The Hradec Králové Region is a place where history, culture, and tradition meet at every step — from grand monuments and historic battlefields to modern galleries, museums, and vibrant cultural events. Culture is not only about the past – it’s a living process that continues to shape and enrich us. The Hradec Kralove Region, through its institutions, offers a wide range of cultural and scientific experiences.
We introduce ten public cultural institutions supported by the region, along with four non-profit organizations that help bring cultural and historical heritage to life.
ORGANISATIONS CO-FUNDED BY THE HRADEC KRALOVE REGION
The Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Kralove
Address: Velké náměstí 139/140, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.galeriehk.cz
Director: MgA. František Zachoval
The Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Kralové (GMU) is housed in a beautifully restored former Credit and Savings Institute, designed by architect Osvald Polívka. Specialising in Czech modern and contemporary art, the gallery presents its collections in newly designed spaces – the Main Space, White Cube, Black Cube, and Foyer – tailored for diverse artistic expressions. Its permanent exhibition, Transformations of Image / Images of Transformations, was renewed in 2020 alongside two major shows: The Last Century – Twenty Personalities and The Last Fifty Years, both reflecting years of curatorial research. GMU’s dynamic programming highlights connections between local trends and broader national contexts. In 2021, the gallery enriched its holdings with the Karl Tutsch Collection of over 800 works, documenting Czech art collecting from the 1980s to the postmodern era.
The Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Kralove
Address: Smiřických 272, 547 01 Náchod
Website: www.gvun.cz
Director: MgA. Alexander Peroutka, Ph.D.
The Gallery of Fine Art in Náchod (GVUN), founded in 1966, has been based since 1983 in the Baroque riding hall of Náchod Castle, redesigned by architect Josef Wagner into one of the most impressive barrier-free gallery spaces in the Czech Republic. The gallery focuses on building a strong collection and programme centred on Eastern and Central European art, with a growing international reach.
Its exhibitions, publications and educational activities explore the dynamic relationship between regional and global cultural life. Located in a scenic border area, GVUN also presents contemporary and historical art beyond its main space, including in central Náchod, and actively collaborates with similar institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Observatory and Planetarium in Hradec Kralove
Address: Zámeček 456/30, 500 08 Hradec Králové
Website: www.astrohk.cz
Director: Mgr. Miroslav Krejčí
The Observatory and Planetarium in Hradec Králové is a cultural and educational centre focused on astronomy and related sciences, especially for young people. Located on a scenic ridge near Nový Hradec Kralove, it has welcomed the public for over 60 years, offering views of both the surrounding landscape and the day and night sky. Visitors can enjoy programmes such as sky observations, lectures, children’s events, exhibitions, and themed activities. In 2014–2015, the site was modernised with a new digital planetarium, enabling immersive shows that explore not only the sky but also distant parts of space. Thanks to advanced technology and up-to-date astronomical data, the observatory presents current discoveries in an engaging way.
Observatory in Upice
Address: U Lipek 160, 542 32 Úpice
Website: www.obsupice.cz
Director: Ing. Marcel Bělík
The Úpice Observatory, founded in 1959, is a cultural and educational institution focused on astronomy and related sciences. Located in a place with clear skies, it offers public observations of celestial objects—both day and night—including the Moon, planets, minor planets, comets, and the Sun’s activity in the H-alpha spectral line.
With modern computerised and portable telescopes, it enables detailed views of space phenomena even outside the observatory. It also engages in scientific research, especially on solar and Earth-related topics, and uses radio astronomy to study meteors and atmospheric events. The observatory is accessible to people with physical or visual disabilities and regularly hosts events linked to current astronomical and cultural happenings.
Research Library in Hradec Kralove
Address: Hradecká 1250, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.svkhk.cz
Director: Mgr. Daniela Ridlová
The Research Library in Hradec Kralove (SVK HK), founded in 1949, has long served the Hradec Kralove Region as a public and memory institution. Originally focused on providing academic, professional and popular literature, it now offers a wide range of services to the public, including lectures, exhibitions, and educational programmes for all age groups.
Its collection exceeds 1.45 million volumes, including regional literature, historical documents, and access to contemporary press via digital databases. The library actively collaborates with partners like the State Research Library in Banska Bystrica and remains a vital space for both study and meaningful leisure.
Art Activities Centre
Address: Tomkova 139/22, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.cuahk.cz
Director: Mgr. Martina Erbsová
The Art Activities Centre (CUA) supports creative and artistic work by organising events, workshops, and presentations in theatre, film, photography, visual arts, choral singing, and folklore for all age groups. It offers spaces for audiovisual work and helps amateur artists share experiences. Art education is key — we run professional seminars with respected experts. For over 30 years, CUA has been strengthening cultural life in the Hradec Kralove Region and building partnerships with other cultural organisations.
Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Kralove
Address: Eliščino nábřeží 465, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.muzeumhk.cz
Director: doc. Mgr. Petr Grulich, Ph.D.
The Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Kralove (MVC), founded in 1880, is one of the largest museums in the Czech Republic with a collection of around 2.5 million items. It serves as the regional umbrella museum and official archaeological organisation, supporting other museums in the Hradec Kralove Region.
The MVC hosts permanent and up to twenty themed exhibitions annually, alongside cultural events, and is active in scientific research, publishing, and international cooperation. Currently, it plans a major expansion with new exhibition spaces in the Gayerova Barracks and projects in Jaromer-Josefov. Its work focuses on expanding collections, research, and modern exhibitions, aiming to be both a respected institution and an engaging place for the public and partners.
Museum and Gallery of the Orlicke MTS. in Rychnov nad Kneznou
Address: Jiráskova 2, 516 01 Rychnov nad Kněžnou
Website: www.moh.cz
Director: Mgr. Tomáš Zelenka
The Museum and Gallery of the Orlicke Mountains (MGOH) in Rychnov nad Kneznou covers the entire region, showcasing its history, natural beauty, and renowned local craftsmanship. As a modern institution, MGOH focuses on preserving and expanding its collections in controlled environments, conducting research—especially in history and botany—and carrying out rescue surveys at construction sites. It shares knowledge through permanent and temporary exhibitions, lectures, and a public library with materials related to the Orlicke Mountains. Additionally, the museum actively supports local culture by organising various events such as concerts, exhibitions, and creative workshops.
Museum of the Nachod Region
Address: Masarykovo náměstí 1, 547 01 Náchod
Website: www.muzeumnachodska.cz
Director: Mgr. Oldřich Schejbal
The Museum of the Nachod Region, founded in 1879 and one of the oldest Czech museums, holds nearly 80,000 collection items and 16,000 books that showcase the region’s heritage. With eight exhibitions across four locations, it serves as a cultural gateway connecting diverse worlds and acts as a key partner for local communities and organizations. Its logo, featuring four gates in a star shape representing each site, symbolizes an open invitation to all visitors. The museum aims to be a modern, accessible institution welcoming everyone to explore the rich history and culture of the Nachod Region.
Regional Museum and Gallery in Jicin
Address: Valdštejnovo nám. 1, 506 01, Jičín
Website: www.muzeumhry.cz
Director: PhDr. Michal Babík
The Regional Museum and Gallery in Jicin, established in the mid-1880s and settled in Jicin palace since 1948, is a regional ethnographic museum with an attached gallery. It actively serves the Jicin region through archaeological services, collaboration with local communities, publishing, exhibitions, and educational programs. Since 2000, it has embraced the concept of a “museum of play,” focusing on interactive exhibitions that encourage learning through play, discovery, and perception, a theme that also shapes its temporary exhibitions and promotional activities.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS
The Archaelogy Park in Vsestary
Address: Všestary 238, 503 12 Všestary (near Hradec Kralove)
Website: www.archeoparkvsestary.cz
Director: doc. PhDr. Radomír Tichý, Ph.D.
The Prehistoric Archaeology Park in Vsestary offers an engaging and hands-on way to explore prehistoric times, combining indoor and outdoor exhibits such as prehistoric houses, workshops, burial sites, and a roofed excavation. The park emphasizes interactive archaeological experiments like pottery-making, bronze casting, and stone tool production, providing visitors with authentic, tactile experiences. It appeals to both the general public and school groups, with a clear, jargon-free presentation supported by knowledgeable staff. The exhibitions, including models and experimental findings, create a memorable impression that connects visitors to our ancestors’ lives and highlights the value of learning from the past.
The Drak Theatre and The International Institue of Figural Theatre
Address: Hradební 632, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.draktheatre.cz/en
Director: MgA. Tomáš Jarkovský
The Drak („Dragon“) Theatre from Hradec Kralove is a renowned puppet and alternative theatre with over 60 years of history, known for combining traditional East Bohemian puppetry with original, imaginative works for children and adults. It has performed in more than 650 towns across 38 countries on five continents, reaching diverse audiences.
The theatre respects its young audiences by engaging them in open dialogue rather than patronizing, while also fostering the development of puppetry through collaboration with art schools, independent ensembles, and educational projects. Besides creative performances, Drak offers exhibitions, workshops, and international cooperation, including co-organizing the Regions International Theatre Festival.
The Klicpera Theatre
Address: Dlouhá 99/9, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.klicperovodivadlo.cz
Director: Ing. Eva Mikulková
The Klicpera Theatre in Hradec Kralove is a respected professional theatre with over 130 years of tradition, named after the local dramatist Vaclav Kliment Klicpera. Since 1949 it has had a professional ensemble and gained great recognition after 1989, winning Czech Theatre of the Year four times.
It co-founded the Regions festival, the biggest theatre event in the Czech Republic, and hosts the annual Waiting for Vaclav event. The theatre also features the U Klicperu Gallery with exhibitions each season. Known for appealing to a wide audience, it performs both at home and internationally, preparing six to seven new premieres each year. The magic of live theatre creates a unique experience between actors and audience—come and see for yourself!
The Hradec Kralove Philharmonic Orchestra
Address: Eliščino nábřeží 777, 500 03 Hradec Kralove
Website: www.fhk.cz
Director: Bc. Vladimír Šrámek
The Hradec Kralove Philharmonic Orchestra (FHK), established in 1978 and renamed several times before adopting its current name in 1993, continues a tradition dating back to 1887. It experienced significant artistic growth under conductor Frantisek Vajnar (1991–2001), followed by Ondrej Kukal (2001–2012), Andreas Sebastian Weiser (2012–2018), and currently Kaspar Zehnder since 2018.
The orchestra has performed in prestigious European venues and festivals, with concerts broadcast by Czech Television and Radio. It has made numerous recordings and co-organizes the Hradec Kralove Music Forum festival, presenting Czech premieres of major contemporary works. Committed to attracting younger audiences, the FHK blends musical genres in crossover concerts, offering a unique live experience that highlights the vital role of music in life.