Nový dvůr Homestead

Welcome. You are standing right in front of Nový dvůr in Letohrad, a remarkable historic agricultural complex that now breathes new life as a vibrant museum. Take a moment to look around you. Before your eyes sits a sprawling historic site featuring a compact layout centered around a rectangular courtyard. As you stand here today with your headphones on, let the atmosphere of centuries past wash over you, blending the echoes of rural history with the dedication of modern preservation.

Let us step back in time to understand how this place came to be. The history of Nový dvůr stretches all the way back to the 1680s, when the agricultural court was established. It was created to replace an older farmstead that had long been associated with the local fortress. Over the decades, the site evolved, but its character was truly solidified by the middle of the 18th century. In 1750, significant construction shaped the property into what we can still appreciate today, including the creation of the Baroque gate and the residential building complete with a granary.

Now, please turn your attention to the architecture surrounding the courtyard. While the original architects remain unknown, their vision for a functional, unified agricultural space endures. Notice the compact arrangement of the buildings as they frame the rectangular courtyard, creating an enclosed, harmonious environment. Take a close look at the entrance elements, especially the striking Baroque gate that hints at the artistic flourishes of its era, and observe the solid lines of the residential building and the granary that once stored the harvests of the region. Every wall and corner tells a story of purposeful design meant to sustain a bustling historic enterprise.

This site is not just about buildings and stone; it is deeply intertwined with fascinating human stories and significant personalities. One of the most poignant historical figures linked to Nový dvůr is František Vladislav Hek, a prominent figure of the Czech national revival. His life story crossed paths with this location profoundly, culminating right here on the property where he spent his final days, ending with his death in 1847. Walking these grounds means walking in the footsteps of a man who fought passionately for his cultural heritage.

Centuries later, the site faced a very different kind of battle—the battle against time and decay. By the late 20th century, the complex had fallen into a severely dilapidated state. But salvation came in 1996, when Pavel Tacl acquired the neglected site with a bold vision for its reconstruction. Through years of dedicated effort, the ruins were transformed into a living cultural hub, culminating on May 18, 2000, when the Museum of Crafts was officially opened to the public.

And what a museum it is. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of what is preserved here, as the site now houses an astonishing collection of over 89 specialized exhibitions. Among these treasures are truly unique historical artifacts, including a specialized collection of machines dedicated to rake production and a remarkably preserved, fully functional sawmill equipped with four saws. As you explore the exhibitions further, you will also step into a nostalgic world featuring a 100-year-old school classroom and meticulously reconstructed historical medical offices that bring the daily life of past generations vividly to life.

Recognition of the site's immense cultural and historical value came as early as 1958, when the entire complex was officially declared a protected cultural monument, ensuring that its legacy would be safeguarded for future generations.

As your audio guide concludes here in the courtyard, we invite you to step inside and continue your exploration of the vast exhibitions and hidden stories waiting for you throughout the museum. Thank you for visiting Nový dvůr in Letohrad, and enjoy the rest of your journey into the past.