Dům Na Bělišti - městské muzeum Museum building

Dům Na Bělišti in Železný Brod is a historically significant building originally constructed as a large timber-framed house in the second half of the 17th century. Over time, it served various purposes, including functioning as a dyeing workshop and housing tenants before being transformed into a museum. The structure showcases elements of Pojizerská folk architecture and underwent major renovations in 1807 and 1930. Today, it houses a permanent ethnographic exhibition by the Městské muzeum v Železném Brodě.

The origins of Dům Na Bělišti trace back to its construction during the latter half of the 17th century when Mikuláš Des Four acquired the estate and town in 1628, following a sale by Albrecht z Valdštejna. The house remained under the ownership of the Desfour family until 1848. Its name, "Běliště," is derived from its use as a dyeing workshop where laundry was bleached using water from the nearby Žernovník stream. Historical records indicate that near this site once stood a shoemaker's fulling mill and later a tannery.

Architecturally, Dům Na Bělišti underwent significant changes in 1807 when it was extensively reconstructed, altering its appearance. The building features elements of Pojizerská folk architecture, with a two-part layout comprising the original main ground floor structure and an attached annex. Notable architectural details include a gabled roof with richly profiled eaves, a classicist balustrade known as "kočičí procházka," and sandstone sculptures from the mid-18th century relocated to its garden.

Ownership of Dům Na Bělišti changed hands several times over the centuries. After the Desfour family's tenure ended in 1848, it eventually came into the possession of Heřman Jirásek, who initially intended to demolish it. However, local painter Vlastimil Rada persuaded him otherwise, leading to its sale to the city of Železný Brod in the late 1960s. The city converted the building into a museum after extensive renovations between 1993 and 1997.

Key events in the history of Dům Na Bělišti include its significant reconstruction in 1807, which was funded by Jan Brožek, a local master tanner. In 1998, the house opened to the public with a permanent ethnographic exhibition curated by the Městské muzeum v Železném Brodě.

Today, Dům Na Bělišti serves as an important cultural site housing nine rooms dedicated to various aspects of local history and culture. The museum's exhibits cover topics such as geology, historical trade routes, and traditional crafts like linen processing and folk clothing. Notable displays include sandstone sculptures, models of wooden buildings, and a unique card table with chairs carved by a local innkeeper. The building is situated on the northern edge of Železný Brod, near the Žernovník stream and an old millrace.

Dům Na Bělišti stands as one of the most intriguing historical structures in the region of horní Pojizeří, recognized for its architectural significance and cultural heritage. Its preservation allows visitors to explore a rich tapestry of local history through its ethnographic exhibitions. This monument offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it an essential visit for anyone interested in the cultural and historical landscape of Železný Brod.