Insider tips

Walk the perimeter of the pond to view the villa from the perspective often described in Čapek’s essays.

Check the official website for temporary literary exhibitions before planning your trip, as these rotate several times a year.

Allow time to walk through the adjacent forest trails, which were favorite routes for Čapek and his dog, Dášenka.

What to avoid

Do not expect a large urban-style museum; it is a historic house with limited space, so large groups may experience delays.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the main season; often closes entirely during the winter months.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the historical villa; photography rules for the interior exhibit are often restricted.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn, when the garden is at its peak and the forest surroundings are most accessible.
Address
Monument of Karel Čapek in the Stará Huť near Dobříš, Stará Huť 125, 262 02 Stará Huť, Czechia
49.774, 14.207
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsKarel Čapek’s preserved study and the Olga Scheinpflugová memorial exhibition.
Garden inspirationThe grounds served as the real-world setting for 'The Gardener's Year'.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn, when the garden is at its peak and the forest surroundings are most accessible..

The bench overlooking the pond in the garden, which offers the classic view of the villa facade.

Close by you'll find Holy Trinity Church, Králova stolice, Francouzská zámecká zahrada.