The museum houses the oldest skis used in the Czech lands, dating back to 1892.
The Metelka mechanical nativity scene features 148 figures, most of which are articulated and powered by a single drive mechanism.
The building itself is a Renaissance manor house originally constructed for the Counts of Harrach.
Jáchym Metelka, the creator of the famous nativity scene, was a teacher and a master of complex mechanical woodcraft.
The collections include rare glassworks reflecting the historical importance of the glass-making industry in the region.
It holds one of the most comprehensive regional archives for the Krkonoše Mountains.
The Giant Mountains Museum at Jilemnice is housed in a former estate of the Counts of Harrach, serving as the cultural heart of the Krkonoše region. The museum features an extensive collection dedicated to the origins and development of skiing in the Czech lands. It displays the unique Metelka Mechanical Nativity Scene, a complex wood-carved mechanism created by Jáchym Metelka in the late 19th century. Visitors can explore ethnographic exhibitions detailing the traditional crafts, farming, and domestic life of the Giant Mountains' inhabitants. The facility serves as the headquarters for the administration of the Krkonoše National Park. Historical interiors include renovated halls that retain the atmosphere of aristocratic life in the 19th century. The museum frequently rotates temporary exhibitions centered on regional history and local natural phenomena.
The main hall featuring the intricate carvings of the Metelka mechanical nativity scene.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Castle Park for a view of the town's architecture.
Check the museum's website before visiting to see if the mechanical nativity scene is scheduled for an active demonstration during your time slot.
Do not rush through the ethnographic section, as the historical context provided there is essential for understanding the significance of the artifacts.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
