Exhibition: Hurvínek 100 – From Pilsen to Pilsen — Museum of West Bohemia in Pilsen

The puppet rascal first spoke from the Pilsen stage on May 2, 1926, and since then, he has become an indispensable part of Czech culture and world puppetry. His first form was carved by Pilsen carver Gustav Nosek for Josef Skupa, who combined him with the already performing Spejbl. And so, an immortal duo was born, entertaining generations of viewers for a whole century.
The jubilee exhibition, intended for all ages, offers a direct look into Hurvínek's world, which naturally cannot be complete without Spejbl, Mánička, Mrs. Kateřina, and the dog Žeryk. Scenographer Marek Zákostelecký created it in a way that is difficult to describe in words, and it is better to visit it in person.
In the interactive part of the exhibition, you can:
embark on a "merry journey" with Spejbl and Hurvínek
find out what languages they can speak
be a puppeteer
try a special scooter
dress Hurvínek in 56 different roles
In the museum part of the exhibition, you will find:
more than 100 artifacts associated with Hurvínek (lent to us by museums from all over the Czech Republic)
the oldest preserved puppets of Spejbl and Hurvínek in the Czech Republic (lent to us by the Pilsen City Archive)
Information is divided into several levels:
a basic overview can be obtained by simply being in the exhibition
you will learn a little more by reading the texts, which are also in English
a special audio guide is also available
for true connoisseurs, we have a critical catalog Hurvínek in Pilsen (1926–1945) available for purchase
SOUVENIR SALES
In cooperation with Plzeň – TURISMUS, a special collection of souvenirs with the Hurvínek motif has been created. Souvenirs can be purchased at the Museum of West Bohemia in Pilsen, the Puppet Museum in Pilsen, and the Visit Plzeň Tourist Information Center.
SKUPA'S PILSEN
The exhibition will be officially opened during the 36th annual Skupova Plzeň festival, which will also be attended by the Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre. Before the festival, an international conference Comic Types in Puppet Theatre (100 years of Hurvínek) took place at the Museum of West Bohemia.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
The exhibition includes an accompanying educational program for organized groups from kindergarten to university.
Why come to us with your class?
History in context: we will present Hurvínek's hundred-year story in a clear and entertaining way that perfectly complements teaching
60 minutes full of experiences
Inspiration for the classroom: you will take away ideas for follow-up art work at school, with which you can further develop the museum experience
Organizational information for teachers:
Date of the accompanying program: from June 16, 2026, to April 2, 2027
Capacity: one school class or group per slot
Price: 80 CZK per student (pedagogical supervision in a ratio of 1 person per 10 children has free entry)
Where to find us: Západočeské muzeum v Plzni, Kopeckého sady 2
How to apply? For direct booking, just click on the ORDER FORM.
GUIDED TOURS
In 2026, guided tours with a lecture will take place on October 22 and December 10, 2026. These will be followed by February 18 and March 30, 2027.
PATRONAGE
The exhibition is held under the patronage of Ing. Libor Picka, member of the Council of the Pilsen Region for Culture, Heritage Protection and Tourism, and Mgr. Eliška Bartáková, member of the Pilsen City Council for Culture and Heritage Protection.
The Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre in Prague collaborated on the preparation of the exhibition.
MEDIA PARTNER