Museums, Brno

I visited this museum yesterday and i was amazed by the perfect design and data and informations processing. It describes the life of Gipsies in the Czech republic, Slovakia and some other countries, present and past. One part of the museum focuses on the question of Gipsies during 2. world war, which is heartbreaking. Then you will see the current life, weddings, baptisms, burials, customs, clothes and all accompanied by folklore music. It is possible to watch a movie about living, sometimes very hard living.
Currently there is a pictures' exposition by austrian artist Ceija Stojka, who experienced the concentration camp. The pictures are mostly about it and the hope of future.

Open daily Mo - Fr 10-18.
Entrance fee is 40 Kc (students 20 Kc)

1 more image

Kostel sv. Krize ( church of the Holy Cross ) is located at the center of of klaster Kapucinu ( Capuchin monastery. Construction of this church was completed in 1651. Unlike so many of Europe's Baroque era Catholic churches, the architecture of this church is simple, and lacks the ornate geometric designs and details. See photo #1.

The Capuchin catacombes are located directly beneath the level of the church. The catacombes contain the krypta ( burial crypts ). About 180 people were buried in the crypts between 1651 and 1784. Due to the combination of cool temperatures and extremely low humidity provided by the innovative ventilation system, many of the corpses entombded became naturally mummified. The mummified corpses of 24 monks lie in the crypts that are open to the public. These crypts also contain the clothed remains of aristocrats. The 24 monks were buried side by side on the dirt floor of a common catacombe. The only piece of burial clothing used for each monk was a small cloth placed over their loins. Photo #2 shows the remains of these monks lying humbly on the freshly raked soil.

Also on display is the mummified remains of Franz Freiherr von der Trenck. He was a colonel for the army of the Habsburg Empire, who was imprisoned in the nearby hrad Spilberk, and died of self poisoning in 1749, at the age of 38. It is interesting to look at the very unimposing body of this little man, who during his life planted fear and intrepidation into the hearts of so many peace loving common folk throughout the region. I must admit that his corpse clothed in military uniform and hip high boots, serves as a somewhat pathetic reminder that conquering military heroes are nothing more than fallible mortals. How unfortunate it is that all departed leaders of military conquests and pillagings cannot be viewed in a similar light. Only a thought for a world that could definately use more peace and less war.

Crypts open 0900 - 1200, and 1400 - 1630, Sunday through Thursday. Admission cost is 40 koruna ( about 1,5 euro )

Even if you dont like genetics, you will not be bored. There are perfectly made exhibitions, also art is included. They change their design from time to time, read the current programme on the webpage below, where you can find some animations describing Gregor Mendel's experiments as well.

Or in English the Architectural Museim of the City of Brno.

Right up ny the castle of Spilberk. The museum contains plans, models, vistas of Brno, photographs that may be of interest on a wet day!

I went with a party of schoolkids and they weren't amused for long!

This is Schwantz-house / sometimes also called Schwartz palace / Dum man z lipe from inside.
Partly it was modernized, partly the old arcades are still visible.
On the whole the architects made a real masterpiece also by the fact that the old open innercourt is covered now with a glass-roof and you may find a big variety of shops and bureaus inside.
I needed my extreme wide-angle-lens for this picture ,this is why edges beame a bit "rounder"

Besední dùm in Brno belongs amongst the most significant buildings of the Viennese architect of Danish origin, Theofil Hansen. Its importance as a listed building in the historical development of the city is due to its social, cultural and political significance in the life of the Brno Czechs and testifies to the German influence in the past.

The Neo-renaissance building was built in 1871-73. Since 1956 Besední dùm has been used and looked after by the Brno State Philharmonic. This use is of course not privileged - apart from the philharmonic's administration the palace has remained an institute for other spheres of activity which make it nof only one of the most important centres for music but for the general cultural and social life of Brno.