Sbor Českých bratří v Kunvaldu Museum building

Welcome to Kunvald, the picturesque valley of the Orlické Mountains, where history confuses itself with nature and every alley hides its story. You're standing in front of the Choir House, a place that's much more than just an old building. It is a living witness to history, a place where one of the most important spiritual and cultural revolutions in our countries was born over 500 years ago. Look at this humble object in front of you. At first glance, it is a simple building, but know that in its walls the rainbow of the whole community of Czech brothers was pulsating. This building, also known as the House of the Choir, served as the place of the first brotherly gatherings in the mid-fifteenth century. It is a monument to the first community of pre-white Union brotherly, and it was here, in these areas, that ideas were born that later affected the whole of Europe.

Let's move back a few steps in time to understand why this place is so important. The existence of the community of Czech brothers in Kunvald is documented from 1457 to 1458. This was the period when a wave of reformation erupted in Czech countries. People were looking for a way to the truth that seemed closer to the Church's practice. Kunvald became one of the first places where these people began to meet, pray and study Scripture. It was a time when a new social structure was created, based on equality, education and love for a neighbor. The congregation was founded during the pre-white mountain reformation, which means that its roots date back to a time when the White Mountain had not yet been declared, but when people's minds had changed. This community was not only a religious group, but also a cultural and educational centre that laid the foundations for the later development of Czech education.

Now pay attention to the building itself. Although the exact name of the builders remains in the haze of history and the architects of this building are unknown, the very structure of the house tells us much about the spirit of the time. Look at the facade and feel the atmosphere of the place. The building has undergone various functions over the centuries. Originally she served as a brotherly church, instead of worship and assembly. Later, its purpose changed and became a school, and even a Catholic school. This change of function is visible in the history of an object that has adapted to the changing political and religious circumstances in the country. Today there is a museum exhibition that reminds us of the history of Czech brothers. The entrance inside will lead you to the space where you can look into the life of the brothers, see the objects they used, and learn more about their faith and everyday life.

Key personalities associated with this place and with the history of Czech brothers generally include Matěj z Kunvaldu. Although we have less concrete information about him than other big names, his name is inextricably tied to this place and to the beginnings of the congregation. It was one of those who lived here, believed and formed a community. Another important name to mention is Ferdinand I. Habsburský. His name appears in the history of this house in connection with the events of 1547. This year, the brotherly church was closed at his command. This event symbolizes the pressure that the Czech brothers were subjected to as a result of the defeat on White Mountain and the subsequent rise of the Habsburgs to power. The closure of the church meant the end of a public expression of faith for many people in the region, but it did not end in their spiritual life. Rather, it forced him to continue underground or private, which underlines the strength of their beliefs.

But the biggest star that connects to Kunvald and to the heritage of the Czech brothers is Jan Amos Komenský. Although Komenský was born in Nivnica, Kunvald is a place of extraordinary importance for his life and work. It was in Kunvald where he met the Czech brothers, where he accepted their faith and where he began his journey, which later led him around the world. In 1991, on the occasion of the 400-year anniversary of the birth of Jan Amos Komenský, this building was opened after reconstruction. This event was a symbol of the renewal of the memory of how deeply the Komenský is connected to this place and the tradition that the Czech brothers founded here. Komenský, known as the teacher of nations, drew on what he experienced here. His ideas of education, tolerance and peace are rooted in this very community that was meeting in this house.

There is one interesting thing that may interest you, which shows the complexity of the history of this place. Although the House of the Choir today is a symbol of the Czech-brotherly faith, its fates have not always been so clear. In 1929, the house was purchased by the Czech Brotherhood Church of the Evangelical Church, which was an important gesture for restoring its original purpose and reminding history. Before that, however, he went through various stages, including the period when he served as a Catholic school. This change in functions from a brotherly church to a school to a Catholic school shows how the political and religious situation in the country changed and how the perception of this place changed. It's a reminder that history isn't black and white, but it's full of shades and changes.

In 1958, the building was entered into the records of cultural monuments, which confirmed its high national value. And in 2025, another significant step was taken when ownership was transferred to the Pardubice Region. This change in ownership indicates that this memory will be taken care of by a region that is interested in being made available to the public and known as much as possible. It is proof that this monument is not just a local matter, but it is important for the whole country.

Now that you're standing in front of this house, try to imagine what it looked like 500 years ago. Hear the noise of the voices of the people who have gathered here to pray and debate. You can feel the atmosphere of a place that was home and sanctuary for your people. This house is not only a stone building, but also a symbol of courage, faith and education. It's a place where ideas were born that changed the world.

Before we say good-bye, I want to invite you in to take a closer look. Explore the exhibition, read the texts, look at the objects. Every detail will help you better understand what it meant to be a member of the community of Czech brothers in Kunvald. And remember, history doesn't end with the book being closed. It continues with us, the way we look at the world, the way we learn and the way we try to live in peace and tolerance. Thank you for taking the time to visit this beautiful and important place. Let them kill you