Prague
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Explore the Fascinating At Full Steam Exhibition: Historical Steam Engines and Matchbox Toys at Kamenice nad Lipou Chateau

Discover a permanent display of mechanical toys, showcasing vintage steam engines and iconic Matchbox die-cast models from 1870.

The 'At Full Steam' exhibition at Kamenice nad Lipou Chateau invites visitors on a captivating journey through mechanical toy history. Delve into an extensive collection of historical steam engines, many still functional, alongside a vast array of beloved Matchbox die-cast models. This engaging permanent display highlights industrial design and the evolution of miniature vehicles from 1870 to the present day.

About At Full Steam at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for At Full Steam at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Exhibition summary

This permanent exhibition at the House at the Black Madonna presents a rare collection of steam engines and a comprehensive display of Matchbox toys. Visitors can explore historical steam-powered toys from 1870 to the present, alongside a vast collection of miniature die-cast models.

Curatorial context

The "At Full Steam" exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the history of mechanical toys, with a particular focus on steam engines and the iconic Matchbox die-cast models. The steam engine collection, loaned by collector Roman Hedvičák, features 225 objects, including 150 original and functional pieces dating from 1870 to the present. These toys showcase the evolution of European and Czech manufacturing, with a core of German toys from 1900-1935. Complementing this is a display of approximately 400 Matchbox models, produced by the English Lesney company from the late 1940s to 1982. The exhibition highlights the precision, functionality, and durability of these beloved miniature vehicles, inspired by the packaging design of Czechoslovak SOLO Sušice matches. Some selected items are interactive, and a working steam engine demonstration occurs hourly. Alongside these main attractions, the visitor route also includes the permanent exhibition "Grilles, Keys and Locks" in the chateau's Renaissance hall, which details historical metalwork crafts, and the monumental glass sculpture "Journey" by Alena Matějková in the cellars. The exhibition is located at Kamenice nad Lipou Chateau, a branch of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission to the exhibition at Kamenice nad Lipou Chateau is CZK 150 for full price, CZK 60 for concession, and CZK 240 for a family ticket. Tickets can be purchased online via the provided link.

At Full Steam key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for At Full Steam at House at the Black Madonna in Prague

Venue
House at the Black Madonna
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
The steam engine collection is primarily from the private collection of Roman Hedvičák. The "Journey" sculpture is by glass artist Alena Matějková.
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