Museum of the City of Brno

About

Museum of the City of Brno is housed in the impressive Špilberk Castle, a fortress that has watched over the city for centuries. Founded in the early 20th century, the museum tells the story of Brno from its medieval beginnings to its modern cultural identity. One particularly interesting fact is that Špilberk was once known as the “prison of nations,” used by the Habsburg Empire to hold political prisoners—an atmosphere still felt in the preserved casemates. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions on Brno’s urban development, architecture and everyday life. The castle’s historic halls display Gothic and Baroque artefacts, while the city history galleries present maps, models and objects that trace Brno’s transformation into a major Moravian centre. The museum also houses a rich collection of fine art, including works by leading Czech artists, and a dedicated section on the city’s modernist architecture, for which Brno is internationally known.

Brno Czech Republic

Location

The Museum of the City of Brno (Brno City Museum) is located on Špilberk Hill in Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, at Špilberk 210/1. Established in 1904, the museum has been seated in Špilberk Castle since 1960, a grand baroque fortress historically known as the "Dungeon of the Nations" for its use as a notorious prison under the Habsburg monarchy. The museum's administration, libraries, photo archive, and most specialist employees are based here, and the castle premises serve as a depository and venue for permanent exhibitions on Brno's history and culture. Nearby attractions include the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, perched on a hilltop next to the city center with its distinctive neo-Gothic twin spires dominating Brno's skyline. The historic Old Town Square is within easy walking distance, featuring colorful baroque and renaissance buildings, the Holy Trinity Column, and the Parnas Fountain, with weekly markets bringing local vendors and lively street life. Visitors can explore the mysterious Brno Underground Labyrinth beneath the city center, a network of medieval cellars and tunnels used for food storage and wartime shelter. The area around Špilberk Castle offers panoramic views of the city and Moravian landscape. The Brno Technical Museum, Moravian’s largest technical museum, is located in northwest Brno, while the nearby Villa Tugendhat itself is a major attraction for architecture enthusiasts.