The Museum of Historical Carriages opened for the first time in the history of the Czech Republic in Čechy po Kosířem on 11th July 2009

Narration by Václav Obr

The idea of establishing the carriage museum has been germinating for many years, it was an idea which became a reality. Since the 15th Century the regions of Bohemia and Moravia have been the biggest cradle of craft skills. For centuries these craftsmen were oppressed. Finally, in the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, some of them could establish workshops and factories for the production of coaches and carriages. Times were hard and many people devoted their lives to their work. Over the centuries the people and their crafts faded into obscurity, which is a great shame.

By progressively restoring the remains of derelict carriages an inimitable museum has come into being. This museum is the heritage of our ancestors craft and a bequest for future generations, to highlight everything that has been forgotten. The carriage museum was built, after a search lasting many years, on the site of a former factory producing fire-engines, founded by Antonín Smekal in 1820. Of the original complex of buildings only one hall remains which now houses a fire-service museum.

I started building the carriage museum by myself, it was therefore funded by my life-savings and from my own work, as I have been, and still am a craftsman. It was really demanding work, not only in terms of finances, but also physical labour. In 2008 I completely ran out of financial reserves, but not of energy. It is a tribute to the municipality of Čechy pod Kosířem, Olomouc region, the European Union and many others that they supported me in my idea to establish a museum, which gradually became a reality, and to complete the work. Their names are inscribed for all time on a granite memorial stone at the entrance to the museum. The carriage museum is a unique creation, that has arisen as the result of strong belief. It is a monument and also a symbol for future generations.

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