This long-term exhibition delves into the rich history of Czech puppetry, showcasing traditional marionettes, designs by notable artists, and historical theatre setups. It also explores the world of the circus, featuring posters, costumes, and equipment from Bohemian circus traditions.
The "Czech Puppets and Circus Exhibition" is a comprehensive, long-term display housed in a charming Renaissance building. The exhibition is divided into two main parts. The first section is dedicated to the evolution of Czech puppetry, tracing its history from ancient marionettes to contemporary club and professional theatres. Visitors can admire marionettes designed by renowned artists such as M. Aleš, V. Sucharda, and J. Trnka, and even witness famous puppet play stagings within historical miniature theatres. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to the circus, functioning as the only Circus Museum in Bohemia. Here, visitors can explore a collection of posters, photographs, and documents, and step into a simulated circus arena equipped with horizontal bars, a Persian bar, unicycles, juggling tools, and authentic circus costumes. A notable item on display is a motorbike used in a performance with the Bears and Cibulka. The exhibition also brings historical magic properties to life through film clips featuring leading Czech magicians and their apparatus, and showcases a unique historical moving attraction: wax figures of historical personalities, including a moving mermaid.