Petrof Museum

The Petrof Museum in Hradec Králové offers an intimate look into the world of one of Europe’s most respected piano makers. Located within the historic Petrof factory, it traces the journey of the company founded in 1864 by Antonín Petrof, whose instruments would go on to appear on concert stages from Vienna to Tokyo. The museum blends craftsmanship, music history, and industrial heritage in a compact but atmospheric space. Inside, visitors can see early Petrof models, including rare 19th‑century uprights and grand pianos that reveal how design and acoustics evolved over time. One of the most intriguing exhibits is the cut‑open piano, showing the hidden engineering behind the warm Petrof sound. The museum also highlights the meticulous hand‑crafting process: wood selection, stringing, action assembly, and tuning, all still performed by skilled artisans in the adjacent workshops. Interactive elements allow guests to compare tones, explore materials, and understand why Petrof instruments are favoured by classical musicians. Photographs and documents illustrate the company’s survival through wars, political shifts, and changing musical tastes. The visit often ends with a short demonstration, letting the instruments speak for themselves.