Muzeum Tvrz Hanička
About This Museum
Nestled deep in the Orlické Mountains, near the Polish border, Muzeum Tvrz Hanička is a stark reminder of a different era. This isn't your typical art museum; it's a sprawling, decommissioned Cold War-era bunker complex, its brutalist concrete forms carved directly into the hillside. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, descending into the meticulously preserved underground world meant to house Czechoslovak officials in the event of a nuclear attack. The air is cool and heavy with history, the long corridors and massive blast doors telling a silent, powerful story of 20th-century anxiety.
Collection Highlights
The main attraction is the fortress itself—a labyrinth of tunnels, a command center with original communications equipment, and the sheer scale of the machinery built to sustain life underground. You can see the enormous diesel generators, peer into cramped living quarters, and stand before the intimidating filtration systems designed to withstand chemical attacks.
Visitor Information
Tours are guided for safety and context, so it's wise to check their website for current opening times and to book ahead, especially on weekends. Bring a jacket; the underground temperature remains a constant chill year-round.
Architecture & Building
A prime example of Czechoslovak military architecture from the 1970s, characterized by its stark, functionalist concrete design built seamlessly into the natural landscape for camouflage and protection.
Contact & Location
Address: Rokytnice v Orlických horách, okres Rychnov nad Kněžnou, Královéhradecký kraj, Severovýchod, Česko
Phone: +420 491 616 998
Website: Visit Website
