Archeopark in Pavlov: modern museum recalling the cave of mammoth hunters was ceremoniously opened today

The unique museum on the slopes of the South Moravian Pálava Hills and the Nové Mlýny reservoir was seen by its first visitors today during the grand opening. Starting tomorrow (Sunday, May 29), the doors will be open to everyone.
The original architectural building hides treasures that archaeologists found at the same site where they are now exhibited. Moreover, visitors will witness as scientists uncover additional finds. The heart of the archeopark is nearly thirty thousand years old "dump" of mammoth remains. Visitors can comfortably observe the work of archaeologists from a platform behind glass. The modern exhibition also brings the life of prehistoric people closer through multimedia shows - video mappings.

"Interested parties will see the site in the same condition as it was left by people tens of thousands of years ago, and thanks to modern technologies, they can immerse themselves in the stories of the place and the people of that time," explains the director of the Regional Museum in Mikulov, under which this unconventional exhibition falls.
The site for this unique museum was not chosen by chance. The location has yielded world treasures several times. Nearby, one of the oldest sculptures in the world, the Venus of Věstonice, was found, as well as many skeletal remains - whether of prehistoric people or animals. In the stones, archaeologists also discovered the first evidence of textile manufacturing in the world.

Visitors can see what one of these sites looked like inside the archeopark. In addition to interesting excavations, there will also be a view of the grave of three Paleolithic people, which tells a mysterious story through its unique burial. More surprises await them as well. "We are primarily exhibiting original artifacts and remains here. Only the rarest, such as the Venus of Věstonice, are hidden in safes under strict supervision. People will learn something about the landscape, ways of subsistence, hunting, life and death, rituals, and art from archaeological finds thousands of years old," reveals Jiří Svoboda, the author of the libretto from the Archaeological Institute of the Academy of Sciences.

The spaces themselves are also an experience. Architects Radko Květ and Pavel Pijáček designed the space to evoke the cave environment in which mammoth hunters lived. Virtually the entire exhibition space is hidden in a wave of terrain. Only towers rise up, allowing light to reach the underground. Inside, there are also two views that uncover the local nature in all its beauty. On one side, you can see the ruins of the Dívčí hrady on the Pálava mountain, and on the other, visitors can walk freely onto a grassy terrace overlooking the Nové Mlýny reservoir. "From the beginning, our goal was to make the finds accessible to visitors right at the site - in situ. That’s why we had to "bury" the entire museum underground. The treasures of the mammoth hunters can only be discovered at depths of four to five meters. Therefore, the construction itself had to be very sensitive so that we wouldn't damage any rare remains," explained architect Radko Květ.

One of the most modern museums in Central Europe will attract visitors and school children with experiential and educational programs. This year, it will feature a series of lectures from leading Czech experts from the Academy of Sciences, who will gradually present various aspects of prehistoric life.

"We plan to gradually utilize outdoor spaces as well, where we will hold various workshops and experiential experimental programs. For example, scientists will teach visitors how textiles were made in the Stone Age, flint stone tools, or colors. They will also introduce them to Paleolithic music. We are also preparing an educational program for all levels of primary and secondary schools," shared director Kubín's vision.

Opening Hours
April, October, November   Fri-Sun  9-12, 13-16
May, June, September   Tue-Sun   9-12,  13-17
July, August   Mon-Sun  9-18

Admission
Regular 90 CZK | Reduced 45 CZK (children from 6 years, students, seniors) | Family 200 CZK