A private museum of the Czechoslovak People's Army has opened near Nepomuk

In the Šternberk courtyard at the foot of Zelená Hora castle near the town of Nepomuk, a private Museum of the Czechoslovak People's Army opened in 2025, dedicated to the army's history from 1949 to 1989. The exhibition is based on the personal collection of curator Petr Petr from Petrovice.

The Šternberk courtyard was once the economic hub of the Zelená Hora estate — it even had its own brewery. The complex changed dramatically in the second half of the 20th century, when the Czechoslovak army took over the site: in the 1950s the military rebuilt the buildings to suit its needs, and after the army left in 1992, the structures fell into disrepair for many years. Today the new owners are gradually bringing the complex back to life and opening its history to visitors.

What's on display

The museum occupies the second floor of the Sýpka Gallery building. Visitors can see a commander's office decorated in period style, a field shower, army sleeping quarters, uniforms, communication and security equipment, and chemical protection gear. The collection also includes exhibits from engineering, airborne and medical units, a field kitchen, artillery and rocket munitions, heavy machine guns, a mortar, and examples of tank and vehicle equipment.

The complex has also preserved an original 74-seat army cinema, where the film "Black Barons" is shown. Zelená Hora is closely tied to one of the most famous literary and film stories about auxiliary technical battalions — thanks to the novel by Miloslav Švandrlík and its film adaptation.

More than just military history

Besides the military theme, the Šternberk courtyard is also home to the Sýpka Gallery, a beekeeping museum with a themed trail, the ÚŽ-6 anti-atomic shelter, the Šternberk underground passages, bastion ruins and a deer grove. Visitors can also see a collection of historic sewing machines here.

The complex's buildings are not open for casual visits — access depends on scheduled events and current exhibitions. Individual and group tours are recommended to be booked in advance by phone or email. In July and August, the Museum of the Czechoslovak People's Army is typically open Friday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Source: kudyznudy.cz