Hurvínek at Strakonice Castle

The exhibition "Hurvínek at Strakonice Castle" celebrates 100 years since the first performance of the most famous Czech puppet (May 2, 1926) and runs from February 28 to May 31, 2026. It commemorates the creation and development of the Hurvínek character and the strong puppet-theatre tradition of the Strakonice region and southern Bohemia, home to Josef Alois Skupa (born in Strakonice in 1892), the spiritual father of Spejbl and Hurvínek. The exhibition combines historical artifacts, unique puppets, photographs, and period recordings with an extensive interactive section for all ages. Visitors can enter Hurvínek's little room with his entire wooden cast – Spejbl, Mánička, Bábinka, and Žeryk. In the arsenal, the beloved character welcomes visitors as a puppet, hand puppet, or through old CDs and gramophone records. In the former castle tower Jelence, a bedroom with books and recordings awaits, along with puppet performances in a theatre set in one of the tower's alcoves. The exhibition features themed play areas for different age groups: a costume room with Hurvínek's wooden shoes and ears, a small puppet theatre, a photo corner, screenings of famous works, creative workshops, puppet-making, puzzles, colouring pages, quizzes, and an adapted version of the game "Don't Get Angry!" with a Hurvínek twist. Worksheets are available for school groups. The exhibition also highlights that Czech puppet theatre was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Group visits must be booked in advance by calling +420 380 422 608.