The National Museum of Agriculture opens its doors to the public in Ostrava
The first national museum to set up a branch in Ostrava is the National Museum of Agriculture in Lower Vítkovice. The new branch was opened to the public on Thursday 17 September.
Visitors can explore two collections of agricultural technologies. Photo: Hana Oborilová
The museum is situated in two former factory halls which have been converted for the purpose; the conversion was designed by the leading Czech architect Josef Pleskot and the civil engineer Milan Šraml. Both halls were originally set for demolition, but thanks to the museum they have been saved. Ostrava’s Mayor Tomáš Macura gave a speech at the opening ceremony, where he expressed his satisfaction: “I’m delighted that Ostrava now has its first branch of a national institution – the National Museum of Agriculture. I’m confident that more national institutions will follow in these footsteps.”
Visitors can explore two collections of agricultural technologies including some uniquely valuable items (such as Central Europe’s first modern plough, invented by the Veverka cousins), as well as an exhibition of food production technologies with a presentation of traditional Czech foods which will be updated every three months. There is also a temporary exhibition celebrating 50 years since the establishment of the Radegast brewery in nearby Nošovice, including short films showing aspects of the production process.
The National Museum of Agriculture at Lower Vítkovice is offering entry free of charge until the end of October.
The new museum is not the only project of its type in Ostrava. As part of Ostrava’s Strategic Development Plan, two more museums will be created: Museum+ (the first national-level institution with its headquarters in Ostrava) and the Ostrava Transport Museum.
